Sorin Maslo, General Director of Combinatul Cricova: In 2024, the previously launched initiatives delivered their first results, leading to a 20% increase in profit.
Mr. Maslo, “Cricova” once again recorded solid profits in 2024. How was this achieved?
S.M.: Yes, over the past two years, the “Cricova” winery has not only continued to develop and launch new projects but has also remained profitable. The same was true last year—a year in which we invested in new projects while also seeing the results of previously launched initiatives. “Cricova” ended the year with a 20% profit, equivalent to over 31 million lei. If we also account for the profit of our subsidiary—the Business and Tourism Center “Cricova-Vin,” which is the distributor of our products in Moldova—the total profit exceeds 55 million lei. These results not only encourage us to maintain the same pace but even to accelerate. At the same time, we understand that without investing in innovation, we cannot stay competitive, which is why this sector will be a priority for “Cricova.”
Speaking of trends and innovations. What were your achievements in 2024, and what are your plans for 2025?
S.M.: I believe you are aware that we launched our organic wine series, “Cricova WILD.” Initially, we were concerned about whether consumers would appreciate these wines since BIO products require significant effort and investment. However, from the very first bottles released, we were overwhelmed by demand, both locally and in export markets! As a result, in 2024, our technologists also worked on a BIO sparkling wine. Now, those who prefer organic products can enjoy “WILD” sparkling wine, made from organic grapes of the indigenous varieties “Fetească Regală” and “Viorica.” During the cultivation and care of the vines from which these grapes were harvested, we strictly adhered to nature’s cycles, maintaining the health of the soil, plants, and water while ensuring balance between them. The wine captivates with an explosion of floral and fruity aromas. Of course, we will continue to develop this segment. By the way, this would not have been possible without obtaining the European “CERES” certificate in 2023, which allows us to bottle and certify organic products for the European market. Additionally, we implemented the Fair and Green Sustainability System, designed to evaluate businesses in the wine industry according to recognized European sustainability standards, confirming that our ECO wines are truly “sustainable.” Furthermore, our organic vineyards have been expanded to 50 hectares.
We must also mention your investment in solar panels. What has your experience shown?
S.M.: Yes, in 2022, we established a photovoltaic park, a first for our company. Since then, we have continued expanding it, so that in 2024, 20% of the company’s energy needs are covered by renewable sources. Sustainability is a core principle of our company, which is why we will continue to develop this segment. In the medium term, we aim for at least half of our energy needs to be covered by renewables, and I can tell you that we have every reason to believe we will achieve this. Sustainability remains an essential component of our vision. We invest in renewable energy and sustainable practices, from packaging recycling and using biodegradable materials for the WILD range to optimizing technological processes to reduce water and energy consumption. We want every glass of Cricova wine to reflect not only excellence in taste but also our deep respect for nature.
In September 2023, the Public Property Agency (APP) granted “Cricova” a total of 672 hectares of agricultural land for use. How have you utilized this land?
S.M.: These lands are located near our winery, making their acquisition economically and logistically rational. Moreover, “Cricova” already owned and managed about 630 hectares of vineyards out of the 1,000 hectares needed. Thus, the newly acquired land provides an opportunity to expand our vineyard area, allowing us to ensure a steady supply of high-quality grapes and diversify our current wine portfolio. In this regard, in 2024, we successfully planted 50 hectares of indigenous grape varieties that are increasingly in demand, especially in international markets, such as “Fetească Albă,” “Fetească Regală,” “Viorica,” and “Rară Neagră.” This is another long-term project that will bear fruit in the coming years, and this region will become a unique and picturesque wine-growing area—if you like, “the Tuscany of Moldova.”
Every year, more wineries appear locally and across Europe. Has this affected Cricova’s exports?
S.M.: We are not afraid of competition! In fact, competition drives us to be even better at what we do, to invest in technology, and at the same time, to stay true to tradition. “Cricova” is a true Moldovan brand that proudly represents our country on the global stage. This is evident in the expansion of our export markets last year. For example, in 2024, our wines reached the African continent, and now consumers in Ghana and Nigeria can enjoy “Cricova” wines and sparkling wines. The same goes for Brazil. In the European Union, our main export market, where over 70% of our exported products are sold, our wines are now also available in Sweden—a challenging market to enter! In the past year, “Cricova” increased its export volume by over 500,000 bottles.
How many bottles did “Cricova” produce in 2024?
S.M.: Our team worked hard, and as a result, we managed to produce three times more bottles than the population of Moldova—10.5 million bottles! Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? It’s certainly not easy to maintain such a high production volume while ensuring both quality and competitive pricing, but we have succeeded! Additionally, in 2024, we paid 51 million lei in taxes to the state budget, 11 million more than in 2023. These funds help the country meet economic challenges and needs.
Cricova’s cellars are a true treasure of Moldova. Do they continue to attract both foreign and local tourists?
S.M.: Absolutely! Year after year, the number of visitors increases, and the credit for this goes to our team, which continuously improves its communication, organization, and management skills. We have an excellent team that ensures every tourist leaves with unforgettable impressions of our cellars. Furthermore, I’d like to mention that the “Cricova” restaurant consistently maintains the highest quality of its dishes, and many guests return at the first opportunity for special events. Our products are also recognized in international competitions. For example, at the prestigious “Effervescent du Monde” competition, 22nd edition, “Cricova” wines won gold medals for “Crisecco – Gold Collection Brut,” “Cricova Grand Vintage Brut 2017,” “Lacrima Dulce Gold,” “Elogiu” Brut Nature 2017, and “Pinot Meunier” Extra Dry Sparkling 2018! Believe me, these medals speak for themselves about the quality of our products!
What are your plans for 2025?
S.M.: We prefer to achieve first and then speak about results because past experience has shown us how fragile we all are in the face of crises. However, we have stability in several key areas where we will focus our efforts. One of our main goals is to continue expanding our vineyard area. Specifically, by the end of 2025, we hope to add another 70 hectares, to be planted in our new vineyards in Stăuceni. We also plan to diversify our markets, continue modernizing and upgrading the winery, participate in prestigious events and forums, and attract more foreign tourists to Moldova by offering them new experiences and impressions. Large-scale events such as “Must Fest” and “Sparkling Party” will continue to bring wine closer to consumers, and promoting local gastronomy alongside Cricova wines will be a priority, both through the Cricova Tourism Complex and the “Kingdom of Wine” restaurant. At the same time, we will represent our country at top international exhibitions, such as ProWein and Wine Paris, alongside renowned producers from France, Italy, and other wine-producing countries. We hope that 2025 will be even more productive than 2024.
