Moldovan agribusinesses find fertile ground in Sweden with OTGS support

Ambitious Moldovan companies are opening new paths into the Swedish and EU markets, supported by the expert guidance of Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS). With hands-on support, targeted training, and tailored matchmaking, OTGS empowers businesses to succeed in some of the world’s most competitive markets.

Turning tradition into export readiness

Apifera SRL, a family-run honey producer, brings generations of beekeeping heritage into the modern export market. The company specialises in pure, sustainably harvested acacia, polyflora, and linden honey. It recently worked to meet EU export standards – an effort that led to the signing of an international contract during the SIAL trade show in France.

For Oksana Rusu, Apifera’s head of marketing, honey is more than a product. “The smell of honey always reminds me of my grandfather and father. It is a family tradition,” she says.

Oksana Rusu from Apifera talks about how it is to access the Swedish market.

But entering the EU market – known for its strict requirements and demanding consumers – is a challenge.

“We researched honey consumption in Europe and realised Sweden’s cold climate makes it a strong market,” says Oksana, explaining how their journey started. “OTGS did not just offer information, they gave us tools, strategies, and confidence. The e-learning programme and personalised coaching were very useful. It was something new, and I learned a lot.”

The support helped the company understand EU regulations, improve their performance at trade fairs, and build stronger relationships with buyers. “Thanks to OTGS, our meetings became more professional, our follow-ups more structured, and our presence more respected. Swedish clients now see us as attractive partners.”

Confidence, coaching, and contracts

Maestro Fruits SRL is a company with more than 30 years of experience in walnut production, and more recently, in dried apple processing. The SIAL trade fair in Paris marked a turning point for the business, as it secured two new contracts with clients from Germany and Denmark.

Although the company had the right products and experience, entering new markets like Sweden required more: targeted preparation, international exposure, and expert guidance. That is exactly what OTGS provided.

Irina Rotari, the company’s export manager, explains that the opportunity to participate in SIAL came through OTGS, whose training and resources were transformative.

“They taught me how to approach clients, how to present our products, and how to stay confident,” says Irina. “It was all new for me, but OTGS helped me open up and feel like: ‘Let’s work! Let’s do business!’”

Irina Rotari from Maestro Fruits explains how her approach to business has changed after receiving support from OTGS.

One of the most valuable tools for Irina was the detailed contact list provided by OTGS before the fair.

“The contact list that was made for us gave us a lot of meetings and chances to show our products. We are sure we will have future business with these companies,” says Irina.

Thanks to OTGS’s hands-on support, Maestro Fruits is now entering the next phase of its export journey with greater confidence and a clear strategy for building lasting international partnerships.

Trade fairs should be a must for any self-respecting producer

Mr. Harvey is a family-owned business and Moldova’s leading producer of frozen and canned vegetables, including sweet corn, green peas, and broccoli. With Sweden’s high demand for imported sweet corn, expanding into this market is a logical next step.

Artiom Dobran, the company’s commercial director, credits OTGS for helping them make the most of their participation in the SIAL trade fair.

“We have worked with organisations like USAID and UNDP before, but OTGS stood out by offering hands-on, tailored support: from arranging meetings to coaching us on how to sell more effectively in the EU market. I have never seen that before.”

Artiom Dobran advises companies on exporting to Sweden and the EU.

Unlike past trade fairs, where participation was more passive, OTGS enabled Mr. Harvey to come fully prepared: with a clear strategy, targeted client meetings, and a concrete follow-up plan.

Artyom now plans to implement changes to the company’s sales approach based on insights gained from the coaching sessions and their experience at SIAL.

Advice for future exporters: be prepared, be open, and keep learning

Exporting to the Swedish and EU markets offers significant opportunities, but it also requires preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. For the Moldovan companies supported by OTGS, participation in the SIAL trade fair was not only about presenting their products; it was about transforming how they do business. Each company returned with valuable contacts and a clearer understanding of what international markets expect and how to meet those expectations.

For Oksana Rusu from Apifera SRL, success begins with understanding that passion and product quality are only part of the equation. Entering the Swedish market means learning how to follow up with buyers, meet certification requirements, and present the company more professionally. “Always be active and open,” says Oksana. “Do not be afraid. If you want to grow, ask for help. OTGS gave us the confidence to act.”

Irina Rotari from Maestro Fruits SRL highlights that confidence and clarity are just as important as experience. “With OTGS, everything was new, but I learned how to speak with clients,” she says.

Artiom Dobran from Mr. Harvey emphasises the importance of structured preparation. “You need to be prepared. You cannot just show up,” he says.