• The Dulcinella confectionery and pastry chain, with origins in the Republic of Moldova and a solid presence on the Romanian market, is preparing a major expansion through the construction of a new production unit in Târgu Neamț.
The project, valued at approximately 10 million euros and carried out in two phases, aims to increase capacity to meet rising domestic demand and export ambitions on international markets.
This will be the company's second factory in the city in Neamț County, financed mainly from the own resources of the London-based investment fund Cornelius H Group. It is led by entrepreneurs Ion Mereacre and Ion Bouaru, who have already allocated a first tranche of 2 million euros. At the same time, Dulcinella representatives are considering accessing European funds to support the investment, which could accelerate implementation.
In a press release, Sergiu Diaconu, CEO of Dulcinella Group, underlines the strategic importance of this step: "We have put a lot of energy and resources into this project and I am confident that we will deliver what we set out to do on time and within optimal parameters. We undertook this investment not just as an expansion, but as a change of level – we want to produce more, but with the same high standards that we have imposed on ourselves from the beginning."
State-of-the-art technology
The new facility will integrate modern equipment, such as a spiral freezing tunnel capable of reaching temperatures of -40°C, high-capacity industrial ovens, automated systems and an expanded 1.000 square meter cold storage. Work has already advanced on the existing structure, with a focus on exterior finishes and utility infrastructure.
From an operational point of view, the current factory generates around 1,2 tons of products daily. Once completed, the new unit will allow for a 20-fold increase in production, reaching 20 tons per day initially and subsequently 600 tons per month in the second phase, scheduled for 2026. This increase will facilitate penetration into new segments, such as national retail and high-volume exports.
The company already exports to countries such as Spain, the UK, Bulgaria and, recently, the Czech Republic, focusing so far on the HoReCa sector and its own network of stores. With the new factory, Dulcinella is targeting mature European markets with strict logistics and volume requirements, as well as expanding into the United States. The focus will be on innovative products, such as frozen or temperature-controlled individual portions, which extend shelf life without compromising freshness – a growing trend in Romania and the European Union.
Sustainability in focus
A key aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The factory will include photovoltaic panels covering up to 60% of energy consumption, process water recycling systems and eco-friendly packaging. It will also obtain international certifications such as IFS and ISO, ensuring compliance with global norms. "We cannot talk about the future without talking about sustainability. Europe is raising standards, and we want to be among those who respect them, not just follow them out of obligation. It is a conscious choice to invest in clean and efficient technologies, which open doors for us in the long term", Diaconu explains.
On a social level, the investment will generate additional jobs: the production team, currently consisting of approximately 45 employees, will expand to 150-200 people once the new lines are operational. The group emphasizes internal professional training, the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence and automated solutions for process optimization.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
Read on White Art and: Dulcinella Romania – important investments
