Sauces, Dressings and Condiments in Romania

2020 IMPACT

Lockdown increases at home cooking habits in 2020, supporting the growth of both traditional local and ethnic flavours of sauces, dressings and condiments

Sauces, dressings and condiments is set to post slightly stronger current value and retail volume growth in 2020 than was seen the previous year. The largest impact of COVID-19 in 2020 was the shifting of eating habits to the home as a result of lockdown restrictions, which increased the demand for sauces, dressings and condiments.

Grilling habits support growth of mustard and ketchup in 2020

Table sauces such as mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise are universal sauces and continued to be demanded over the lockdown period in 2020. The relatively large size of mustard is a result of traditional consumption, which has transformed it into a must have sauce for local consumption.

Previous leader Unilever South Central Europe is overtaken by companies meeting consumer demand for ethnic flavours and healthier alternatives in 2020

In 2020, Unilever South Central Europe lost its leading position to Orkla Foods Romania SA and Fuchs Condimente Ro SRL. Orkla Foods Romania is the undisputable leader of table sauces, with its La Minut and Tomi brands holding the top two leading positions.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Despite anticipated slowdown in growth in 2021, manufacturers will have opportunity to innovate as grilling becomes more popular in the country

Sauces, dressings and condiments is set to post much slower current value and retail volume growth in 2021, with those growth levels expected to be sustained through rest of the forecast period. The lowered performance will be a result of lowered demand, as Romanians resume their daily lives and are left with less time to cook and experiment with new flavours at home.

Increasing consumer interest in ethnic cuisine will support growth of smaller categories in the forecast period, such as fish sauces

While demand for traditional favourites like mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise will remain strong in the forecast period, more dynamic growth is expected for smaller categories benefitting from increasing awareness of ethnic cuisines. In 2020, local consumers became even more interested in experimenting with new flavours, with many developing a greater appreciation for less familiar types of cuisine.

Expected growth of private label will be supported by expansions of modern grocery retailers in the forecast period

Private label is expected to continue increasing its presence in sauces, dressings and condiments over the forecast period. Private label has been successful in increasing its share in the review period, due to the expansion of modern grocery retailers in the country, which now cover more rural locations.