Interview // Sorin Maslo, Interim Director of „Cricova” S.A: The European Path of the „CRICOVA” S.A. Wine Complex.

The European Union is the Republic of Moldova’s largest trading partner, receiving over 60% of Moldovan products. Wine is among the most appreciated and sought-after Moldovan products in European stores.

The “Cricova” winery has always enjoyed recognition from European consumers, despite the fierce competition in this market. Romania was among the first EU markets to welcome “Cricova” wines with open arms. Over the years, the sales market has expanded, and today, “Cricova” exports its products to 17 European countries. More precisely, wines produced by “Cricova” can be found in over 100 cities across the EU.

Opening the European market was vital for the development of the winery. In other words, implementing European standards has led to the improvement of “Cricova” wines’ quality, which are now increasingly appreciated by European consumers, and has driven the modernization of the company. Furthermore, sparkling wines are the most frequently enjoyed by European customers.

“In 2022, we had very successful exports to the European market, a sign that our wines are increasingly valued there. Moreover, I can tell you that for the first time, “Cricova” sparkling wines are ranked No. 1 among sparkling wines from Moldova exported abroad! Our bottled wines are in third place by export volume. We recorded significant growth in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, the Scandinavian countries, and Cyprus. These are new markets, but they have embraced and appreciated “Cricova” products in an unexpectedly positive way,” said interim director of “Cricova,” Sorin Maslo.

Cricova Cellars – A Landmark for European Tourists

The “Cricova” cellars—among the longest in the world—consist of limestone corridors filled with wine, extending over 120 km. These cellars are likely the first destination tourists wish to visit when coming to Moldova. And rightly so! The excursions to the underground “Cricova” city offer a unique experience, while wine tastings are a true delight.

Every year, tens of thousands of tourists visit the cellars, with European tourists being the majority. In 2022, more than 53,000 EU citizens visited the “Cricova” cellars, most of them from Romania, Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia. The unique architecture, high level of service—comparable to that of European countries—encourage tourists to return at every opportunity.

Winery’s Priority – Sustainability

The future of Europe depends on a healthy planet. EU countries are committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and to this end, each state must take local action. As a candidate country, the Republic of Moldova is no exception. Moreover, responsible local companies have already initiated sustainability efforts, and “Cricova” is among them.

Last year, “Cricova” successfully implemented the Fair and Green Sustainability System, designed to assess wine businesses according to recognized European sustainability standards. This system certifies that our eco-wines are truly “sustainable.” The audit was conducted by a prestigious German company, which acknowledged the efforts made by the Moldovan winery.

“Furthermore, we have created a Photovoltaic Park, a first for our company. Since we are striving for sustainability, in 2023, we will place even greater emphasis on generating energy from renewable sources. We aim to double production volume, and I am confident we will succeed. A project in this direction is already in its final stages,” says Sorin Maslo, interim director of Cricova S.A.

Additionally, S.A. “Cricova” has launched its first series of eco-wines, “WILD,” which has already reached European stores and is also enjoying success at home in Moldova.

“Cricova” Embraces Digitalization

The “Path to the Digital Decade” is a European Union program aimed at digital transformation by 2030. The program focuses on four key areas: skills, business, administration, and infrastructure, intending to simplify people’s lives.

“Cricova” has already implemented several digitalization processes, including improvements in business management. Recently, a new service was digitalized: tourists from anywhere in the world can now book tours of “Cricova” online via www.cricova.md. Simple, convenient—just like in Europe!

“A stable, legal, and secure environment is what the European Union offers us and what we all strive for. The “Cricova” Wine Complex has always adopted the best practices to contribute to the development of the Republic of Moldova and the integration of our products into the European market. We are proud that “Cricova” wines are appreciated in Europe, as evidenced by the hundreds of medals our wines have won at various events. We will continue to implement programs, with the support of our European partners, to bring us even closer to the values of the great European family. European integration must happen at all levels, including winemaking, and together, we can achieve this goal,” concluded Sorin Maslo, interim director of “Cricova.