Pastry shops will produce over 7 million cozonaci during the Holidays, with prices 12% higher than last year, due to rising costs.

Bakeries in Romania are preparing to bring to market over seven million cozonaci during the Winter Holidays, however, prices will be 12% higher compared to last year, according to the president of ROMPAN, Aurel Popescu. This increase is influenced by the rise in VAT, as well as higher energy and fuel costs. Popescu emphasized that, although the price increase is justified, there are also traders who take advantage of the situation by applying unjustified increases. He also mentioned a 10% decrease in bread sales in recent months, which represents a problem for the industry.

Regarding exports, approximately 10% of cozonaci production is destined for foreign markets, and frozen products have begun to gain popularity, including in France. ROMPAN, with 140 members, produces a significant proportion of bread and bakery products in Romania. Despite the diversification of the offer, Romanians continue to prefer traditional cozonaci, but the industry has also adapted to the new tastes of consumers.