Maker of OM and Gura Căinarului waters threatens to move production over drinks excise
Rusnac-MoldAqua, Moldova’s largest producer of carbonated soft drinks and mineral water (the OM and Gura Căinarului brands, part of Discovery Group), has warned it may review investment projects and move part of its production to neighbouring countries.
The trigger is the draft fiscal and customs policy for 2027. It introduces an excise duty of 1.60 lei per litre on carbonated drinks with sugar or sweeteners and on energy drinks, rising to 1.76 lei in 2028 and 1.94 lei in 2029. The company says it supports cutting sugar consumption but objects that sugar-free drinks would pay practically the same tax as classic ones. It proposes, as in Romania, an excise scaled by added sugar content and notes that the EU does not require such a tax.
What it means for you
- Drinks producers and importers: model how a 1.60 lei/litre excise will affect your 2027 prices.
- Retail and HoReCa: expect price revisions for soft drinks and energy drinks.
- The 2027 fiscal policy is still a draft — business associations can submit proposals now.
Source: Mold-Street, 26.09.2026