Asociatia pentru Promovarea Alimentului Romanesc (APAR), or the Association for the Promotion of Romanian Food, is a non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Romanian agri-food producers. Based in Mogoșoaia, Romania, APAR plays a pivotal role in advocating for the visibility, competitiveness, and global recognition of Romanian food products. It serves as a vital intermediary between producers, public institutions, and international markets.
Organization Background
Founded with a mission to preserve and promote Romania’s rich culinary heritage, APAR brings together a network of Romanian food producers, processors, and industry stakeholders. The association actively engages in national and European policy dialogue, represents members in trade shows, and coordinates projects aimed at increasing exports and strengthening the food value chain.
Led by Cristian Tanase, APAR provides a unified platform for Romanian food producers seeking to expand beyond domestic markets. The organization focuses on supporting SMEs and traditional producers who often lack the resources to navigate global trade independently.
Core Objectives and Services
APAR does not manufacture or sell food products directly; instead, it functions as an enabler and industry facilitator. Its core activities include:
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International Promotion:
- Facilitating participation in global trade fairs and B2B matchmaking events
- Promoting Romanian food brands through public diplomacy and marketing initiatives
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Policy Advocacy:
- Representing Romanian producers in dialogue with national and EU-level regulatory bodies
- Advocating for favorable policies on labeling, origin protection, and subsidies
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Networking and Capacity Building:
- Organizing training workshops on food safety, exports, and marketing
- Creating partnerships with international chambers of commerce and trade bodies
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Consumer Awareness Campaigns:
- Promoting domestic consumption of local products through campaigns like “Gustul de Acasă” (The Taste of Home)
- Supporting traceability and transparency initiatives in the food industry
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
APAR is uniquely positioned as one of the most influential platforms in Romania's agri-food sector. Its value proposition lies in:
- Sector-Wide Representation: From dairy and meat producers to organic farmers and traditional product makers
- Strong Government Relations: Works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Export Facilitation: Expertise in guiding local producers through export requirements, trade logistics, and international certifications
- Promotion of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products
The organization’s work is critical in helping Romanian agri-food SMEs reach broader markets, especially within the EU and MENA regions.
Financial and Operational Insights
As a non-profit association, APAR does not operate for commercial revenue. Instead, it is funded through:
- Membership contributions
- National and European grants
- Sponsorship and project-based funding (e.g., from EU development programs)
Its operational budget is used for promotional events, educational workshops, media campaigns, and logistical support for international fairs.
Target Stakeholders and Markets
APAR targets:
- Romanian SMEs in the food industry (producers, processors, exporters)
- Policy makers and regulators
- International buyers and trade delegations
- Retail and distribution networks interested in Eastern European food products
Its activities are focused on promoting Romanian food exports to:
- European Union countries
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region
- United States and Canada
- North Africa and Central Asia
Infrastructure and Organizational Capacity
- Headquarters: Mogoșoaia, with a central coordination team
- Member Network: Includes dozens of producers and cooperatives from all food sectors
- Event Participation: Regular presence at major expos such as SIAL, ANUGA, and PLMA Amsterdam
- Collaboration: Works with embassies, export promotion agencies, and international NGOs
APAR also supports digital transformation through webinars, e-learning modules, and export readiness assessments.
Compliance and Ethical Standards
All initiatives led or supported by APAR comply with:
- EU food safety and labeling regulations
- Romanian national quality standards
- Ethical sourcing and fair trade principles (especially in traditional farming communities)
Producers associated with APAR are often guided through obtaining necessary certifications such as ISO 22000, HACCP, and organic certifications.
Stakeholder Feedback and Recognition
Though not a commercial entity, APAR’s influence is reflected in:
- Member testimonials highlighting increased international visibility
- Growing demand for Romanian food at global trade fairs
- National recognition from ministries and chambers of commerce
The association is viewed as a trusted partner for both emerging and established food producers.
Digital Presence
APAR’s primary communication channel is its official website: https://apar-romania.ro, which offers:
- Member listings
- News and updates on food policies
- Trade fair participation calendars
- Contact portals for international buyers
Social media presence on Facebook is used to share event coverage, product promotions, and success stories of member companies.
Asociatia pentru Promovarea Alimentului Romanesc (APAR) remains a cornerstone of Romania’s agri-food promotion efforts, enhancing the country’s global food identity while empowering local producers to scale responsibly and competitively.