Crispbread, rusks, toasted bread and similar toasted products market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for crispbread, rusks, and toasted bread demonstrated steady growth from 5 180 t in 2018 to 7 251 t in 2021. This expansion was supported by investments in automation and lower labor costs within the bakery sector, which improved production efficiency. Concurrently, new labeling requirements for both pre-packaged and unpackaged bread products were introduced, aiming to standardize consumer information.

Market volume more than doubled to 16 509 t in 2022. The primary driver was the introduction of a zero VAT rate on bread and flour starting June 2022, extended through 2023, which stimulated consumption. Although the war in Ukraine caused a spike in wheat and raw material prices, the fiscal measure helped cushion the impact on retail prices. That same year, the competition authority increased scrutiny of pricing practices in the retail sale of bakery goods.

In the following years, export volumes continued to rise, reaching 15 359 t in 2024, indicating the competitiveness of Bulgarian production. Investment in modernizing production lines remained a key industry trend, supporting output. Measures to limit retail markups and updated packaging and labeling guidelines in line with European standards were also maintained.

Production crispbread, rusks and toasted bread in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, output was valued at 44 365 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate reduction of 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 46 167 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 15.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products improved for two years before declining. In 2020, the country produced 16 161 tonnes, down by 1.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 15.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.1%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 16 473 tonnes, and the largest yearly increase was in 2018 at 12.4%.

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

Exports crispbread, rusks and toasted bread from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products experienced a two-year uptick before declining. In 2020, export volume totaled 10 499 tonnes, representing a year-over-year decrease of 15.1%. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 359 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products in kind were widely dispersed across partner countries. Romania accounted for 14.2% of exports, Greece for 9.7%, and Serbia for 9.2%, together representing only 33.1% 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 crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products saw a two-year uptick before declining. In 2020, exports were valued at 33 014 thousand US dollars, reflecting a robust year-over-year decline of 12.0%. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%. The peak value was in 2019 at 37 502 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for Bulgaria's exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Romania accounted for 9.1% of exports, Serbia for 8.3%, and Albania for 8.1%, jointly representing 25.4% of total flows, while many other countries made up the remaining 74.6%.

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

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

Imports crispbread, rusks and toasted bread to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products increased for two years before declining. In 2020, import volume totaled 1 300 tonnes, showing a robust decrease of 20.5% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 636 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece was the largest supplier of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products to Bulgaria, accounting for 48.8% of imports in kind. Romania followed with 24.8%, and Spain with 7.2%, together forming 80.7% 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, K $ US

Bulgaria's imports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products advanced for two years before declining. In 2020, imports reached 3 028 thousand US dollars, indicating a reduction of 14.6% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The maximum value was in 2019 at 3 548 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 26.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece consistently led Bulgaria's imports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products in value terms, accounting for 46.8%. Romania followed with 19.8%, and Spain with 10.3%, jointly representing 76.9% 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