Romanian restaurants want more "local" on the plate, as 98% of units say they wish to collaborate with local producers, found a survey conducted by the Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Employers' Organization (HORA) between February 27 and March 16, 2026.
Also, 7 out of 10 restaurants already work directly with local producers, with 55% saying this collaboration helps them stand out, 47.5% saying it boosts customer trust, and 42.5% believing it enables them to create more authentic, seasonal menus.
In their relationship with producers, the HORA survey found that nearly 100% of restaurants prioritize quality (taste, freshness), 97.5% value delivery consistency, and 95% emphasize direct relationships and communication. "Price remains important, but not decisive when compared to quality and predictability," the survey notes.
The research highlights that 55% of restaurants say they need concrete examples of successful collaboration, 45% are looking for data on consumption trends, and 95% consider communicating the origin of ingredients is essential - indicating a shift in industry standards, where the relationship with local producers is becoming part of the restaurants' identity and trust-building strategy.
In this context, the "Tara lui Mai Bine/Better Off Country" platform developed by HORA in partnership with Edenred Romania, is broadening its role beyond simply connecting restaurants and local producers, evolving into a hub of resources, case studies and practical tools for the industry.
"We see very clearly that restaurants want to work more with local producers. But between intention and reality, many questions arise - from where to find them, how to choose them, and how to build a stable relationship. Through the 'Tara lui Mai Bine' project, we want to reduce exactly this distance, to make things clearer and simpler, and make connections easier to create. At the same time, with more and more producers joining the platform, restaurants gain access to greater diversity and can find producers closer to their area," said Radu Savopol, HORA president and co-founder of 5 To Go.
In his turn, Gorkem Oran, general manager of Edenred Romania, believes that the "Tara lui Mai Bine" platform connects restaurants and local producers in an ecosystem that strengthens local consumption, makes it more visible and expands it nationwide.
"I am convinced that a sustainable economy begins with simple choices made every day, including at lunchtime. Consumer trends are also clear: 6 out of 10 Romanians prefer restaurants that use local ingredients. In this context, the 'Tara lui Mai Bine' platform connects restaurants and local producers in an ecosystem that strengthens local consumption, makes it more visible and expands it at national scale. In this way, we facilitate broader access for employees to lunches made with fresh ingredients, with real benefits for their well-being and for the local economy. Essentially, we transform an existing preference among Romanians - and a daily act, lunch - into a driver of sustainability," he emphasized.
In this context, HORA and Edenred invite restaurants, local producers and all those who believe in a more responsible consumption model to join the "Tara lui Mai Bine" platform and become part of a community that is building, step by step, a more connected and more sustainable industry.
HORA is the organization representing the interests of entrepreneurs in Romania's hospitality industry and is also an active member of Concordia. The organization currently has over 400 member companies, both operators and suppliers, and employs more than 20,000 people in the sector.
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