Food preparations for infants market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for infant food preparations began the period influenced by a growing global demand for breast milk substitutes and the emergence of new product varieties, which supported initial consumption. A slight market adjustment occurred in 2019 with volume dipping to 2 046 t following the introduction of a draft national ordinance on safety and labeling requirements for cereal-based baby foods. Harmonized EU rules on composition and labeling then boosted consumer confidence, helping market volume recover to 2 076 t in 2020.

From 2021, the market entered a steady growth phase, reaching 2 127 t driven by the implementation of the updated Food Law that strengthened quality and safety standards. Despite inflationary pressures in 2022, consumer preference for trusted and healthy options kept demand robust, pushing volume to 2 255 t. Stabilization followed in 2023 at 2 242 t as interest in plant-based and alternative infant nutrition began to shape product offerings without reducing overall consumption.

A sharp expansion occurred in 2024, with market volume jumping to 3 295 t. This surge was fueled by pronounced trends toward healthy eating, ecological products, and the use of digital health tracking, coupled with new national and international feeding recommendations that raised awareness and stimulated demand.

Production food preparations for infants in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's output of food preparations for infants was valued at 2 186 K $ US, marking a slight increase of 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, reaching 7.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria ranked 15th globally in the production of food preparations for infants.

Top producers of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

World map of production of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's production of food preparations for infants declined. In 2020, the country produced 398.3 t, reflecting a gradual reduction of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 2.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 436.3 t, which also saw the largest increase of 5.3%.

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

Exports food preparations for infants from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's volume of food preparations for infants exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 37 t, representing a robust reduction of 21.1% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 54.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Spain clearly dominated Bulgaria's exports of food preparations for infants in kind, jointly accounting for 93.2% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

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

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's exports of food preparations for infants in value terms increased. In 2020, exports totalled 552 K $ US, up by 13.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 47.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 488 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, at 36.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Spain together captured 96.0% of Bulgaria's total exports in value terms, with the remaining flows spread thinly across other markets.

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

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

Imports food preparations for infants to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's imports of food preparations for infants in kind increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 715 t, which is 3.5% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 656 t, which also saw the largest decline of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany accounted for the largest share of Bulgaria's imports of food preparations for infants in kind, with shares of 32.2%, 21.5%, and 14.4%, respectively. Together, they comprised 68.1% of total flows.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of food preparations for infants in value terms were recorded at 15 883 K $ US, amounting to a strong advance of 12.2% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany were the primary suppliers of food preparations for infants to Bulgaria in value terms, with shares of 35.9%, 24.0%, and 11.7%, respectively. Jointly, they accounted for 71.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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