Browse Data and Analysis

The Bulgarian organic market continued to grow in 2021 with an estimated annual growth of 2.5 percent to $39 million. The main driver behind the growth was the stronger consumer focus on a healthier lifestyle and increased popularity for organic products perceived as healthful, which led to higher retail sales.

Bulgaria acceded to the European Union (EU) in 2007 and follows EU directives and regulations pertaining to food safety, quality, and standards. This report outlines applicable legislation regarding U.S. food-product exports to Bulgaria, particularly those rules which differ from EU legislation.

Report Highlights: As a European Union (EU) Member State, Bulgaria applies EU regulatory requirements for all animal- and plant-origin food and agricultural imports. Bulgarian regulatory authorities may be consulted, on a case-by-case basis, regarding import requirements for some categories of non-harmonized products.

As of early December 2019, Bulgaria reported 41 African swine fever (ASF) cases in domestic hogs and 134 cases in wild boars.

Post forecasts a decline in Bulgaria’s rapeseed area planted and production in marketing year (MY) 2020/21 due to dry fall planting conditions.

Bulgaria’s marketing year (MY) 2019/20 wheat harvest resulted in higher than expected wheat production.

At nearly 313.5 MMT, the total MY2019/20 EU28 grain crop is around 2 MMT higher than the previous forecast, with higher wheat, corn and barley production partially offset by a lower mixed grain....

Post forecasts that Bulgaria’s stone fruit crop in marketing year (MY)2019 will decline marginally.

In marketing year (MY) 2018/19, Bulgarian apple and pear production increased by 12 and 18 percent, respectively, due to favorable weather, higher yields, and increased area harvested.

Bulgaria’s livestock industry performed well in 2018 and the swine sector experienced its most productive year in a decade.

In 2018, Bulgarian broiler meat production grew by 10 percent and duck meat production increased by 18 percent over 2017.

In 2018, Bulgarian broiler meat production grew by 10 percent and duck meat production increased by 18 percent over 2017.