From passion to business: Moldovan Italian-inspired biscuits win over Europe
An authentic biscuit business is thriving in Moldova. Fueled by a passion for baking and family traditions, entrepreneur Igor Furtună has dedicated the past decade to turning his dream into a flourishing business.
After spending 14 years in Italy, Igor Furtună returned to the Republic of Moldova and founded a business specializing in biscuit production, inspired by authentic Italian traditions and flavors.
His pastries have gained popularity among consumers and are appreciated for their quality and taste. Passionate about culinary arts, the entrepreneur turned his dream into a successful business and has no regrets about returning home.
"I was passionate and had experience in Italy in this field. At the same time, my eldest daughter was nine or ten years old when we began preparing various products, such as cakes and biscuits, at home. We considered turning our passion into a job. Ultimately, we realized our dream and are happy with the choice we made," Igor Furtună shared in an interview with Radio Moldova.
He believes that launching a business and developing it into a local brand were not overly complicated processes. In his view, success is built through hard work, perseverance, and fairness—values that have guided him throughout the company's development.
"I can’t say it was very complicated because we always relied on the legislation and standards that form the foundation of a business, particularly in the food production sector. By studying the legislation and norms step by step, we were able to open and develop our operations, which became key to achieving successful activities," he explained.
Igor emphasizes that dedication, persistence, and integrity are essential for success.
"I believe that a person should pursue what they are most passionate about and analyze what they miss most. If they miss Moldova, their parents, relatives, or their homeland, it is worth trying, especially if they have a plan for how to engage in a particular field. This applies not only to entrepreneurs but also to regular workers. Right now, there are very attractive salaries in various fields. I am very pleased with my choice because, when my parents needed me, I was there. My wife supports her parents well, and my grandchildren are always around, making our holidays complete, as they were in the past. We prioritize the emotional aspects of life and then work to create a livelihood," added Igor Furtună.
Throughout his journey, the entrepreneur has benefited from support provided by the Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship, along with investments that contributed to the growth of his company.
Additionally, through a program aimed at increasing export competitiveness and internationalizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), he accelerated the development and expansion into foreign markets.
Currently, the pastry products produced by Igor Furtună are also available in international markets, including Romania, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
