• On March 27, representatives of the milling and baking industry gathered at the ROMPAN 2025 General Assembly, a landmark event for this sector, held in a context marked by multiple economic and legislative challenges.
The event took place at the Sinaia International Hotel, bringing together industry leaders, specialists and decision-makers to analyze the current situation and establish strategic directions for the future.
The assembly benefited from the presence of important personalities from state authorities and competent institutions who contributed to the debates on regulations and policies influencing the sector.
- Mr. Florin-Ionut Barbu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, which stressed the importance of providing support to the food industry.
- Mr. Felix Nicolescu, Head of Service within the Directorate General for Food Safety ANSVSA, with interventions related to sanitary and veterinary regulations.
- Mr. Sebastian Hotca, Vice President of the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), which addressed issues related to commercial transparency and consumer protection.
Also, the specialized press participated in the event: the Press Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Brutarul Magazine, Ro.Aliment and Arta Albă Magazine.
Topics covered
The ROMPAN 2025 General Assembly focused on several essential topics for the milling and baking industry, Mr. Aurel Popescu, president of Romanian Employers' Association in the Milling, Bakery and Flour Products Industry, addressing topics such as:
- Suspension of tax benefits – Starting with January 1, 2025, the food industry loses tax incentives regarding labor payments, according to GEO no. 156/December 31, 2024. ROMPAN drew attention to the negative impact, such as increasing prices and reducing the competitiveness of Romanian products on the market.
- Investments and financing – The DR 23 intervention, which offers 165 million euros for the secondary processing of agricultural products, was discussed, as well as the limitations of the INVESTALIM program, which excludes frozen products from financing. In addition, the Minister of Agriculture provided assurances regarding the launch date of the DR23 intervention, declaring June 1, 2025 as the definite launch date of the financing program.
- Price capping – GEO 67/June 30, 2023, extended by GEO 152/2024 until June 30, 2025, aiming to combat the excessive increase in food prices, was another hot spot.
- Consumption and production – ROMPAN members analyzed data on production and consumption, emphasizing the need to support exports and the delimitation of control responsibilities between ANPC and ANSVSA.
Consumption of bread and flour products in Romania
As every year, the meeting also presented industry figures, regarding consumption, exports and imports, production and personnel:
Bread and bakery products: With a consumption of 75 kg per capita, Romania remains one of the countries with a high consumption of bread.
- paste: 3,1 kg – a growing segment, but still below the European average.
- Biscuits: 4,3 kg – a stable market, dominated by local producers.
- Pastries and cakes: 7 kg – the demand for these products is constantly increasing.
This topic highlighted the importance of the bakery sector in the national economy, as well as the challenges related to imports and the difference of 315.000 tons of unregistered flour, equivalent to 450.000 tons of bread.
Production data
The milling and baking industry contributes 1,5% of Romania's GDP in 2024, while the food industry as a whole represents 4%Estimated annual production for 2024 includes:
- Bread: 1.500.000 tons.
- Flour: 1.200.000 tons.
- Biscuits and cakes: 80.000 tons each.
- paste: 35.000 tons.
ROMPAN members produce 60% of the total amount of wafers and biscuits and 75% of pasta at the national level.
The event highlighted the urgent need for government support, the need for closer dialogue with the authorities to implement industry-friendly policies, especially in terms of support for farmers and reducing the tax burden for entrepreneurs. Another major challenge discussed is the competition from imported products, which imposes the need for protective measures for domestic producers.
Qualified personnel training program
A key topic on the agenda of the ROMPAN 2025 General Assembly was the shortage of skilled labor in the sector. The lack of specialized personnel remains one of the biggest challenges for the milling and baking industry, as many young people choose to move into other fields.
To answer this question, Ms. Dr. Eng. Daniela Voica, ROMPAN vice-president, presented a national vocational training program, focused on developing the technical and managerial skills necessary for milling and baking activities. This program "ConForm – Consulting and Training for Professional Development in the Milling, Bakery and Flour Products Industry" (SMIS Code: 317580), co-funded by the European Union, includes partnerships with educational institutions, training internships in factories and workshops to develop the practical skills of those interested in this field.
The ROMPAN 2025 General Assembly highlighted the importance of industry unity and a long-term strategic vision. Amid rapid economic changes, collaboration between sector players remains essential to ensure a competitive and sustainable environment for milling and baking.
The event reconfirmed ROMPAN's role as an active partner in supporting the interests of the industry and promoting a sector adapted to market and consumer requirements. Through well-defined strategies and solid collaboration with the authorities, the industry is preparing to face the challenges of 2025, ensuring the continuity and stability of the sector.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
Read on White Art and: ConForm Project launch – SMIS code 317580
