European Outlook 2026
Attractive Investment Opportunity in Sebeș-Alba Iulia Region
Bucharest, February 2026: Cushman & Wakefield Echinox has been exclusively appointed to market and sell the agricultural portfolio owned by HempFlax Netherlands, a leading cultivator and processor of hemp marking a significant opportunity for investors seeking entry into Romania’s competitive agribusiness sector. This mandate underscores the growing interest in Romanian farmland and its favorable position in the European market.
The HempFlax portfolio comprises versatile agricultural property, featuring a substantial area of contiguous, compact land of almost 800 ha located near a modern processing facility. The site’s adaptability allows for the development of diverse production lines, making it suitable for a wide range of agricultural operations.
In addition to the land, the sale includes all supporting equipment and machinery. The property is situated in the Sebeș-Alba Iulia region, a recognized industrial hub attracting key players from automotive, wood processing, and food industries.
Romania continues to offer highly competitive agricultural land prices, with local values currently below €9,000 per hectare—substantially lower than the European average. For comparison, land prices in the Netherlands can exceed €85,000 per hectare, highlighting Romania’s accessibility and growth potential for agricultural investment.
HempFlax’s decision to exit the Romanian market follows a reassessment of its strategic focus, where vertical supply chain integration in value adding activities is preferred over bulk production. The company will concentrate its investments closer to its primary Western European clientele, reflecting a strategic business decision to optimize resources and align future growth with client demand.
Despite this strategic shift, the portfolio’s potential remains significant. The region’s established reputation as a production hub, combined with the property’s scale and infrastructure, offers considerable opportunities for investors seeking to expand or diversify their agricultural operations in Eastern Europe.
Stefan Surcel, head of Industrial Agency Cushman & Wakefield Echinox: “This portfolio presents a rare opportunity for investors to acquire large-scale, high-quality agricultural land in one of Romania’s most dynamic industrial regions. With competitive pricing compared to Western European markets and the inclusion of essential equipment and infrastructure, we expect strong interest from both local and international buyers.”
HempFlax was founded in 1993 by Ben Dronkers with the aim of restoring the age-old crop to its former glory. The synergy between the various branches creates a sustainable and innovative business environment in which HempFlax can become the market leader in the field of industrial hemp production.
The HempFlax cultivation takes place in the Netherlands, Germany and Romania with factories located in Oude Pekela, Netherlands and Alba Iulia, Romania.
