Cheese and curd market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Bulgaria grew steadily from 91.7 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 113.4 thousand tonnes in 2024. This expansion was fueled by a continuous increase in imports, which rose from 26.0 to 41.6 thousand tonnes, while exports gradually declined. From as early as 2018, the market faced strong competition from imported products, with Germany noted as a leading supplier of cheese and curd to Bulgaria, affecting domestic sales strategies.

Domestic production peaked at 103.5 thousand tonnes in 2020 before contracting to 88.6 thousand tonnes by 2024. A key driver was the reported decrease in dairy herds, with the number of milk cows and ewes falling by about 5.5% and 5.3% respectively by 2023, reducing raw milk availability. Furthermore, by 2024, the market saw a notable shift toward imitation products, with nearly 13 thousand tonnes of substitute cheese sold, displacing some traditional production. Regulatory proposals in 2024, including limits on water content in brine cheeses and a requirement for retail chains to stock at least 80% Bulgarian milk and cheese, aimed to alter market structure and support local producers.

Consumer preferences increasingly favored imported dairy items, intensifying competition for Bulgarian manufacturers. The prevalence of counterfeit products, such as palm-oil substitutes used in traditional dishes, also affected market trust and consumption patterns. Despite the drop in production, the overall market volume continued to rise as imports filled the gap, highlighting the competitive pressure from international suppliers.

Production cheese and curd in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Bulgaria's cheese and curd production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 377.5 million US dollars, marking a strong gain of 15.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 38.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's cheese and curd production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 103.5 thousand tonnes were produced, up by 8.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 21.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exported cheese and curd volumes from Bulgaria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 23 379 tonnes, showing no change compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.2%, with an annualized rate of decline of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Germany were the largest buyers of cheese and curd from Bulgaria, accounting for 27.5%, 12.4%, and 12.1% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they formed 51.9% of total 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, M $ US

Cheese and curd exports from Bulgaria have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 103.2 million US dollars worth of cheese and curd, equivalent to a moderate rise of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Germany, and the United States were the main destinations for cheese and curd from Bulgaria in value terms, accounting for 26.5%, 14.9%, and 11.4% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 52.8% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of cheese and curd to Bulgaria have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 28 139 tonnes, which is 3.3% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 23.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands were the main suppliers of cheese and curd to Bulgaria, accounting for 24.9%, 24.2%, and 15.1% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they comprised 64.2% of total 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, M $ US

Bulgaria's cheese and curd imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totalled 101.1 million US dollars, reflecting a slight increase of 2.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms for cheese and curd to Bulgaria, accounting for 26.5%, 20.1%, and 13.9% of imports, respectively. Their combined share was 60.4% 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