Cherries market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the volume of the fresh cherry market in Bulgaria showed moderate fluctuations, moving from 62 122 t to 59 501 t. The lowest point was recorded in 2020 at 57 927 t, followed by a gradual recovery over the next two years.

In 2023, the market contracted sharply to 52 342 t, a drop of 12% from the previous year. This decline was primarily driven by severe climatic anomalies and spring frosts, which damaged up to 80% of the crop and reduced processing-grade production by approximately 10 000 t. The market for processed cherries is notably concentrated, with the company 'Kuminiano Fruit' holding around two-thirds of the segment.

By 2024, trade dynamics shifted significantly: cherry exports surged by 91.2% to 8 257 t, while imports fell slightly to 6 525 t. This expansion in exports was supported by the high quality and price competitiveness of Bulgarian cherries in key markets like Poland and Germany, alongside continued state monitoring for potential market interventions.

Production cherries in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria ranked 16th globally in cherry production.

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 57 140 tonnes of cherries, marking a moderate year-on-year decline of 4.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 60 110 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 14.5%.

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

Exports cherries from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 2 154 tonnes of cherries, representing a 24.7% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 881 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 2 862 tonnes. The most significant year-on-year increase took place in 2019, reaching 52.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Germany, and Italy were the primary destinations for Bulgaria's cherry exports in volume terms, accounting for 61.7% of the total. Romania held a 29.5% share, Germany 21.5%, and Italy 10.7%.

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

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. Bulgaria's cherry exports in value terms reached 4 202 thousand US dollars in 2020, down 42.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports peaked in 2019 at 7 273 thousand US dollars and hit their lowest point in 2018 at 3 129 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 2.3-fold difference between these years. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019 at 132.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Italy formed the core of Bulgaria's cherry exports in value terms, collectively representing 58.9% of the total. Germany accounted for 34.6%, Romania for 16.4%, and Italy for 7.9%.

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

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

Imports cherries to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two consecutive years, cherry imports into Bulgaria declined. In 2020, imports stood at 2 941 tonnes, showing a sharp reduction of 35.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 16.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 559 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in the same year at 16.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece remained the dominant source for Bulgaria's cherry imports in volume terms, accounting for 74.8% of total flows, with the remainder fragmented across 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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Bulgaria imported 3 624 thousand US dollars worth of cherries in 2020, which is 53.5% less than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports peaked in 2019 at 7 789 thousand US dollars and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019 at 116.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's cherry imports in value terms were largely oriented towards Turkey and Greece, whose combined share reached 92.6% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

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