In a year marked by climatic challenges, Ionex Trans has managed to strengthen its position as one of Moldova's most consistent suppliers of high-quality table grapes, says Lidia Ionaș, export manager at Ionex Trans SRL: "This year was full of climatic challenges, but we managed to save the grapes because we acted in advance. When we saw the cold wave approaching, we applied treatments before the fruit could be affected. That anticipation made all the difference."
© Ionex Trans SRLThe company currently manages around 40 hectares of vineyards, all of which are irrigated, a factor that ensures uniform berry size (18+), a specification increasingly demanded on the European market, Ionas explains. "We exclusively cultivate the Moldova variety, which remains in demand due to its taste, resilience, and long shelf life, including on extended transport routes. This year, the export season began later than usual, at the end of October, but demand for high-quality grapes was noticeably stronger. Our shipments mainly reached Poland, Germany, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, and we worked exclusively with supermarket chains, rather than intermediaries."
© Ionex Trans SRL
"We supplied directly to retailers this year. It's a more transparent and stable relationship for us. In addition to Central European markets, Ionex Trans continues to maintain active contacts with Western destinations such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and France, where we delivered consistently last season. Our company also maintains a constant presence at major international trade fairs such as Fruit Attraction and Fruit Logistica."
With extensive export experience, packaging requirements vary by country, and the company has adapted quickly to these diverse market expectations, Ionas states: "We operate with a full infrastructure; cold storage facilities, packing lines and dedicated processing spaces, all of which are used intensively during the season. The company also plans to expand its packing house in the near future."
© Ionex Trans SRL
For the 2025 season, Ionex Trans estimates deliveries of approximately 2,500 tonnes of table grapes, of which 1,500 tonnes represent its own production, while the rest comes from local growers with whom the company collaborates consistently. "All partner growers comply with European standards, hold GlobalG.A.P. certification and apply the same quality and traceability requirements. We are certified under C.O.C, GRASP, SEDEX and GlobalG.A.P. 6-GFS with parallel production, which allows us to purchase and export grapes from local producers."
© Ionex Trans SRL
In her message to the wider sector, Ionaș emphasizes: "Quality remains the decisive criterion if we want to strengthen our position on European markets. If each of us invests in technologies, proper treatments and post-harvest infrastructure, the entire industry will benefit. This year has already shown that Moldova has enormous potential. If we continue to maintain the quality of our production, we will not only keep our current markets but expand into new destinations. We have a mission to reinforce our country's reputation as a competitive fruit producer."
In the coming years, Ionex Trans plans to expand its vineyards by an additional 20–30 hectares. At the same time, beyond table grapes, the company is diversifying its portfolio by developing plum and apricot orchards.
For more information:
Lidia Ionaș
Ionex Trans SRL
[email protected]
[email protected]
