Despite the late spring frost that affected some Moldovan orchards, Moldovan producers are ready to deliver fruit that meets European standards. EcoFarm-Prod, a company from Vadul-Rașcov village in Șoldănești district, has opened the export season with the first shipments of cherries to the Italian market.
The company exported Sweet cherry varieties (Sweet Valina, Sweet Stephany, Sweet Lorenz), sized 30+ mm, packed in 6 kg cardboard boxes. "This year we managed to save around 60% of the harvest," says Adrian Cavcaliuc, the company's founder. "We used traditional frost protection methods, such as lighting fires in the orchard for five consecutive nights. It was an effective intervention that allowed us to maintain stable exports."
This season, the company estimates deliveries of around 200 tonnes, all destined for Italy. "Our strategy is to focus on a single partner, with whom we have signed a clear contract for the entire season. I prefer fewer contracts based on mutual respect, rather than numerous discussions with no continuity. What sets us apart is predictability: we know exactly what quantity we can deliver, what size we offer, how we package it, and the exact delivery timelines," explains the entrepreneur.
Packaging plays an increasingly important role in EcoFarm-Prod's strategy. The current boxes are already adapted to Italian market requirements, but the company is also collaborating with a design studio from Italy to develop a new commercial packaging model dedicated to Moldovan cherries.
"In the European market, appearance matters just as much as the product itself. An elegant, retail-oriented package not only protects the goods but also builds trust. That's why we've initiated a collaboration with Italian designers to create a premium-format box that any European distributor can recognize and appreciate. It's a strategic step in strengthening our brand," says Cavcaliuc.
EcoFarm-Prod does not plan to expand its plantations but rather to optimize sorting and cooling capacities. The company's goal is clear: fast processing, uniform sizing, and impeccable commercial appearance. "We believe in efficiency, not in large areas. And we know that if we can export to Europe, we can deliver anywhere in the world. We are ready for long-term partnerships with those who value seriousness and quality work," concludes Cavcaliuc.
Currently, the Republic of Moldova has over 5,000 hectares of cherry orchards, and the area of intensive orchards is growing. Annual cherry production now reaches approximately 15,000 tonnes. Moldova ranks among the world's top 15 cherry exporters, shipping over 10,000 tonnes annually to destinations such as the EU and beyond. In 2024, Moldovan cherries reached markets in about 15 countries, with a significant share of exports directed to the European Union. Out of the approximately 14,000 tonnes exported, about 2,300 tonnes were delivered to EU countries, especially Romania, Poland, Latvia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
EcoFarm-Prod will participate in the Fruit Attraction exhibition, which will take place from September 30 to October 2, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, at the national stand – Hall 4, Stand 4C15.
For more information:
Moldova Fruct Association
Tel: +373 22 22 30 05
[email protected]
www.moldovafruct.md