Nordic Food

What Nordic Food does

Nordic Food (legal entity Nordic Import Export CO SRL) is a Romanian food importer and distributor founded in 1994 and headquartered in Bucharest. Operating within the Nordic Group conglomerate - which comprises four entities and reported group-level revenue of approximately €55 million in 2021 - it is the group's flagship distribution platform, importing and supplying food products across Romania via a network covering 320 cities and 25 regional partners. Its customers span modern retail (Auchan, Carrefour, Cora, Mega Image, Selgros and Metro), traditional trade and the HoReCa channel.

The company's portfolio exceeds 1,000 SKUs spanning confectionery, bakery ingredients, plant-based products, dairy alternatives and ambient grocery. Capability was extended vertically in 2018 through the acquisition of Dupont Ingredient, which added confectionery and bakery formulation know-how. Nordic Food has built proprietary brands (Voila, launched December 2019, and El Maestro) and holds distribution partnerships for international brands including John West, Beyond Meat, Alpro and Valsoia. Go-to-market is a direct-sales model covering all major Romanian retail chains, supplemented by an e-commerce platform (Nordic Shops) for smaller accounts.

Revenue is generated through B2B distribution margins across a diversified channel mix - modern trade, traditional trade across 320 cities, and HoReCa - with own-label and partner-brand products layered on top of agency distribution. The combination of logistics scale, multi-channel reach and growing proprietary-brand exposure supports margin management relative to a pure import-agency model. Dan Nistor was appointed General Manager in February 2022 and a corporate rebrand is underway in 2025.

Name

Nordic Food

Legal name

Nordic Import Export CO SRL

Website

https://nordic-food.ro

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Nordic Food is a Romanian food importer and distributor (founded 1994) supplying 1,000+ SKUs across modern retail, traditional trade in 320 cities, and HoReCa via proprietary brands Voila and El Maestro and international partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Distribution

NAICS

Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers (42442), All Other Specialty Food Retailers (445298), Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446), Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers (424440)

SIC

Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products (5140), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Ethnic & International Foods Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAAAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Specialty Ingredients & Import Markets (CRAHAFAL), International & Ethnic Packaged Foods (CRADAAAG)

Keywords

• Food distribution
• Imported food products
• HoReCa supply
• Premium European brands
• Grocery wholesale

Headquarters

HQ city

Bucharest

HQ country

Romania

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Food Distribution: Nordic Food generates revenue through distributing premium European food products to retail chains (modern and traditional trade), HoReCa professionals, and confectionery/bakery professionals across Romania. Revenue is derived from product sales across three categories: fresh/refrigerated, ambient, and frozen products.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Nordic Food imports and distributes a portfolio of more than 1,000 premium European food products across Romania through three divisions: Retail (modern and traditional trade reaching 320 cities), HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, cafes, catering), and Confectionery/Bakery (professional ingredients). The company sells fresh, ambient, and frozen products sourced from over 60 European producers and also markets its own proprietary private label brands Voila and El Maestro.

Product overview

Nordic Food is a Romanian food import-export and distribution company founded in 1994, part of Nordic Group. The company operates through three main divisions: Retail (distributing over 1,000 premium products across 320 cities), HoReCa (serving hotels, restaurants, and catering), and Confectionery (professional ingredients for pastry chefs). Their portfolio includes three product categories: Fresh (refrigerated products including cheeses, meats, seafood, fresh pasta), Ambient (shelf-stable canned goods, sauces, oils, rice, pasta), and Frozen products. Nordic distributes numerous European brands including Beyond Meat, John West, Wudy, Labeyrie, Costa d'Oro, Cirio, RIO Mare, Alpro, Valsoia, ICAM, Caffe Diemme, Rana, Dole, and Heinz. The company also develops proprietary brands including Voila (gourmet own brand launched 2019) and El Maestro (chocolate, creams and culinary products for professionals launched 2018). Services include marketing support, merchandising teams, technology demonstrations, and business developer support for coffee equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Nordic Food Retail Division Distribution of more than 1,000 premium imported food products to hypermarkets, supermarkets, Cash&Carry, discounters, and traditional grocery stores across Romania.
• Nordic Food HoReCa Division Supply of premium imported food products and professional support services for hotels, restaurants, cafes, catering companies, and industrial clients in Romania.
• Nordic Food Confectionery Division Supply of professional ingredients, glazings, creams, fruit purees, and accessories for master confectioners, patisserie, and bakery professionals in Romania.
• Voila Private Label Brand Nordic Food's own sophisticated private label brand offering gourmet products positioned for consumers who appreciate quality and share food experiences with others.
• El Maestro Crema Cucina Vegetable cream for cooking made with olive oil, marketed as the only such product in Romania and part of the El Maestro own brand range.
• El Maestro Crema Decor Decorating cream for professional pastry and confectionery applications, sold under Nordic Food's El Maestro own brand.
• El Maestro Chocolate Range Professional chocolate range from Nordic Food's El Maestro own brand, including dark, milk, and white chocolate variants plus glazes and creams for confectionery professionals.
• Fresh Products Portfolio (Proaspete) Refrigerated food products (2-7°C) including cheeses, butter, milk, yogurt, cream, deli meats, meat, seafood, and fresh pasta sourced from 40 international producers.
• Ambient Products Portfolio (Ambientale) Shelf-stable foods with 2-5 year shelf life including canned fish, sauces, dressings, oils, canned vegetables and fruits, olives, jams, snacks, pasta, and rice.
• Frozen Products Portfolio (Congelate) Frozen foods stored at -18 to -25°C serving both end consumers and HoReCa professionals, covering more than 38 brands and 360 articles.

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• ValsoiamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019100% Italian plant-based brand, market leader in Italy with over 50% share, present in 19 countries. Nordic distributes Valsoia products including plant-based beverages, desserts, ice cream, yogurt alternatives, condiments, and chocolate spreads.
• Beyond MeatmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Nordic Food distributes Beyond Meat plant-based products in Romania. Nordic and Beyond Meat were sponsors of the US Embassy Independence Day event with over 2,300 attendees including the President of Romania and Prime Minister.
• John West (Thai Union)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Nordic Food distributes John West canned fish and seafood products in Romania. 35 innovative products including 'no drain' tuna, tuna and salmon infusions, Light Lunch range, and seafood cans. John West is market leader in UK, Netherlands, and Ireland.
• Dupont IngredientmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Nordic Food acquired French company Dupont Ingredient in 2018, becoming the most important supplier of ingredients and accessories for the confectionery industry in Romania. Expanded portfolio with professional accessories, consumables, and training.
• Roland (Cornu)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Swiss traditional brand with over 70 years of experience. Nordic distributes Roland products including Swiss twist, mini-twist, and gluten-free bread products.
• Madama OlivaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Nordic launched fresh Madama Oliva olives in Romania, available at Cora. Market leader in Italy with presence in over 35 countries.
• AndrosminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017French brand for fresh fruit products including purees, refrigerated desserts, and juices. Nordic launched Andros products in Romania.
• HORECA SchoolminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Nordic Food supports professional training courses organized by Horeca School, one of the most known cooking schools in Romania. Nordic provides ingredients for young people training as future chefs or confectioners.
• AIA (Agricola Italiana Alimentare)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2010Nordic launched AIA and brand Wudy in Romania in 2010. Wudy was the chicken and turkey sausages with the highest meat content on the Romanian market (over 88%). Also distributes the Dakota brand for turkey sausages.
• El Maestro (Own Brand)coreOthers · 1 January 2000El Maestro is Nordic Food's own brand with tradition since 2000, active in multiple categories including vegetable creams, frozen fruits, dried fruits, cheeses, and chocolate. Includes El Maestro Crema Cucina (only vegetable cream for cooking in Romania with olive oil) and El Maestro chocolate range.
• Voila (Own Brand)coreOthersVoila is Nordic Food's own sophisticated private label brand launched in November 2019, ideal for people who appreciate taste and share the joy of taste with friends and family. It is a quick solution that satisfies even the most demanding gourmet.
• Labeyrie Fine FoodsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNordic partnership with Labeyrie began in 2010 with fine delicatessen products in salmon, foie gras, and roe categories. Labeyrie is a European leader in agri-food sector with 70 years of history.
• Costa d'OromajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCosta d'Oro means 'Golden Hill' in Umbria dialect. Founded in 1968, became public in the 90s, today distributed in over 100 countries. Nordic distributes their olive oils and launched Olivero brand in Romania.
• Conserve Italia (Cirio, Yoga, Jolly Colombani)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConserve Italia is a cooperative with over 15,000 Italian farmers, most important European company in canned fruits and vegetables. Nordic distributes Cirio, Yoga, and Jolly Colombani brands. Cirio is the authentic Italian taste since 1856.
• ICAMmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSince 1946, ICAM has been the voice of chocolate excellence appreciated by the Agostoni family for over 70 years. Nordic established partnership in 2010 which proved to be very successful.
• Diemme (Caffe Diemme)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of the most known coffee brands in Italy, founded in 1927. Coffee green stored in silos with capacity of approximately 2,000 quintals. Production capacity of 3 million kilograms per year.
• Elle & Vire ProfessionnelmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench dairy brand. Nordic organizes professional master classes with Chef Ludovic Chesnay and MOF Nicolas Boussin. Brand Ambassador Ana Consulea, 'Chef Cofetar of the Year', became the first Elle & Vire Ambassador in Romania.
• RanamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded by Giovanni Rana in 1962, now the number 1 producer of filled pasta in Europe. Distributed in 38 countries. Nordic launched Rana products in Romania.
• SurgitalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUndisputed leader in HoReCa, most important producer of fresh frozen pasta, ready-meals, catering, and single-portion frozen products in Italy. Visit to De Gusto - Academia della Pasta Surgital for training.
• HeinzminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNordic distributes Heinz ketchup products. Extended category with new packaging in sweet 450g and spicy 455g variants.
• RIO MaremajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPart of Conserve Italia. Leader in tuna canned products in Romania (according to Nielsen Retail Audit 2016-2017). Nordic supports RIO Mare campaigns with TV spots featuring Alessandro Gassman.
• DoleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPresent in over 90 countries, Dole is the largest fruit and vegetable producer worldwide.
• AlpromajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlant-based product brand. Nordic distributes Alpro plant-based beverages and yogurt alternatives in Romania, including partnership with World Class Romania for fitness events.
• CompritalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian gelato company founded in 1985. Has 3 factories worldwide, over 30 million kg gelato produced annually, 26 product lines, distributed in 68 countries. Nordic organizes seminars in Bucharest and Cluj.
• ZanettiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorld leader in Italian cheese production. Nordic launched Gran Spicco Zanetti 150g hard cheese in Romania.
• MEGGLEminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman dairy company founded in 1887. Present in over 100 countries with annual turnover over 1 billion euros, 8 production units in Europe.
• St. DalfourminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench company founded in 1984, present in over 60 countries. Known for jams and fruit specialties without added sugar.
• Riso GallominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of the oldest rice producing companies in Italy, founded in 1856. Family business in sixth generation. One of the most important rice players in Europe.
• NoberascominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian dried fruit market leader, founded in 1908. Launched bio Soleluna range in 2000.
• Bonne MamanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench jam brand available for HoReCa customers in Romania in various sizes including 30g glass jars and 15g sticks.
• PanGastRo AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation of Bakery and Gastronomy Specialists organizing professional courses. Nordic provides ingredients for their intensive training programs since 2017.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Kesko: Finnish-listed retail and wholesale group combining grocery retail (K-Citymarket, K-Supermarket) with B2B food service (Kespro). Highly comparable business model combining retail, wholesale, and food service channels across Nordic and Baltic markets.
• Orkla: Nordic-headquartered food and branded consumer-goods conglomerate with extensive European branded food portfolio, including ingredients and categories overlapping with Nordic Food's distributed brands (e.g., margarine, condiments). Much larger and broader; a reference point for what a scaled Nordic food brand operator can become.
• Schwarz Group (Kaufland Romania): Germany-headquartered retail family (Lidl, Kaufland) operating one of Romania's largest grocery and HoReCa supply footprints via Kaufland's Cash & Carry format. Functions partly as customer-but-also-large-scale-distributor to Nordic; comparable in operating multi-format food retail and wholesale distribution.

Emerging players

• Hain Celestial: US/UK-listed natural and plant-based food brand operator (Beyond Meat, Tilda, Garden of Life, etc.). Comparable to Nordic in that both serve modern grocery with plant-based/specialty brands; Hain is more brand-owner, Nordic is more distributor, but the channel positioning and consumer base overlap.

Direct peers

• Eurocash Group: Largest wholesale food distributor in Poland and broader CEE; operates Cash & Carry, franchise, and food-service wholesale. Shares the multi-channel distribution model combining modern trade, traditional trade, and HoReCa that defines Nordic Food's GTM.
• Mercator Group: Slovenia-headquartered retail and wholesale food operator with multi-country Southeastern European footprint. Directly comparable as a multi-channel CEE food distribution/retail group; differs in being more retail-led.
• Aldis Romania: Romanian hypermarket chain operated from Arad with national expansion; involved in food distribution and retail across Romania. Comparable as a domestic Romanian multi-format food retail/distribution player.
• Cris-Tim Group: Romanian food manufacturer and distributor with multi-category branded portfolio and broad retail reach across modern and traditional trade in Romania. Comparable in being a multi-category Romanian food operator, though more manufacturing-led than Nordic's distribution-led model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NordicFoodRO
• Instagraminstagram.com/nordic_food_insta

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nordic Food