Bulgaria's Agricultural Market Analysis: FY 2023

 Bulgaria is a small, beautiful country. Farming is the main occupation of Bulgarian people. Bulgaria's major food crops are cereals, corn, sunflower seeds, and wheat. Also, rose and lavender oil, meat, honey are other promising exports of Bulgaria. Bulgaria is the prominent market for sunflower meal and sunflower oil exports globally. European Union countries are the important trading partners of Bulgaria.

During last year, 60% of Bulgaria's sunflower meal exports went to the EU whereas, the EU represented 47% of Bulgaria's sunflower oil exports. The overall sunflower seed oil exports from Bulgaria were estimated to be $850 million during FY 2023. Greece was the top sunflower seed oil importer responsible for 17% market share followed by South Africa (12%), Spain (10.8%) and Iraq (10%). 

Whereas, sunflower meal exports from Bulgaria were recorded to be $268 million last year. China was the leading destination for Bulgaria sunflower meal exports along with the United States, Israel, Greece and Turkey. Avere Commodities, Oliva AD, Ayhan Sezer and Kehlibar are some of the leading Bulgarian export companies for sunflower seeds oil.

In 2023, Bulgaria's fruits exports rose up to 5%. According to Bulgaria import export data reports, over $169 million worth of fruits were exported during last year. The key fruits exports of Bulgaria are citrus fruits, apricots, cherries, dates, figs, coconuts, melons, etc. 

The top markets for Bulgaria fruit exports were Poland, Germany, Italy and Romania. Also, there was a notable amount of fruit exports to Hungary, Czech Republic, and Canada for last year. Kuminiano fruits, Schutte Herbal Solutions, Fruit Management Europe, International Coffee and M - Trade Frozen Fruits were the top fruits export companies from Bulgaria with large amounts of shipments last year.

Whereas, Bulgaria’s vegetable exports grew by 4.2% in 2023. As per Bulgaria export data, the country’s vegetable exports were recorded to be $184 million last year. These include tomatoes, dried legumes, cucumbers, onions, and potatoes. Italy was the major vegetable import destination from Bulgaria. 

Last year, Italy’s imports of Bulgarian vegetables were over $50 million with 27% share of Bulgarian exports. In terms of Bulgarian vegetable exports share, there was notable increase in exports to Romania (14%), Germany (12%), Poland (9%) and Spain (6%). Some of the leading fresh vegetables export companies from Bulgaria are Suico Eood, Naturali Frukt Eood, Natural Foods, Aron Fresh and Eurofresh Evesham.

On the other hand, Bulgarian fruits and vegetables imports went up by 20% last year.  As per Bulgaria import data, the country’s vegetable imports were $325 million whereas fruits imports stood at around $168 million in 2023. The major fruits items imports of Bulgaria were citrus fruits, bananas, apricots, apples, melons, legumes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and lettuce.

The most favoured destinations by Bulgaria for Agricultural products imports were Greece, Germany, Netherlands and Poland.  Intercitrus, Bulgarian Walnut Company, Sadamir Bulgaria Eood, and Korona M Eood were the top companies from Bulgaria in terms of fruits and vegetables imports.

In terms of dairy exports, Bulgaria exported around $295 million worth of products in 2023. Compared to FY 20222, there was an increase of 4%. These were mostly cheese, eggs, honey, butter, milk, protein and milk cream.

Again, Greece was the leading destination for Bulgarian dairy exports contributing to 28% market share. Among the fastest growing markets for Bulgarian dairy exports were Germany, Romania, United Kingdom and the United States. The leading dairy products distributing companies from Bulgaria were Milenium 2000 Eood, Royal V and Classic Fine Foods.

Bulgarian companies involved in the agriculture and dairy products sector can expand their presence beyond Bulgaria through the intelligence of Global import export data provider. Through these reports, Bulgarian companies can reach out to potential agricultural items importing companies and based on their purchasing behaviour can plan product pricing, production quantities and source quality goods.