In a world that speaks more and more about globalization yet longs for roots,

the Romanian product becomes more than an economic matter — it becomes a form of identity.

The guest of this Meat.Milk. edition, Ștefan Pădure, President of APAR – The Association for the Promotion of Romanian Food, speaks with both sharpness and lucidity about a subject that should concern us all: trust in our own products.

“Romania has resources, tradition, and extraordinary people. But it needs something harder to build — the confidence that what it creates deserves respect and promotion.”

Ștefan Pădure began his career in the private sector, learning the inner workings of the food industry before choosing to build a common ground between producers, institutions, and consumers. He started from a simple but essential idea: a strong economy cannot exist without a culture of quality.

Today, through APAR, he continues that mission — taking part in international fairs, teaching at university, advising producers, and insisting on one key principle:

“Promoting the Romanian product must not be a slogan, but a strategy. It’s not just about price — it’s about value.”

“If we managed to preserve the traditional recipes in even 20% of our product categories, we would save a part of our national gastronomic heritage. Gastronomy, culture, and agrotourism can together form a sustainable system of economic development.”

Beyond figures and programs lies a simple truth: a country is defined by how it respects its own products and the people who make them possible.

This is the direction Ștefan Pădure believes is realistic for Romania — development built on coherence, education, and the assumption of local identity as a competitive advantage, not as a ceremonial speech.

In his conversation with Mihnea Vasiliu, Pădure emphasizes the need for a coherent vision connecting the food industry with education and public policy:

“Politicians come and go, but the industry remains. What Romania lacks is continuity — a long-term plan that can outlast electoral cycles.”

For him, education is the key. He speaks to his students about meaning, professional pride, and the responsibility of creating something lasting.

“I had the privilege of learning from remarkable people. Now I feel it’s my duty to give something back. Without education, we will have neither competitive products nor consumers able to appreciate them.”

At the Anuga 2025 International Fair, Romania stood out among the most visible participating countries, thanks to the direct involvement of APAR and local producers.

“We weren’t just present there — we told a story. Romania has products of exceptional quality. We only need the courage to show them to the world.”

More and more Romanian companies are beginning to understand that the value of a product starts with its story — and that story must be told with responsibility and consistency.

This edition featuring Ștefan Pădure opens an essential discussion: the food industry is not just an economic sector, but a pillar of national identity. Beyond statistics and policies, this issue is about people — those who believe in authentic taste, in craftsmanship, and in the conviction that respect for Romanian products cannot be bought — it must be built.

Ștefan Pădure doesn’t just talk about industry; he speaks about respect, continuity, and trust — the kind that is earned with every product made with conscience.