The ministry said the project was related to an increase in demand for CIA Aboliv’s products in the domestic market.
The grant is part of a programme by the Romanian Government to support investments by local companies. In addition to the meat business, eight other Romanian firms obtained co-funding for their projects under the RON151.1m (€31.7m) programme, the ministry said in a statement.
The total value of CIA Aboliv’s forthcoming investment was not disclosed by the ministry. However, the state aim scheme, which “aims at regional development by stimulating investments with a significant impact on the economy”, provides co-financing to projects worth at least €1m each.
“The signing of [the grant agreements for] the nine projects is part of the government's policy to encourage investments with a major impact on the economy. As we have repeatedly pointed out, 2019 will be a year dedicated to investments,” said Romanian public finance minister Eugen Teodorovici, as quoted in the statement.
Higher demand in domestic market
CIA Aboliv’s investment plans are related to the “growth of the domestic market for dried [meat] products”, according to the Romanian ministry.
In addition to the Romanian market, the meat business exports its output to a number of foreign markets across Europe, among others. The company’s product range consists of various processed pork and poultry meat products, including sausages, frankfurters, hams, pâtés and salami, according to data from CIA Aboliv.
The producer markets its output under the Brio, Casa Jurdeana and Apetit brands. The company’s products are sold by a number of Romania-based retail chains, such as the Dutch-owned Mega Image. CIA Aboliv also owns its own store chain, which consists of four outlets located in the country’s north-western Cluj county. The stores operate under the brand of Brio.