“EU fund absorption has amounted to almost 100% in recent years, around EUR45-50 million. In the past 15 years, Cramele Recas has drawn EU funds worth EUR20 million,” said Rosca.
The wine industry is as a matter of fact one of the few fields where producers have proved EU funds can be absorbed, the more so as these can bolster revenue, lead to the identification of new export markets, to increased product competitiveness.
EU funds have helped the setting up of at least 20 start-ups in the wine industry and these investments will become visible in the coming years.
Nevertheless, while it is among the leading states by vineyard areas, Romania lags behind in terms of exports. Romania delivered only EUR17 worth of wine abroad last year, while imports were double that value, according to Agriculture Ministry data.
Thus, exports could be local winemakers’ chance, especially as winemakers from France or Italy have started buying land in Romania.
One of the biggest hurdles in the way of Romania creating a strong country brand internationally on the wine market is the short modern history in this field, of around 15 years.
This year, both output and sales were above last year’s figures for Cramele Recas. “In terms of volumes, we have a 12% increase this year and sales rose by 16% against 2013,” said Rosca.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)