Founded in 2012 and based in Tecuci, Romania, Artesana International S.A. has emerged as one of the most innovative and quality-centric dairy producers in Eastern Europe. Known for its artisanal approach to dairy production, Artesana specializes in traditional Romanian dairy products made from cow’s and goat’s milk, using minimal processing and no additives. The company has established itself as a premium brand in Romania and is gaining recognition in international markets for its dedication to authenticity, health, and sustainability.
Core Business
Artesana operates in the dairy and artisanal food manufacturing sector, producing a diverse range of traditional Romanian dairy products under the “Artesana” brand. The company’s core business centers on producing and distributing:
- Whole milk (cow’s and goat’s)
- Yogurt (natural, fruit-infused, cow and goat variants)
- Sana and kefir (fermented dairy drinks)
- Cream and matured cheeses (with flavors such as peperoncino, truffle, walnuts)
All products are made using traditional methods, unstandardized milk, and live cultures, with a strong emphasis on nutritional integrity and natural ingredients.
Product and Service Offerings
Artesana’s product portfolio includes:
- Milk: Whole Cow's Milk, Whole Goat's Milk (non-homogenized, unstandardized)
- Yogurt: Natural Yogurt, Goat’s Milk Yogurt, Fruit Yogurts
- Sana & Kefir: Fermented milk drinks with high probiotic content
- Cheese: Matured cow and goat cheese, including specialty options like cheese with truffles or walnuts
Products are packaged in recyclable glass jars, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability and preserving taste integrity.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Artesana’s USP lies in its authentic artisanal production methods and use of fresh, unprocessed milk sourced from local Romanian farms. The company differentiates itself through:
- Traditional Romanian recipes
- Small-batch production
- Recyclable, glass packaging
- 100% natural ingredients with no additives
- Ethical sourcing and sustainable practices
Their brand ethos “Lapte curat de la țară” (Clean milk from the countryside) resonates strongly with health-conscious consumers and premium dairy buyers.
Financials and Growth
While Artesana is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose full financial statements, industry sources and trade reports suggest:
- Estimated annual revenue surpassing €5 million as of 2023
- Steady 15–20% YoY growth over the last 5 years
- Investment from VC fund ROCA Investments, which acquired a 20% stake in 2020, fueling expansion and modernization
This financial backing has enabled Artesana to expand its distribution to major Romanian retail chains and initiate export operations in select European markets.
International Shipments and Trade Data
According to data from platforms like Volza and ImportYeti:
- Artesana has executed over 50 international dairy shipments in the past two years
- Export destinations include Germany, Italy, France, and Hungary
- Exported items mainly include goat milk products and matured cheeses
- Total shipment value estimated at €1.5–2 million in 2023
The company is actively participating in international food trade fairs, seeking partnerships with premium distributors and health-focused retailers.
Target Market
Artesana targets health-conscious consumers and premium retail markets both domestically and internationally. Key segments include:
- Organic and gourmet food retailers
- Specialty dairy and cheese shops
- HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering) partners
- Export wholesalers in European markets
- End consumers seeking probiotic, natural, additive-free dairy products
Capabilities
Artesana operates a modern dairy processing facility in Tecuci, which includes:
- Automated filling and fermentation systems
- Cold chain logistics for product integrity
- In-house quality control and microbiology labs
- R&D division focused on probiotic innovation and specialty cheese development
The company maintains strict production traceability from farm to shelf and works with over 40 local dairy farms to ensure quality milk sourcing.
Certifications and Compliance
Artesana complies with stringent EU dairy processing standards and holds the following certifications:
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points
- Organic Certification (for select products) – Certified by Romania’s Ministry of Agriculture
Regular audits and lab tests ensure their commitment to food safety, hygiene, and traceability.
Customer Testimonials
“Artesana has redefined what clean dairy means for Romanian consumers. Their yogurts and cheeses taste like homemade, and the use of glass packaging shows they truly care about quality and the environment.”
— Client review on Facebook, 2023
“We’ve had an excellent experience working with Artesana for our gourmet product line in Italy. Their products stand out for purity and traditional taste.”
— Import partner testimonial from trade fair interview, ANUGA 2023
Major Achievements
- Winner of "Best Romanian Dairy Brand" at the 2022 Romanian Retail Awards
- 20% Strategic investment by ROCA Investments in 2020 for growth and scalability
- Featured as a success story in the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture’s “Local to Global” export program
- Participation in major food exhibitions including ANUGA, SIAL, and Biofach
Artesana continues to set the standard for artisanal dairy excellence in Eastern Europe, combining tradition, taste, and sustainability in every product they offer.