Apple market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian apple market began the period with the introduction of new, consumer-appealing varieties. In 2018, a cold-resistant apple variety with deep-red flesh, developed after two decades of breeding, was first presented. This was followed by the spread of unique, nutrient-rich varieties in the Plovdiv market in 2019. These product innovations coincided with a significant expansion of the market volume from 91 485 t in 2018 to 109 967 t in 2019.

Following the peak in 2019, the market volume contracted to 89 214 t in 2020. It then entered a recovery phase, growing to 94 918 t in 2021 and further to 107 121 t in 2022.

The market volume declined to 88 605 t in 2023. During this year, the sector was characterized by technological progress and farm restructuring, which helped maintain production levels despite a reduction in cultivated area. For 2024, key factors included changes to the Strategic Agricultural Plan and subsidy payments influencing production, alongside stable European demand and complex global logistics affecting trade flows.

Production apple in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

Apple production in Bulgaria has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 37 870 tonnes of apples, representing a 13.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 15.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 50 300 tonnes, marking a 12.0% increase from the previous year. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 13.3% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Bulgaria's apple production value rebounded in 2020. The output was valued at 22 616 thousand US dollars, showing a 12.2% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 30.6%, with an average annual decline of 11.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 160 thousand US dollars, which represented a 23.7% drop from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports apple from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Bulgaria's apple exports in kind reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 1 590 tonnes of apples, a 6.5% decrease compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 861 tonnes, marking a substantial 95.7% increase from 2017. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Italy, and Romania were the main buyers of Bulgarian apples in terms of volume. Greece accounted for 36.3% of exports, Italy for 27.7%, and Romania for 22.7%. Together, these three countries represented 86.7% of Bulgaria's total apple exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Bulgaria's apple exports in value terms showed a solid increase in 2020, reaching 949 thousand US dollars, which is 20.8% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 37.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 978 thousand US dollars, representing a 41.8% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 19.7% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Greece, Italy, and Romania consistently remained the main destinations for Bulgarian apple exports in value terms. Greece accounted for 39.3% of export value, Italy for 22.2%, and Romania for 21.7%. Together, these three countries represented 83.2% of Bulgaria's total apple export flows by value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports apple to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, Bulgaria's apple imports in kind declined in 2020. The country imported 52 000 tonnes of apples, marking a significant 22.2% decrease compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 40.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 68 047 tonnes, which represented a substantial 58.1% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia, Poland, and Greece were the main suppliers of apples to Bulgaria in terms of volume. North Macedonia accounted for 48.1% of imports, Poland for 22.6%, and Greece for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 85.7% of Bulgaria's total apple imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Bulgaria's apple imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 15 968 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 28.9% growth compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 48.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, North Macedonia, Poland, and Italy were the main suppliers of apples to Bulgaria in value terms. North Macedonia accounted for 26.9% of import value, Poland for 26.5%, and Italy for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 69.6% of Bulgaria's total apple imports by value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020