The Apifera brand continues a family beekeeping tradition passed down from generation to generation. Today, the business, now run by the third generation of beekeepers, has grown from a small workshop into a recognized exporter. The Bridge Missions program, developed and implemented by the 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.
Established in 2016, Apifera has become one of the most modern beekeeping companies in Moldova. In a period when consumers opt for natural products, Apifera’s honey has managed to win the trust of consumers both domestically and abroad.
“We noticed that Moldovan honey, although of excellent quality, was not widely promoted internationally. That’s where we came in, with the desire to capitalize on the exceptional potential of Moldovan honey and make it known abroad. The first challenges were related to quality standardization, obtaining European certifications and building trust in foreign markets. But thanks to our perseverance and attention to detail, we managed to make a name for ourselves through consistent quality, transparency and professionalism”, said Anatol Rusu, the company’s founder.
Currently, acacia, linden and polyfloral honey is exported to numerous countries in Europe, including the USA and Canada, being sold both in bulk packaging and in premium jars.
“Each batch of honey comes from apiaries selected from the cleanest regions of the Republic of Moldova and each stage is carefully monitored to guarantee the purity of the product. We collect honey from passionate beekeepers from all corners of the country, people who share the same values as us and contribute to preserving the authenticity of each variety”, said the founder of Apifera.
Bridge Missions: a launch pad for sustainable partnerships
For a manufacturer aspiring to reach global markets, presence at international exhibitions is essential. Thus began the first collaboration between Apifera and the Investment Agency in 2025, when the company participated in Germany at the first economic mission, Bridge Missions.
“Thanks to the Agency’s support, we were able to register and participate in this economic mission. We gained extremely beneficial and positive experience for our company. This has demonstrated how valuable it can be to collaborate with local business support institutions in order to promote effectively on foreign markets. It has given us international visibility, direct access to new partners and customers and strengthened Apifera’s reputation as a serious exporter of quality bee products from the Republic of Moldova”, added Anatol Rusu.
The plans to increase the company’s visibility do not stop here. Anatol Rusu plans to enroll in next year’s missions and sets a list of priorities that highlight the vast experience gained through the activities supported by the Investment Agency.
Apifera exports about 90% of its production (480 tons of honey) to international markets, and the most popular destinations are Canada, Denmark, France and England.
“In the coming years, we want to expand our portfolio of premium bee products. We want to invest in innovation, technology and sustainable packaging, while preserving the tradition and authenticity of Moldovan honey. In 2026, we want to participate in the mission in Paris, where we plan to establish exclusive partnerships with the Scandinavian market. In the Nordic countries, honey is more expensive, but also much more appreciated, because consumers there are looking for natural and authentic products”, concluded Anatol Rusu.
According to the National Association of Beekeepers of the Republic of Moldova, in 2025, 3700 tons of honey were exported, valued at 10 million 700 thousand dollars. Moldova exports honey to 24 countries, 90% of which are European Union countries, but also the USA.
The Bridge Missions program, implemented by the Investment Agency, is designed to increase the competitiveness of local companies internationally through participation in B2B meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, forums and summits. This allows small businesses to establish strategic partnerships.
During the period from April to November 2025, over 250 Moldovan companies from IT, agriculture, creative industries, wine and tourism have registered in the Bridge Missions program, and 110 have already received non-reimbursable funding totaling 1.58 million lei.
Registration for this program is done by filling out the form. You can find out all the details about the program by accessing this document.
This material is part of the campaign “From Moldova. To the Whole World.” — an initiative of the Invest Moldova Agency to promote local producers on international markets. Discover more success stories of Moldovan exporters on invest.gov.md website.
