Fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts in Bulgaria demonstrated relative stability in volume, ranging between 31 857 t and 32 626 t. Domestic production grew significantly from 12 665 t to 16 128 t over this period, while imports decreased from 20 239 t to 16 135 t, indicating a strengthening of local supply. In value terms, the market expanded from 74.7 million USD to 84.5 million USD.

The market landscape began to shift in 2022 with the strategic expansion of the company 'Bratya Radevi', which acquired a slaughterhouse in Dulovo and opened a branded meat store. This move aimed to broaden trade opportunities for pork and expand the company's product range, contributing to increased import and export activity that year.

A reduction in Bulgaria's pig herd in 2023 led to tighter market supply, resulting in a 3.8% decrease in pork imports and a 5.3% drop in exports. This contraction in domestic production drove wholesale prices up by 2.7% to 9.9% and retail prices by approximately 9%, while consumer demand for chilled meat over frozen remained high due to quality preferences. In early 2024, slaughterhouse output rebounded sharply by 21.8%, though imports from the EU declined by over 6%, and the market continued to be shaped by domestic production, which supplies about 60% of fresh meat, alongside persistent structural challenges in processing infrastructure.

Production fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 51 559 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.4% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 54.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 15.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Bulgaria's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 16 128 tonnes, reflecting a 4.0% improvement compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 46.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, varying by 4.8 times from the peak in 2018 to the low in 2017. In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts stood at 114 tonnes, down 24.6% from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 277 tonnes, with the largest decline of 45.4% occurring in 2019 and the largest increase of 375.7% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania remained the top markets for Bulgaria's exports in volume terms, together accounting for 98.8% of total flows. Other partners played a minor role in comparison.

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 market showed an unstable trend over this period. Export values peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.3 times. In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts totaled 347 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 19.0% from the previous year. The maximum value was 664 thousand US dollars in 2018, with the largest decline of 35.6% in 2019 and the largest increase of 333.4% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece and Romania continued to be the primary destinations for Bulgaria's exports in value terms, jointly representing 92.5% of total flows. Other partners were individually much less significant.

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 bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 135 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.2% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 13.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 4.8%. The peak volume was 20 239 tonnes in 2018, with the largest drop of 18.5% in 2019 and the largest rise of 8.2% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and Hungary were the main sources of Bulgaria's imports in volume terms. France accounted for 43.1% of imports, Spain for 35.4%, and Hungary for 6.1%, together making up 84.6% 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 fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts totaled 33 323 thousand US dollars, representing a gradual decrease of 5.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 6.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.3%. The largest increase was a modest 0.3% in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, France, and Hungary were the largest suppliers of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts to Bulgaria in value terms. Spain contributed 39.5% of imports, France 39.1%, and Hungary 5.8%, collectively forming 84.4% of total import value.

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

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