History of Bucuria — 79 Years of Confectionery Tradition in Moldova

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JSC "Bucuria": The Path to Recognition

The "Bucuria" trademark is Moldova’s calling card. Today, it is the largest confectionery enterprise in the country. For more than eight decades, JSC Bucuria has brought joy to children and adults alike — living up to its slogan:
“Life is sweeter with us…”

1918

From the Origins

Between 1918 and 1944, there were 49 confectionery workshops in Bessarabia, 10 of which specialized in candy production. The most famous were the workshops of Savva Garaguli and Nukhim Rozenberg. Before opening, each confectioner had to obtain a patent and a master’s diploma, granting permission to produce sweets. At that time, all production work was done entirely by hand.

1946

The Birth of a Legend

Building on the best practices of local artisanal workshops, in 1944 several enterprises merged to form the Chișinău Confectionery Factory No. 1. Soon after, by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Moldavian SSR dated May 24, 1946, it was decided: 1. In accordance with the Five-Year Plan for 1946–1950, a confectionery factory with a capacity of 20 tons of sweets per day should be built in Chișinău. 2. The Ministry of Food Industry of the MSSR was assigned a construction site at the intersection of Frunze and Hospital Streets, including all existing buildings on the premises.

Launch of confectionery production

During the difficult post-war years, production began on the grounds of former military barracks using German reparation equipment. The factory produced caramel, toffee, dragees, chocolate and jelly-based sweets, wafers, and chocolate-wafer cakes. All chocolate and praline masses were imported from outside the republic, and all confectionery shaping and wrapping were done manually.

Labor for the future

The scale, drive, and enthusiasm of those who stood at the origins of this “sweet fairytale” are still impressive today — since its founding, the factory has been a flagship construction site.

1949

Macaroni Production

In 1949, a pasta production line with a daily capacity of 10 tons was launched. Even by modern standards, this is a strong figure — and it later increased to 50 tons.

1952

Biscuit Workshop

In 1952, a biscuit workshop with a 14-ton daily capacity was opened, later growing to 33 tons per day thanks to continuous three-shift operations.

1955

Confectionery and Macaroni Factory

In 1955, the plant was renamed the Confectionery and Macaroni Factory. That same year, reconstruction was completed on the candy workshop (7.5 tons/day) and the chocolate department (4.5 tons/day of praline mass).

1962

“Joy” — Bucuria

In 1962, the factory was given a new name — Bucuria, which means “joy.” A perfect name for a confectionery factory, since sweets bring joy to everyone — young and old alike. In the following years, the company specialized in sugar confectionery, transferring the biscuit workshop to Bălți and discontinuing pasta production.

1977

“The Era of Experiments”

The plant evolved thanks to positive consumer feedback and the smiles of children who loved Bucuria sweets. In 1977, the factory became experimental, pioneering new uses of natural raw materials — fruits and berries from Moldova’s fertile land — that gave the products their unique flavor and appeal.

Our pride

During these years, the “Bucuria” factory became famous for products such as Zephyr, “Cherry in Chocolate,” “Grapes in Chocolate,” “Meteorite,” “Grillage,” “Moldova,” “Bird’s Milk,” and “Mask,” as well as many other sweets that defined the brand.

1987

“Time of Recognition”

Alongside recognition, the enterprise grew stronger. By 1986, its production capacity reached 42,000 tons of confectionery per year — a benchmark that few factories can match even today.

Bucuria: a step forward

In 1987, the “Bucuria Confectionery Industry Association” was established, uniting the main factory with 10 agricultural enterprises and other structural units. Their main goal was to cultivate fruits, berries, and vegetables for processing into semi-finished ingredients for the factory. Thanks to these developments, Bucuria created and released legendary candies such as “Chișinău de Seara,” “Brîndușa,” and others that still delight customers today.

1992

Time of change

During the transition to a market economy, the factory operated first as a state-owned enterprise, then as a leased company in 1991. In 1992, at the initiative of the staff and under existing legislation, it became a closed joint-stock company with mixed state and private ownership, and after privatization in 1994, it became an open joint-stock company with 100% private capital. At that time, “Bucuria” faced near collapse, but was revived by specialists who considered the factory their second home. Thanks to the competence of management and the unity of the team, the company survived and adapted to the reforms of that era.

2000

Revival of a legend

By 1999, the factory produced 220 types of candies, compared to just 56 in 1992–1993. After 2000, the assortment grew with products like “Clepsidra” with coconut flakes, the “Favorit” series with premium hazelnuts, the “Inspiratie” jelly line, and the delicious “Do-re-mi,” along with many other sweets found in stores across Moldova.

2024

The present day

Today, JSC “Bucuria” is a regular participant in national and international exhibitions, and a laureate of numerous prestigious awards. It remains one of the few Moldovan enterprises that has preserved its mark of quality. Specializing in confectionery production, Bucuria manufactures over 200 types of products, accounting for about 70% of Moldova’s total candy production. Bucuria’s sweets are exported to 15 countries worldwide. Its network of brand and franchise stores — more than 50 in Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine — plays a vital role in promoting the brand.

Bringing joy

Taking all of this into account, JSC “Bucuria” has developed and continues to thrive thanks to the invaluable contribution of every employee. The team is confident that no customer can pass by our products indifferently — because with us, life truly is sweeter!

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