Carrots and turnips market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh carrots and turnips in Bulgaria contracted significantly from 44 416 t in 2018 to 26 603 t in 2023. The sharpest decline occurred in 2020 when the market fell to 25 614 t. Domestic production dropped from 25 650 t to 9 710 t over the period, while imports gradually decreased but remained the main supply source.

After the 2020 low, the market partially recovered to 28 097 t in 2021 and then stabilized around 27 000 t in 2022 and 2023, with the minor 2023 change indicating a steady state.

In 2024, exports of carrots and turnips surged by 158.5% in the first nine months, driven by growing foreign demand. Concurrently, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency intensified quality and labeling checks for fresh vegetables, including carrots and turnips.

Production carrots and turnips in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of carrots and turnips has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 700 tonnes, which represents a significant 57.4% drop compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 63.7%, with an average annual decline of 28.7%. The peak was reached in 2018, with 25 650 tonnes produced, marking a 7.0% increase from the previous year.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of carrots and turnips have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 291 tonnes, up by 48.7% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 32.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest point was in 2018, with only 167 tonnes exported, reflecting a 24.3% decline from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania remained the dominant export market for Bulgaria's carrots and turnips, accounting for 73.4% of total export volumes. Other markets made up the remainder, forming a long tail of smaller partners.

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 export value of carrots and turnips has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 323 thousand US dollars, a 30.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value surged by 90.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's carrot and turnip exports were heavily oriented towards Romania, which accounted for 92.8% of total export 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 carrots and turnips to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of carrots and turnips have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 17 205 tonnes, down by 3.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports overall increased by 9.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 933 tonnes, which was a 20.6% increase from the previous year. In 2019, imports fell by 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Serbia were the main sources for Bulgaria's carrot and turnip imports, together accounting for 82.2% of total import volumes. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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 import value of carrots and turnips has decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 4 813 thousand US dollars, down by 2.9% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 12.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 4 813 thousand US dollars, marking a 30.6% rise from the previous year. In 2019, import value dropped by 11.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Germany, and Serbia were the largest suppliers of carrots and turnips to Bulgaria in value terms. Turkey accounted for 41.9% of imports, Germany for 17.2%, and Serbia for 15.0%, together making up 74.1% of total import value.

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

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