VALORIZATION OF TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN PRODUCTS FROM THE OLTENIA REGION, IN THE MODERN FOOD INDUSTRY

Abstract

This paper analyzes the process of valorization of Romanian traditional products in the context of the modern food industry, taking the Oltenia region as a case study. The research starts from the premise that traditional products represent not only a component of the national gastronomic and cultural heritage, but also an important economic resource for the sustainable development of the rural environment.
The main purpose of the study is to highlight the evolution, diversity and distribution of certified traditional products in Oltenia during the period 2020–2025, as well as recent trends in their adaptation to the requirements of the contemporary food market. The research material was compiled based on official data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the county agricultural directorates, with a total of 42 certified traditional products analyzed — 29 in 2020 and 13 in 2021–2025. The method used was the statistical-descriptive analysis of products by county and by food category.
The results obtained show that Vâlcea County holds a dominant position within the region, with 23 certified products (approximately 55% of the regional total), followed by Gorj (8 products) and Olt (5 products). From a structural point of view, the “meat and meat products” category predominates, representing approximately 62% of the total products, confirming the Oltenia gastronomic specificity. In the following years, a sharp diversification of the portfolio is observed, through the appearance of artisanal beverages (19%), dairy products (7%) and those made from vegetables and fruits (7%). This evolution reflects the adaptation of local producers to modern consumption trends, oriented towards natural, authentic and sustainable products.The study highlights the fact that the Oltenia region has a considerable potential for economic and touristic valorization of traditional products, and their promotion and certification represent a strategic direction for the sustainable development of rural space and the consolidation of Romanian cultural identity.