Dairy industry of Republic of Moldova: production, trade and conformity of products

Abstract

The dairy industry is one of the important branches of the agri-food sector. This branch aims to provide the population with safe, harmless and high quality dairy products. However, the dairy industry has declined steadily in recent decades. Official statistics for the last 10 years show a significant decrease in milk production: from 575 thousand tons in 2009 to 367 thousand tons in 2019 (-38%). During the same period, milk imports rose by 405%. On the other hand, dairy exports have decreased significantly in the last 4 years - by about 17%. Currently, the range of dairy products is very varied and mostly corresponds to the needs of the population. According to statistical information, at present, the dairy industry in the Republic of Moldova is represented by over 20 units for the industrialization of milk and dairy products, located in all geographical areas of the country. The aim of the paper is: studying of the current situation regarding the production, trade and conformity of dairy products. The research is performed using the methods: comparative analysis, expertise, etc. So this paper contains the results of production, consumption, trade and compliance of dairy products, as well as organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological research on the quality of domestic and imported whole milk (6 varieties). The research was conducted based on sensory and laboratory methods accepted in commodity science. The research results show that only 3 products out of 6 fully meet the prescribed requirements. The winner products of this competition are: Seven Mountains, Zuzu and Agronatura SRL. We also studied consumers' preferences through the sensory analysis of whole milk (20 points)."Zuzu" and "Seven Mountains" milks - products imported from Romania have accumulated the maximum score. In addition, we checked the correctness of the mandatory information presented on the product labels. In this respect, all 6 analyzed products correspond to the requirements of Law 279 on consumer information on food.