Bottling and packaging equipment market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for bottling and packaging equipment expanded significantly from $52.6 million in 2018 to $79.4 million in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by the introduction of advanced packaging technologies, including 3-in-1 filling-washing-sealing machines that enhanced sanitary conditions and production capacity. The increased diversity of available equipment, such as ultrasonic sealing and automatic capping machines, along with the presence of local suppliers offering complete packaging solutions, stimulated market demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 heightened the need for hygienic and automated packaging solutions, supporting the market. By 2021, the market volume contracted to $39.8 million, though this period saw the launch of new automatic dosing and filling models and the emergence of new segments like vacuum and bulk packaging machines. In 2022, the market recovered to $57.1 million, fueled by continued automation trends and growing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging materials, which spurred innovation in equipment and materials.

Production bottling and packaging equipment in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, Bulgaria's output of bottling and packaging equipment was valued at 30 500 K $ US, marking a 13.1% decline compared to 2018.

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

Exports bottling and packaging equipment from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of bottling and packaging equipment declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 801 t, representing a 24.2% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.9%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 1 323 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 42.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's exports of bottling and packaging equipment in kind were relatively evenly distributed. Belgium accounted for 12.9% of exports, Turkey for 7.5%, and Iran for 7.1%, with these three countries together making up only 27.5% of total 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

Bulgaria's exports of bottling and packaging equipment in value terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 25 694 K $ US, a substantial 14.4% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 6.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 33 808 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 23.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, Bulgaria's exports of bottling and packaging equipment in value terms were spread across numerous countries. Belgium contributed 10.3% of exports, Turkey 7.3%, and Romania 6.0%, with these three partners accounting for just 23.6% of total 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 bottling and packaging equipment to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year uptick, Bulgaria's imports of bottling and packaging equipment in kind declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 083 t, showing a moderate 3.1% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 51.3%, with a CAGR of 14.8%. The maximum was recorded in 2019 at 2 148 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 46.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Italy, Germany, and Turkey—together absorbed 53.6% of Bulgaria's total imports of bottling and packaging equipment 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

After a two-year advance, Bulgaria's imports of bottling and packaging equipment in value terms declined. In 2020, imports stood at 61 090 K $ US, down by 22.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 45.2%, with a CAGR of 13.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 78 873 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 53.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and China remained Bulgaria's key partners for imports of bottling and packaging equipment in value terms. Germany accounted for 35.9% of imports, Italy for 25.7%, and China for 5.5%, with these three countries together making up 67.1% of total flows.

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

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