Bulgaria: Stone Fruit Annual

Post forecasts that Bulgaria’s stone fruit crop in marketing year (MY) 2021 will be marginally down from MY 2020. Cherry production is forecast lower, mainly due to decreased average yields. Peach production is expected to recover from the record low level in MY 2020 due to higher area harvested and improved yields. As projected by Post, MY 2020 consumption proved to be significantly down due to COVID’s negative effects on consumer demand and the weak tourist season, although demand from processors was up for cherries. MY 2021 consumption is forecast to partly restore but this will likely affect processing while fresh use may still remain restrained due to continued COVID limitations, accelerating food inflation, and food service industry challenges. Imports of stone fruits are expected to grow due to insufficient domestic supply and recovering customers’ demand.