Romania’s Meat Industry in 2025: Between Cost Pressures and Export Opportunities

Romania’s meat industry enters 2025 under the pressure of changes in both domestic and international markets. Pork consumption, the main segment of the market, is estimated to decline slightly by 2–3% compared to 2024, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), while poultry and beef show relatively stable demand.

Processors are facing higher raw material costs, especially for imported meat, due to rising prices on European markets. At the same time, competitive pressure is increasing, as imports of finished products accounted for over 20% of national consumption in 2024.

Key trends for 2025 include:

• A shift toward premium products and local specialties – to differentiate on retail shelves.
• Growth in the ready-to-eat segment – high value-added, convenience products.
• Expansion of exports to non-EU markets – including the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.
• Investments in traceability technologies – required by major retail chains and EU regulations.

Romanian meat processors who will remain competitive in 2025 will be those that successfully combine cost control with innovation in their product portfolio and expansion into external markets.

(Photo: Freepik)