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, which proposes 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.
• Retailers and HoReCa businesses should note that any price changes will depend on the draft being adopted and the cost being passed through to consumers.
• The 2027 fiscal policy is still a draft — business associations can submit proposals now.

Source: Mold-Street, 26.09.2026