Berries have become one of the fastest-growing segments in European food consumption. According to FAOSTAT data (2024), global demand for raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries has increased by 7–9% annually, driven by consumers’ interest in foods rich in antioxidants and fibre. In Romania, product availability has expanded through the modernisation of plantations and the rise of seasonal imports.

The nutritional profile of berries contributes significantly to this trend. They provide high amounts of vitamin C, polyphenols, and soluble fibre, and are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and with maintaining a balanced metabolism. European dietary studies show that foods with high nutritional density are increasingly preferred by urban consumers.

In Romania, domestic production remains concentrated in mountainous and sub-mountainous areas, where climatic conditions favour blueberry and raspberry cultivation. Aggregated sector data indicate an increase in cultivated areas between 2020 and 2024, stimulated by investment programmes and the stable demand of processors. However, local production does not fully cover market needs, meaning imports remain an important component of the supply chain.

Commercially, berries hold a strong position in modern retail, particularly in the segment of small, portioned packages. Consumption growth is also supported by their inclusion in ready-to-eat products such as breakfast mixes, smoothies, and low-sugar desserts.

For local producers, development opportunities include expanding primary processing capacities, product certification, and diversifying distribution channels. Berries maintain their status as a premium category, with stable demand in both household consumption and the HoReCa sector.

(Photo: Freepik)