Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dog and cat food in Bulgaria expanded significantly in physical terms from 2018 to 2022, with volume growing from 62 473 t to over 104 824 t. This growth was particularly strong in 2020 and 2022, driven by increasing pet owner focus on quality and variety. For instance, in 2022, rising demand for higher-class products, including grain-free, bio, and natural options, stimulated market expansion. The emergence of new segments, such as a unique dog juice produced by a company in eastern Bulgaria, also contributed to broadening the product range and attracting consumer interest.

After peaking in 2022, physical market volume experienced a modest correction in 2023 and 2024, settling at 94 593 t. However, the market value continued its upward trajectory throughout the entire period, reaching 122 542 thousand US dollars in 2024. This divergence highlights a sustained consumer shift toward more expensive, specialized, and premium products, a trend noted in market observations for 2023 which emphasized ongoing interest in quality and natural food options.

Over the full 2018-2024 period, the Bulgarian dog and cat food market more than doubled in value, underscoring its dynamic evolution and the growing willingness of pet owners to invest in higher-quality nutrition for their animals.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of dog or cat food for retail sale has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 22 136 thousand US dollars, marking a 27.2% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 67.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 18.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 45 345 tonnes, up 27.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 47.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%.

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

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of dog or cat food for retail sale from Bulgaria have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 4 896 tonnes, a 7.9% increase year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 68.2%, corresponding to a CAGR of 18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and Georgia were the top destinations for Bulgaria's exports in kind of dog or cat food for retail sale. Greece accounted for 35.0% of exports, Romania for 33.7%, and Georgia for 8.5%, together making up 77.1% of total export volumes.

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

Exports of dog or cat food for retail sale from Bulgaria have grown for the third year running. In 2020, export value amounted to 4 005 thousand US dollars, 24.3% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 89.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Greece, and Georgia were the leading markets for Bulgaria's exports in value terms of dog or cat food for retail sale. Together, these three countries accounted for 64.1% 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 dog or cat food for retail sale to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Imports of dog or cat food for retail sale into Bulgaria have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 48 073 tonnes, a significant 13.8% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 39.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Poland, and Germany were the main suppliers of dog or cat food for retail sale to Bulgaria in kind. Hungary contributed 26.1% of imports, Poland 25.4%, and Germany 8.5%, collectively accounting for 60.1% of total import volumes.

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

Imports of dog or cat food for retail sale into Bulgaria have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value totaled 48 746 thousand US dollars, up 25.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 63.7%, with a CAGR of 17.9%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Poland, Hungary, and Germany were the primary sources for Bulgaria's imports in value terms of dog or cat food for retail sale. Poland accounted for 24.7% of import value, Hungary for 21.7%, and Germany for 12.2%, together representing 58.7% of total import flows.

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

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