French Investment in the Republic of Moldova: Entrepreneur Nicolas Dimitrescu Develops a Chocolate-Coated Fruit Factory in Chișinău for the European Market

The Republic of Moldova continues to attract foreign investment in the food processing industry, with one notable example being French entrepreneur Nicolas Dimitrescu, who has established a modern production facility in Chișinău specializing in chocolate-coated frozen fruit

The investment, estimated at around €1 million, is currently focused on exports, while the company also plans to enter the domestic Moldovan market.

The Republic of Moldova – A Competitive Destination for Manufacturing Investments

The decision to establish the factory in the Republic of Moldova was driven by several economic advantages, including competitive operating costs, access to a skilled workforce, and the country’s strategic location close to European markets.

Nicolas Dimitrescu, a French entrepreneur of Romanian origin, says Moldova offers an attractive business environment for export-oriented manufacturing.

“I came to the Republic of Moldova because real estate costs are lower, labor costs are competitive, and we have a team made up entirely of Moldovan employees who work exceptionally well. It is much easier to work with a local team than with teams of different nationalities,” he explained.

Before launching this investment, Dimitrescu worked in the packaging industry. In 2025, he expanded into the food sector by opening the production facility in Chișinău.

A Business Model Built on Added Value

The factory produces frozen fruit coated with premium Belgian chocolate, combining imported ingredients with locally sourced agricultural products.

Among the locally grown ingredients is raspberries cultivated in the Republic of Moldova, while the chocolate is imported from Belgium, creating a premium product that combines local agriculture with high-quality European ingredients.

Part of the production process remains protected as industrial know-how, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and product differentiation.

Production Capacity of up to 1.6 Tons per Day

According to Production Manager Nicolae Chiriac, the factory has the capacity to produce between 1,400 and 1,600 kilograms of finished products per eight-hour shift, enabling significant export volumes.

“The products consist of frozen fruit coated with white, milk, or dark chocolate. All ingredients are natural, and the factory’s production capacity reaches approximately 1,400–1,600 kilograms per day,” he said.

Currently, production is primarily exported to France, where demand for premium frozen desserts continues to grow.

Local Workforce Supporting European Supply Chains

One of the company’s strengths is its team, composed entirely of Moldovan employees.

From weighing and packaging to quality control, every stage of production is carried out locally, contributing to job creation and strengthening the country’s manufacturing capabilities.

The project demonstrates how the Republic of Moldova can become a competitive supplier of high-value-added food products for European markets while integrating local agriculture into international supply chains.

Next Objective: Entering the Domestic Market

Although production is currently export-oriented, Nicolas Dimitrescu intends to make the products available in Moldovan retail stores as well.

Expanding into the domestic market represents the next stage in the company’s development strategy and would further strengthen Moldova’s premium food sector.

Moldova Invest: Foreign Capital Strengthens the Food Industry

The investment made in Chișinău reflects the growing interest of European entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova as a competitive manufacturing destination. Competitive costs, qualified human resources, and proximity to European Union markets are turning the country into an attractive production platform for export-oriented industries.

Projects such as Nicolas Dimitrescu’s factory demonstrate that foreign direct investment brings not only capital but also technology transfer, integration into European supply chains, and the development of high-value-added products capable of promoting the Republic of Moldova on international markets.