Apifera honey conquers international markets: 90% of production goes abroad
The Apifera brand continues a long-standing family beekeeping tradition passed down through generations. Today, the business, now managed by the third generation of beekeepers, has grown from a small workshop into a recognized exporter. The Bridge Missions Program, developed and implemented by Invest Moldova Agency in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund and Innovate Moldova, has facilitated their access to international markets and strategic partnerships.
Founded in 2016, Apifera has become one of the most modern beekeeping companies in Moldova. At a time when consumers increasingly choose natural products, Apifera honey has succeeded in earning the trust of customers both at home and abroad.
“We noticed that Moldovan honey, despite its excellent quality, was barely promoted internationally. That is where we came in, driven by the desire to showcase the exceptional potential of honey from Moldova and make it known abroad. The first challenges were related to standardizing quality, obtaining European certifications, and building trust on foreign markets. But thanks to perseverance and attention to detail, we managed to stand out through consistent quality, transparency, and professionalism,” said Anatol Rusu, the company’s founder.
Today, acacia, linden, and polyfloral honey are exported to numerous European countries, as well as to the United States and Canada, being sold both in bulk and in premium jar packaging.
“Each batch of honey comes from carefully selected apiaries located in the cleanest regions of the Republic of Moldova, and every stage is closely monitored to ensure product purity. We collect honey from dedicated beekeepers across the country, people who share our values and help preserve the authenticity of each variety,” the Apifera founder added.
Bridge Missions: a launchpad for sustainable partnerships
For a producer aiming to reach global markets, participation in international exhibitions is essential. This is how the first collaboration between Apifera and Invest Moldova Agency began in 2025, when the company took part in its first Bridge Missions economic visit in Germany.
“With the support of Invest Moldova Agency, we managed to register and participate in this economic mission. We gained extremely valuable and positive experience for our company. This proved how important collaboration with support institutions can be for local businesses that want to promote themselves effectively on foreign markets. It offered us international visibility, direct access to new partners and clients, and strengthened Apifera’s reputation as a reliable exporter of high-quality beekeeping products from the Republic of Moldova,” added Anatol Rusu.
The company’s plans to increase its visibility do not stop here. Anatol Rusu intends to register for next year’s missions and is setting a list of priorities that will highlight the extensive experience gained through the activities supported by Invest Moldova Agency.
Apifera exports approximately 90 percent of its production, which totals 480 tons of honey, to international markets. The most popular destinations include Canada, Denmark, France, and England.
“In the coming years, we aim to expand our portfolio of premium beekeeping products. We want to invest in innovation, technology, and sustainable packaging, while preserving the tradition and authenticity of Moldovan honey. In 2026, we plan to take part in the mission in Paris, where we intend to establish exclusive partnerships with the Scandinavian market. In the Nordic countries, honey is more expensive but also much more appreciated, because consumers there look for natural and authentic products,” concluded Anatol Rusu.
According to the National Association of Beekeepers of the Republic of Moldova, in 2025 the country exported 3,700 tons of honey worth 10 million 700 dollars. Moldova exports honey to 24 countries, with 90 percent going to European Union markets as well as the United States.
The Bridge Missions Program, implemented by Invest Moldova Agency, is designed to increase the international competitiveness of local companies through participation in B2B meetings, fairs, exhibitions, forums, and summits. In this way, small businesses can establish strategic partnerships.
Between April and November 2025, more than 250 Moldovan companies from the IT, agriculture, creative industries, wine, and tourism sectors registered for the Bridge Missions Program, and 110 of them have already received non-reimbursable funding amounting to a total of 1.58 million lei.
Registration for the program is completed by filling in the application form. All relevant details about the program can be accessed in this document.
This material is part of the campaign ”From Moldova. To the Whole World” - an initiative of Invest Moldova Agency to promote local producers on international markets.
