Romania: Snail Market 2025

Snail Market Size in Romania

The Romanian snail market skyrocketed to $X in 2022, rising by 50% against the previous year. In general, consumption enjoyed notable growth. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Snail Production in Romania

In value terms, snail production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 91% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Snail Exports

Exports from Romania

In 2022, exports of snails (except sea snails) from Romania contracted significantly to X tons, reducing by -50.7% compared with 2021. Overall, exports, however, recorded a pronounced expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 86% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, snail exports declined dramatically to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 451%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

Exports by Country

France (X tons) was the main destination for snail exports from Romania, with a 52% share of total exports. Moreover, snail exports to France exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Serbia (X tons), threefold. Lithuania (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to France stood at +2.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Serbia (+22.3% per year) and Lithuania (-1.1% per year).

In value terms, France ($X) remains the key foreign market for snails (except sea snails) exports from Romania, comprising 73% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Lithuania ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a 6.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to France amounted to +6.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lithuania (+12.8% per year) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (+46.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average snail export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a measured increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 196% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, leveling off in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Serbia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Italy (+14.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Snail Imports

Imports into Romania

In 2022, overseas purchases of snails (except sea snails) decreased by -35.2% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports continue to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, snail imports shrank rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, imports saw a perceptible setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 43% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

France (X tons), Serbia (X tons) and Bulgaria (X tons) were the main suppliers of snail imports to Romania, together comprising 72% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Serbia (with a CAGR of +25.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Serbia ($X), France ($X) and Bulgaria ($X) constituted the largest snail suppliers to Romania, with a combined 73% share of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Serbia, with a CAGR of +29.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average snail import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 17% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Lithuania ($X per ton), while the price for Albania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ukraine (+31.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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