Exports to Romania have become a key factor behind the recent rise in Moldovan carrot prices. In October, large vegetable producers shipped hundreds of tons of carrots daily across the border at wholesale prices averaging 1–2 Romanian lei (0.20–0.40 EUR) per kilogram directly from the field, depending on the variety and batch size, reports Logos Press.
Market experts note that prices could have been higher if producers cultivated Nantes-type carrots, which are more popular in the EU market, and had better facilities for washing, polishing, and cold storage. This year's harvest was smaller than usual due to an early and cool autumn, but domestic demand in Moldova between August and October also remained relatively low.
Two factors helped balance the market: temporary use of apple storage facilities, which were underloaded due to a smaller apple crop, and steady demand from Romanian buyers for affordable Moldovan carrots.
According to EastFruit, Moldova's average wholesale price of 0.41 EUR/kg is still higher than in Ukraine (0.21 EUR/kg) and Poland (0.23 EUR/kg). Experts believe Moldovan carrots remain competitive mainly because of shorter, cheaper logistics.
However, both Moldovan and Ukrainian growers mostly produce Chantenay-type carrots, which are less favored by European consumers than the cylindrical Nantes type. Seed suppliers estimate that carrot plantings in Moldova for the 2025 harvest cover only 1.5–2 thousand hectares.
Source: logos-pres.md
