From Moldova's orchards to France: The Frenchman connecting two countries through chocolate-covered fruit
For many French people, the spirit of National Day extends beyond France's borders. Settled in the Republic of Moldova, they are establishing businesses and starting anew there. One such individual is Nicolas Dimitrescu, who has opened a factory in Chisinau that specializes in chocolate-covered fruits.
The products are currently available only in the French market, but the entrepreneur aims to introduce them to Moldovan consumers.
Just a few minutes from the center of Chișinău, frozen fruits are coated in Belgian chocolate, carefully weighed, and prepared for export. This factory is led by Nicolas Dimitrescu, a French entrepreneur with Romanian roots who chose to develop his business in the Republic of Moldova. After working in the packaging sector, he opened the factory in 2025, and part of the production process remains an industrial secret to this day.
"I came to the Republic of Moldova because real estate is less expensive, labor costs are lower, and we have a team made up exclusively of Moldovans who work very well. It is a little easier to work with a local team than with teams from other nationalities," said Nicolas Dimitrescu.
The raw materials come from several countries, but some of the fruits are grown locally. The raspberries used in the desserts are harvested in the Republic of Moldova, while the chocolate is imported from Belgium. Beyond the machinery and production lines, it is the people who bring the factory to life.
"We are happy to be part of Nicolas' team. We are excited that our products reach European markets, and we hope they will be available in our own market as well."
Each product passes through the hands of the employees, from weighing to packaging. Those involved in the process say they have had the chance to discover a dessert they had never encountered before.
"We pack the frozen pineapple and weigh it to ensure it is 160 grams before handing it to the girl who packages it. If we want, we can taste it; we are not forbidden. This is my first time working in this position, and I had never tasted anything like this before in Moldova, but what we produce is very delicious."
In nearly 30 years of working in the food industry, production manager Nicolae Chiriac says he has rarely seen such an unusual product. Fruits covered in chocolate, in his opinion, is a combination that is gaining more admirers.
"They are fruits glazed in powdered sugar and other natural food additives. Our production capacity is around 1,400 to 1,600 kilograms per day over an eight-hour shift. We can produce 500 kilograms of frozen fruits covered in two types of chocolate: white chocolate and dark chocolate or milk chocolate," specifies Nicolae Chiriac.
Beyond the business he established in Chișinău, Nicolas Dimitrescu maintains his ties to his home country, and July 14th holds special significance for him.
"I celebrate July 14th for several reasons. First, it is France's National Day. Second, I met my wife on July 14th. And third, France is playing against Spain in the World Cup, and I am convinced they will win."
So far, investments in the Chișinău factory have reached approximately one million euros. Nicolas aims for the chocolate-covered fruits produced in the Republic of Moldova to reach not only the French market but also the shelves of stores in Moldova.
