Fresh or chilled beef market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Bulgaria's fresh beef market expanded significantly, with production rising from 7 834 t to 12 407 t and market volume growing from 8 837 t to 14 007 t. This growth period followed the introduction of a premium dry-aged beef segment in 2017, marked by the certification and limited retail launch of UNITEMP beef, indicating early investments in modern production technologies.

After 2021, trade patterns shifted dramatically as exports began to surge, particularly to Turkey, which became the leading buyer from 2022 onward. This export growth, coupled with a decline in imports, reflected a reorientation of the market. By 2023, sales of chilled beef overtook frozen beef, signaling a change in consumer preferences towards fresher products.

The export momentum accelerated in 2024, with shipments in the first half of the year increasing by 160.9% compared to the same period in 2023. This sustained rise suggests ongoing expansion of production capacity and strengthening trade relationships within the region.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 39 481 thousand US dollars, marking a solid year-on-year increase of 12.9%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef production volume has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9 184 tonnes, showing a modest year-on-year gain of 5.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 7.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 834 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 8.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest increase at 11.6%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their peak in 2017 but dropped to the lowest point in 2019, with a fluctuation of 9.2 times between these extremes. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 178 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, representing a sharp increase of 71.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 104 tonnes in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 82.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom formed the core group of markets for Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 41.3% of exports, Poland for 21.7%, and the United Kingdom for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 73.4% 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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a difference of 5.6 times between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef exports totaled 2 306 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp uptick of 372.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 488 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 74.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland consistently held leading positions in Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef export structure by value. The Netherlands accounted for 29.4% of exports, Romania for 19.4%, and Poland for 15.1%. Collectively, these three markets represented 63.9% 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 or chilled beef to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of fresh or chilled beef totaled 1 714 tonnes, marking a significant drop of 22.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 585 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 2 223 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 40.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy consistently remained the main sources for Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef imports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 26.9% of imports, Romania for 25.7%, and Italy for 20.1%. Together, these three countries represented 72.7% 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

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's fresh or chilled beef imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 054 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate reduction of 4.1% compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports overall increased by 16.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 439 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three principal markets — the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy — together accounted for 74.9% of Bulgaria's total fresh or chilled beef imports by value.

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

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