Tomatoes, cucumbers bring half of turnover for Romanian producers, local produce expected to make a comeback

Hortifruct, the association of several fruit and vegetable producers in Romania, expects to produce some 38,000 tonnes of vegetables this year, most of which tomatoes and cucumbers, 2,000 tonnes more than in 2012. So far, 35 percent of this year's expected production has been already contracted for export, and the rest will go to the local market, where firm contracts have already been signed.

Local producers thus expect a strong comeback of Romanian fruits and vegetables on the local market, according to Hortifruct. Tomatoes and cucumbers brought the bulk of the turnover for Hortifruct companies in 2012, which was of EUR 37 million. The two types of vegetables contributed with 44 percent of this amount. On the fruits segment, Hortifruct produces some 10,000 tonnes of apricots, peaches, plums, cherries and watermelons. It also produces 15,000 tonnes of grapes for individual consumption. The companies in the association export to countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. Hortifruct is made of several companies, Leoser SA, Berser SA, Leader International SA, Frank '93 Prod SRL, Ostrovit SA, Lio Agro Com SRL, Ilser Oltenia SRL. These companies own 170 hectares of heated greenhouses, 2,000 hectares of vineyard and 500 hectares of orchards and other field cultures. editor@romania-insider.com (photo source: sxc.hu)