Moldovan gardeners exported a record volume of apricots this season

Moldova has set a new record for apricot exports this season, shipping out 12 thousand tons compared to 4 thousand tons in 2023 and 7.5 thousand tons in 2022. Over 10 thousand tons of these exports were directed to European countries like Poland, Romania, Croatia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Slovenia, finding places in major supermarket chains. This shift indicates a successful diversification of markets, as exports to the Eurasian Customs Union countries have decreased from 85% in 2020 to 13% in 2024. The increase in exports is attributed to a bountiful harvest and growing demand in the EU. However, Moldovan apricot exporters faced tough competition in the EU market due to overlapping harvest seasons with Spain and other Balkan countries. To enhance their market presence, Moldovan exporters have focused on improving certification, packaging, and quality, with the USAID project aiding in the implementation of GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP standards among fruit producing and exporting companies. Moldova, which grows apricots on 5 thousand hectares, is now among the top 20 apricot exporters globally.