Fresh cheese and curd market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cheese and curd in Bulgaria experienced a slight contraction in 2019 before a sharp expansion in 2020. This initial period saw new players easily entering the market, while established producers strengthened their positions with quality offerings. The COVID-19 pandemic then significantly disrupted trade and data flows, contributing to a near 50% surge in market volume to 16 743 t as consumption patterns shifted.

Market growth continued into 2021, reaching 19 270 t. The following year, inflationary pressures and rising costs for energy and logistics tempered further expansion, leading to stabilization around 19 350 t. During this time, significant investments were made in local cheese production capacity, aiming to boost domestic output in the face of steady import competition.

From 2023 to 2024, the market volume climbed steadily to 21 690 t. This rise occurred alongside a notable decline in the production of cheese imitations and traditional specialty cheeses. Strong import competition continued to pressure local producers, while ongoing legislative debates sought stricter regulations on imitation dairy products.

Production fresh cheese and curd in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's fresh cheese and curd production has been growing in monetary terms for three consecutive years. In 2020, output reached 12 102 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.8% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 70.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's fresh cheese and curd production volume declined. In 2020, the country produced 6 297 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 3.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 18.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 492 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 19.2%.

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

Exports fresh cheese and curd from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Bulgaria's fresh cheese and curd exports declined. In 2020, exports stood at 2 520 tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 58.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 40.6%, with an average annual decline of 16.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 098 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 33.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Romania, and the United Kingdom were the key destinations for Bulgaria's fresh cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Greece accounted for 67.3% of exports, Romania for 9.7%, and the United Kingdom for 5.8%. Together, these three countries represented 82.9% of total export 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

The export market showed an unstable trend during this period. Bulgaria exported 6 548 thousand US dollars worth of fresh cheese and curd in 2020, which was 73.8% lower than in 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 24 952 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 44.2%. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 3.8-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Sweden, and the United Kingdom formed the core of Bulgaria's fresh cheese and curd exports in value terms. Greece accounted for 65.3% of export value, Sweden for 7.8%, and the United Kingdom for 7.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 80.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh cheese and curd to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's fresh cheese and curd imports have increased in volume for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country imported 1 000 tonnes, showing a solid advance of 20.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 42.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy were the leading sources of fresh cheese and curd imports to Bulgaria in volume terms. Germany accounted for 32.5% of imports, Poland for 27.4%, and Italy for 9.7%. Together, these three countries supplied 69.6% of total import 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

Bulgaria imported 39 811 thousand US dollars worth of fresh cheese and curd in 2020, up by 10.0% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 23.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 15.9%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy continued to be the main suppliers of fresh cheese and curd to Bulgaria in value terms. Germany accounted for 35.2% of import value, Poland for 23.7%, and Italy for 11.6%. Jointly, these three countries formed 70.5% 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