Fresh or chilled whole chickens market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled whole chickens in Bulgaria grew to 62,640 t in 2019, supported by stable domestic production near 49,000 t. However, in 2020, total market volume contracted sharply to 50,365 t. This decline was primarily driven by a steep fall in imports, which halved to 10,728 t, while exports also decreased slightly.

Following 2020, import volumes remained subdued in 2021 before beginning a recovery, reaching 14,203 t by 2024. Export volumes fluctuated during this period. The market environment was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted trade flows, and a significant rise in wholesale chicken meat prices in the first half of 2022. Major integrated producers, such as those holding a 27% market share, continued to shape the supply side.

In later years, consumer preferences remained focused on fresh and chilled products, with increased attention on origin traceability and product quality. The EU's temporary trade liberalization with Ukraine also facilitated greater imports of certain poultry products, contributing to the import recovery trend.

Production fresh or chilled whole chickens in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 78 571 K $ US, marking a 2.3% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 85 388 K $ US, which represented a 13.3% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's production of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined. In 2020, the country produced 48 016 tonnes, a slight decrease of 2.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 6.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 49 251 tonnes, while the largest increase of 8.1% was recorded in 2018.

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

Exports fresh or chilled whole chickens from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 8 380 tonnes, a 6.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 27.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia—accounted for 89.7% of Bulgaria's total exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens.

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

Bulgaria's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 14 008 K $ US, a 20.7% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 39.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 15.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 23 526 K $ US, which saw a modest increase of 0.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a fall of 24.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania dominated Bulgaria's exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in value terms, while other markets played a less significant role.

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 whole chickens to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 728 tonnes, a sharp decrease of 51.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 54.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens to Bulgaria were primarily sourced from Poland and Greece, which together accounted for 81.6% of total flows, with other destinations contributing less significantly.

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's imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 370 K $ US, a 52.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 56.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 24.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 35 195 K $ US, which saw a 5.6% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Poland and Greece accounted for 82.1% of Bulgaria's total imports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in value terms, with the remaining share distributed among other destinations.

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

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