Retail value sales of baked goods rose steadily in 2025, supported by rising prices and increased demand for premium lines, including frozen baked goods and healthier breads. Consumers rely on artisanal producers, although modern retailers are flexing their muscle with the expansion of in-store bakeries and private label development.

Breakfast cereals maintained solid value growth in 2025, although volume growth was minimal. Overall, consumption continued to be affected by the high cost of living in 2025, with breakfast cereals ranked low in terms of priority.

Processed fruit and vegetables witnessed robust growth in 2025, with frozen variants outperforming shelf-stable options. Rising prices shaped demand patterns, whist the expansion of modern retailers into rural and small communities improved accessibility to products.

Price inflation and premiumisation resulted in higher unit prices over 2025. Whilst price sensitivity is evident, some consumers are trading up to premium lines of pasta in pursuit of quality and health benefits. Modern retailers are capitalising on price sensitivity with regular promotions and private label lines.

Consumers in Romania continued to struggle with high costs of living in 2025, resulting in slightly weaker volume sales of staple foods. In contrast, value growth remained steady fuelled by price increases as input costs continued to rise. Modern retailers attracted shoppers with more affordable products, promotions and private label, in response to lower purchasing power.

Processed meat and seafood has a long tradition of consumption in Romania whilst alternatives to meat is a relatively new product that is witnessing strong growth. Consumer interest in healthy processed meat and seafood became more visible in 2025, alongside the rising attractiveness of alternatives to meat.

Value sales of sauces, dips and condiments in Romania increased in 2025, although volume sales declined slightly as the high cost of living and shifting cooking habits continued to weigh on household consumption. Inflation and rising food prices led many consumers to purchase smaller quantities, yet interest in sauces and condiments remained stable as these products are seen as simple and affordable ways to enhance home-cooked meals. The trend toward more diverse and sophisticated tastes, which

Value sales of edible oils in Romania continued to increase in 2025, although growth was modest compared with previous years. The performance of the category was strongly influenced by the government’s continued price intervention policy, which limited retail mark-ups on essential products, including packaged sunflower oil. This regulation, extended several times since its introduction, helped stabilise prices and protect consumers from inflation. Sunflower oil, by far the dominant type of edibl

Value sales of sweet spreads in Romania continued to grow in 2025, driven primarily by rising demand for honey and, to a lesser extent, nut- and seed-based spreads. However, category growth was tempered by the persistence of home production and informal sales, particularly for jams and preserves. Many Romanian households continue to prepare their own spreads from seasonal fruits, sustaining a long-standing tradition that competes directly with packaged brands. Inflation and higher shelf prices f

Value sales of cooking ingredients and meals in Romania continued to grow in 2025, although the market remained shaped by the high cost of living and rising inflation, which continued to pressure household budgets. The full liberalisation of energy prices contributed to a sharp increase in inflation, which influenced both production and retail prices across the category. Despite these pressures, cooking ingredients and meals remained a basic and indispensable part of Romanian consumers’ daily di

Value sales of meals and soups in Romania continued to rise in 2025, supported by the growing need for convenient, quick meal options that fit into increasingly busy urban lifestyles. Longer working hours and fast-paced daily routines, especially in large cities, encouraged consumers to look for easy, ready-to-eat alternatives to home-cooked dishes or restaurant dining. Ready meals and soups became an integral part of many consumers’ weekly food choices, offering both affordability and convenien

In 2025, retail current value sales of luxury goods in Romania demonstrated robust growth, reaching approximately RON12.5 billion. This growth, despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, was driven by resilient consumer confidence among affluent individuals and an increase in inbound tourism, both of which contributed to higher spending across various luxury categories. In particular, Romania's full entry to the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025 had a positive impact on personal luxury goods demand

In 2025, fine wines/champagne and spirits in Romania experienced moderate growth, reflecting a market that remains resilient and adaptive to changing consumer preferences. The primary driver of this growth was the ongoing trend of premiumisation, with consumers demonstrating a strong willingness to pay for high-quality, exclusive products that offer unique flavours, superior ingredients, and exceptional craftsmanship. The expansion of the urban middle and upper classes is a significant factor, a

In 2025, experiential luxury in Romania demonstrated robust growth, driven primarily by luxury hotels, reflecting a pronounced consumer preference for immersive and high-quality experiences. This growth was supported by a 2% rise in inbound tourism, as global economic conditions stabilised. The leading destination for international tourists is Bucharest, which has luxury hotel properties, vibrant nightlife, and numerous casinos on offer. Beyond the capital, cities such as Cluj-Napoca and Sibiu a

In 2025, premium and luxury cars in Romania continued to record a strong performance, with retail value sales increasing by 8% and retail volume sales rising by 19%. The category is evolving under the influence of several key trends, with sustainability and technological innovation remaining the primary drivers of performance. There is a significant shift towards environmentally responsible vehicles, particularly in luxury electric and hybrid SUVs, reflecting broader global shifts towards reduci

In 2025, designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear) continued its positive trajectory, with retail current value sales increasing by 2%. This growth underscores the category's resilience and its strengthening position within personal luxury. Designer apparel and footwear (ready-to-wear) is still a niche in Romania, being regarded as a status symbol, conveying an image of prestige, style and class. For these reasons, there is a high appetite for these goods in Romania, since they are associate

Romania's business environment has shown improvement from 2019 to 2024, characterised by streamlined processes, reduced tax burdens and increased banking efficiency. However, political uncertainties in 2024 have led to a decline in the overall economic freedom ranking and business confidence. Despite these challenges, the labour market and digital infrastructure have displayed positive trends, with increased employment and internet access

In 2024, the alcoholic drinks packaging market in Romania recorded 2% retail unit volume growth. Glass bottles maintained their position as the leading packaging format, accounting for just over half of overall retail unit volumes. The ongoing development of alternative formats, such as bag in box or metal beverage cans, has not really shaken the status of glass as the preferred choice for premium and traditional brands, owing to its visual appeal, perceived quality and consumer recognition. The

The Romanian beauty and personal care packaging market recorded 2% growth in 2024. HDPE bottles continued to be the most widely used pack type, driven by a combination of low production costs, high durability and resistance to moisture and chemicals. They are especially in demand for creams, gels and serums, for which airtight sealing and protection of active ingredients are critical. An additional advantage is their recyclability, which makes the material attractive with the growing attention b

Retail value sales of airlines recorded a double-digit increase in Romania in 2025. This was driven by a higher number of passengers and rising ticket prices. As a result, low-cost carriers continued to dominate the market, expanding their operations to cover a wide range of destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and even North America. Many of these destinations are not served by direct flights from full-service carriers, making low-cost airlines a more affordable and time-e

Value sales for travel in Romania was positive in 2025, largely driven by price increases for both domestic and outbound trips. These price hikes were the result of persistently high inflation and elevated costs in energy, food, and transportation, all of which continued to impact the cost of living. At the same time, according to the National Institute of Statistics, the average net wage rose by 9.8% in March 2025 compared to March 2024. Flexible working arrangements also remained in place, par

Retail value sales of lodging (destination) increased in Romania in 2025. This growth was driven by a combination of factors, primarily the expansion in the number of lodging outlets and a rise in the average daily room rate. The increase in room rate was largely due to higher costs for utilities, ancillary services, and labour, which pushed overall value sales growth ahead of the growth rate in outlet numbers.

Retail value sales of bookings recorded strong double-digit growth in Romania in 2025. This growth was primarily driven by early booking trends, which gained momentum starting in November 2024 during the autumn edition of the Romanian Tourism Fair, and continued into February 2025 with the spring edition of the fair, held in Bucharest. These events featured special offers from major travel agencies, with discounts reaching up to 75%, significantly boosting early reservations.

Inbound arrivals rose in Romania in 2025, largely due to Romania’s status as a relatively low-cost tourist destination compared to other European countries, especially those experiencing overtourism. Prices for transport, accommodation, food, services and security remained relatively stable, making Romania increasingly attractive to visitors.