Apples, pears and quinces market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for apples, pears and quinces saw significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. A major import surge in 2019, reaching over 72,000 tons, propelled the market volume to nearly 119,500 tons. This period also saw increased fruit processing and the presence of companies like 'Bioform' developing organic apple and pear cultivation. In 2020, the market contracted to 97,000 tons as both production and imports fell, despite state aid through a de minimis scheme for processors to purchase more local fruit.

Market volume recovered to 104,500 tons in 2021 and grew further to 116,800 tons in 2022, supported by rising production and imports. However, 2023 brought a sharp decline to 98,900 tons, driven by a significant drop in domestic production to 37,400 tons. Imports of apples from Western Europe remained substantial at over 28,000 tons, highlighting continued reliance on foreign supply.

For 2024, import volumes for the product group rose to 73,500 tons, while exports were minimal. The year featured substantial state support of 81.3 million leva for the fruit and vegetable sector and the implementation of plant disease control measures. Domestic production was reported to satisfy only about a third of annual consumption, underscoring the market's structural dependence on imports.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of apples, pears, and quinces has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 40,700 tons, marking a 17.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 15.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The peak was in 2018, when output reached 53,660 tons, representing the largest increase of 11.3% during this timeframe.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 1.9-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 1,882 tons of apples, pears, and quinces, showing a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1,952 tons, which also saw the largest surge of 85.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest decline of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Bulgaria's exports of apples, pears, and quinces were Greece, Italy, and Romania. Greece accounted for 32.9% of exports, Italy for 25.4%, and Romania for 21.8%. Together, these three countries represented 80.0% of total export flows.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms reached 1,265 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 38.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 64.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 11.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the principal destinations for Bulgaria's exports in value terms were Greece, Romania, and Italy. Greece made up 33.8% of exports, Romania 22.7%, and Italy 19.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 75.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's imports of apples, pears, and quinces declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 58,203 tons, a decrease of 19.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports overall increased by 33.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 72,260 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 51.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia, Poland, and Greece were the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports of apples, pears, and quinces. North Macedonia contributed 43.8% of imports, Poland 21.1%, and Greece 17.8%. Together, these three countries represented 82.8% of total import flows.

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 imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 18,972 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a steep rise of 31.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 39.2%, with an annualized rate of 11.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 13,457 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Bulgaria's imports in value terms were Poland, North Macedonia, and Italy. Poland accounted for 22.9% of imports, North Macedonia for 22.3%, and Italy for 14.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 59.9% of total import flows.

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

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