Game meat is considered a premium product on European markets, associated with its distinct taste, nutritional quality, and sustainable origin. According to CBI and Eurostat, annual game meat consumption in the European Union is estimated at 230,000 tons, with Germany and France as the main consumers. In Romania, the potential is significant given the extensive forested areas and the tradition of regulated hunting. However, the domestic market remains underdeveloped, with annual consumption below 1,000 tons, while most of the production is exported to Western European countries.

From a nutritional perspective, game meat is low in fat and high in protein, making it suitable for healthy diets. WHO and EAT-Lancet studies highlight that diversifying protein sources, including through game meat, contributes to balanced nutrition. In the premium segment, demand for products with controlled origin and organic certification is growing by 6–8% annually.

Romania exports wild boar, deer, and roe deer meat each year, with Germany, Italy, and Austria as the main destinations. Export values exceeded €15 million in 2024. The main barriers to developing the local market include the lack of dedicated processing infrastructure and the low level of consumer awareness regarding the benefits of this type of meat.

To fully capitalize on this segment, Romania could develop a national game meat brand, support regional processing centers, and promote products through marketing campaigns targeting HoReCa and the premium retail sector. Stronger integration with the tourism and gastronomy industries could transform game meat into a symbol of Romania’s niche food products on the European market.

(Photo: Freepik)