Major retail chains for food shopping in Romania 2023, by number of stores

Romania's food retail landscape is dominated by a diverse array of chains, with Profi leading the race in terms of store count. As of 2023, Profi operated 1,726 stores across the country, which added 85 stores in that year, significantly outpacing its closest competitor, MEGA IMAGE, which had 971 locations. This expansive network of stores reflects the competitive nature of Romania's food retail market and the ongoing shift towards modern trade formats.

Could traditional trade withstand the big retail chains in Romania?

Despite Profi's numerical advantage, traditional trade still plays a crucial role in Romania's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market. In the first half of 2023, traditional trade channels accounted for a third of the total FMCG market share, surpassing both hypermarkets and discounters. This suggests that while modern retail chains are expanding and increasing in value faster, many Romanian consumers still prefer local, smaller-scale shopping options for their daily needs.

The two most chosen food brands by consumers

The food category has shown remarkable growth in Romania, with a 19.7 percent increase in value during the first half of 2023. This growth outpaced other FMCG categories, including non-alcoholic beverages and non-food products. The strong performance of the food sector aligns with the expansion of retail chains, indicating a robust demand for diverse food options in modern retail settings. Dr. Oetker and Vel Pitar were both the most chosen food brands by consumers in Romania, outperforming the other competitors in consumer penetration and interaction frequency throughout the past few years.