The program aims to support and empower entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and economic growth. The Made in Romania 2023 program has selected 15 finalists, each representing a unique and promising business venture. These finalists are from various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and services.
Later, the entrepreneur rediscovered the beauty of beekeeping, thanks to a colleague from the school in Blaj, where he worked as a physics teacher for 20 years. Thus, Victor Mateș started taking care of bees again as a hobby in addition to his job as a teacher. In 1992, he founded the company Apis Prod, which later became Apidava, with only 2 employees and 50 hives for honey production. The entrepreneur started bottling honey in a garage together with another beekeeper and thus the story of today’s Apidava business was born. “Currently, our family business has a turnover of EUR 7 million, with 50 employees, and we are exporting 50% of our production, not only to Europe but also to countries such as Japan, Israel, Canada, the USA, Australia, countries where Romanian honey is appreciated. We have also consolidated our position in the market as the largest honey processor in Romania and, at the same time, one of the largest exporters of Romanian honey,” says Victor Mateș, the founder of Apidava.
He started with a small beehive and expanded his operations gradually, focusing on quality and sustainability. Apidava’s commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous selection of beehives, the use of natural ingredients, and the careful processing of its products. This commitment is reflected in the company’s certifications, such as the organic certification and the Fair Trade certification.
The Minimax Discount network, a popular chain of discount stores, had a significant impact on the retail landscape of the 2000s. Its downfall, however, served as a stark reminder of the fragility of even seemingly robust businesses. The Minimax Discount network’s collapse, coupled with the rise of online shopping, marked a significant shift in the retail landscape.
The company’s success is attributed to its strong brand identity, its commitment to quality, and its focus on innovation. The Apidava brand has become synonymous with quality and natural ingredients, and consumers trust the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The company’s commitment to quality is reflected in its strict adherence to international standards and its investment in state-of-the-art production facilities.
Apidava is committed to exploring new frontiers in the natural world, and this commitment is reflected in its future plans. The company is actively pursuing research and development initiatives to expand its product portfolio and explore new applications for bee honey. Apidava’s future plans include: 1.
What does this mean to be a “Made in Romania” brand Romania is an atypical market for honey consumption because, first of all, it is one of the lowest in Europe. Paradoxically, while Romania is number 2 in Europe in terms of the number of bee families, honey consumption is barely 500 gr/year/capita, while the European average consumption is 1.5-2 kg per year, so 3 times higher. In Romania, honey is not considered a staple food like sugar is, for which honey is a much healthier alternative. In addition, the many other benefits that honey has are not taken into account, and many even consider it a luxury food. It is on the border between food and medicine, which makes it difficult for Apidava to position itself in the market.
We have a strong presence in the European market, with a focus on Germany and France. We are also expanding our presence in the United States, with a focus on California and New York. The company’s core business is the production and distribution of high-quality, innovative products.
