Gabriel Roceanu, general manager of Carl Reh Winery, said there is no analysis concerning the evolution of the entire Romanian wine market last year. He divides it into four price-linked segments, which he analyzes separately.
According to Roceanu, the best results were registered on the high-end segment, which includes wines with prices exceeding 65 lei per litter (EUR14.3). This segment rose 15% in 2012.
The premium segment includes wines at prices of RON35/l to RON65/l and rose 12% in 2012.
According to Roceanu, the entry-level segment, which includes wines with prices ranging between RON8/litter and RON15/l, dropped 5% last year, while the classic-superior segment saw a 10% increase. The prices of wines in this category range between RON15/l and RON30/l.
In 2011, Carl Reh Winery registered sales of 15.2 million lei (EUR3.5 million), according to Finance Ministry data.
Bad start
Ciprian Rosca, commercial manager of Cramele Recas, said the evolution of the local wine market last year was influenced by the emergence of new players, both winemakers and dealers, and the development of e-commerce.
Rosca estimates the wine market increased on the premium segment last year, while imports fell.
According to Rosca, the Romanian wine market had a bad start in 2012 when it was almost blocked because of bad weather. Sales were low in February and the first half of March, he added.
The Recas group, which includes companies Cramele Recas, Cramele Recas Prod and Cramele Recașs Group, registered sales of over EUR20 million in 2012, up 30% on the year.
Estimates for 2013
Wine producers expect 2013 will be a difficult year as consumption will fall. Bad weather in February and March caused the market to shrink, they say. However, winemakers expect new wine launches this year after significant investments with European funds. The Romanian wine sector is the only sector which drew the entire amount of money allotted by the European Union.
The local wine market is estimated at EUR350 million, according to players in the industry.
Romania has about 200,000 hectares of vineyard and is one of the world’s largest wine producers.
The largest local winemakers include Murfatlar, Vincon, Jidvei, Cotnari, Tohani and Halewood.