Swiss market new destination for Moldova’s quality fruits: Moldovan plums, apricots and cherries successfully tested in Swiss retail

The Republic of Moldova is making significant progress in expanding its fruit exports to international markets. For the first time, Moldovan fruits have reached retail chains in Switzerland, following the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement with the EFTA countries on 1 April 2025.

The first deliveries consisted of plums packed in one‑kilogram flow‑pack trays intended for the end consumer and took place until November of last year. The quality of the fruits was rated as high throughout the entire delivery period, opening up new opportunities for Moldovan exports.

Representatives of the Export Agency took part in Fruit Logistica Berlin, where they discussed the requirements and market potential with operators from Swiss retail. The meetings were organized with the support of the Optim Project, funded by the Government of Switzerland and Helvetas Moldova.

“There is real export potential, especially during periods when local demand in Switzerland can no longer be covered. Swiss retailers and importers have shown increased interest in our fruits, provided that requirements related to seasonality and product compliance are met,” said Tatiana Burcă, Export Program Coordinator at the Export Agency.

The most sought‑after products are stone fruits – plums, apricots and cherries – which must meet strict standards for quality, food safety and delivery times. Swiss retailers have already tested Moldovan plums through import platforms and reported very satisfactory results regarding fruit quality.

To enter the Swiss market, fruits must comply with maximum residue limits aligned with European Union standards and hold international certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., as well as social responsibility standards. These are considered essential for acceptance in Swiss commercial chains.

To further expand access to the Swiss market, dialogue has been launched between the Moldova Fruct Association and the Swiss Fruit and Vegetable Trade Association. The goal is to facilitate the exchange of information on market requirements, regulations and compliance expectations.

The next steps include continuing discussions with potential buyers, organizing quality‑assessment visits in Moldova and implementing pilot delivery programs for the next season. Thus, the Swiss market is emerging as a viable destination for Moldovan fruits, especially for producers who comply with high standards of quality and traceability. The Republic of

Moldova is recognized as an important fruit producer in Eastern Europe, thanks to favorable climatic conditions, fertile soils and a long‑standing horticultural tradition. The fruit sector is one of the economic pillars of agriculture, contributing significantly to export revenue. The most important categories of fruits exported from Moldova are stone fruits – plums, apricots, cherries; apples and pears; table grapes. Other fruits, such as peaches and nuts, hold smaller but growing shares. Moldovan fruits reach mainly the markets of the European Union (Romania, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic); the EFTA countries, such as Switzerland, thanks to trade agreements that allow duty‑free access; the Middle East and Central Asian countries, where there is demand for high‑quality fruits.

In the medium and long term, exports are expected to grow, especially for stone fruits and apples, while international markets continue to show interest in Moldovan products, provided that quality and traceability requirements are met.