Local producers in Romania can receive grants to strengthen ties with the HoReCa industry

Local producers in Romania have a unique opportunity to obtain grants of 10,000 lei as part of a new initiative aimed at fostering collaboration with the hospitality sector. This competition is launched by Edenred Romania, the Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Employers' Organization (HORA), and the Federation of the Hotel Industry in Romania (FIHR) within the framework of the national project "Țara lui Mai Bine."

The registration for this initiative is open until November 16, 2026, allowing plenty of time for producers to apply. Three selected producers will each receive the grant and will also benefit from consultancy sessions with industry experts, including Radu Tănase, who will guide them in enhancing their business strategies.

Edenred, HORA, and FIHR have also released a Best Practices Guide to improve collaboration between local producers and restaurants. This guide includes recommendations on delivery organization, supplier-restaurant communication, supply predictability, and ingredient origin promotion.

The project aims to address the evident demand for local products in the hospitality industry. Recent surveys indicate that 98% of responding restaurants wish to collaborate with local producers, with 70% already having established partnerships. Additionally, 80% of restaurants report a growing demand from customers for local products, highlighting a significant shift towards supporting Romanian agriculture.

With nearly 3 million agricultural holdings and approximately 33,000 hospitality units in Romania, the potential for collaboration is immense. Marius Tudosiei, founder of Băcănia Vechi, will serve on the selection jury, ensuring that the chosen producers align with the project's vision.

The economic impact of supporting local producers is also notable. For every 100 lei spent in restaurants using local products, 34.3 lei contributes to public revenue. This reinforces the significance of the project "Țara lui Mai Bine" in not only benefiting local producers but also bolstering the national economy.