Frozen fruit and nuts market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen fruit and nuts in Bulgaria began the period at 4.1 million USD in 2018, growing to 5.7 million USD in 2019 before a slight contraction to 5.0 million USD in 2020, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption to supply chains and consumption patterns.

A pronounced expansion followed, with the market value rising to 7.5 million USD in 2021 and further to 10.7 million USD in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in sales of frozen fruit, as consumers turned to frozen options for their convenience and in response to higher prices for fresh produce. The update of quality and safety standards for quick-frozen foods in 2021 and the implementation of the EU's organic production regulation in 2022 supported this trend by aligning with heightened consumer interest in healthy and reliably sourced food.

After declining to 7.5 million USD in 2023, the market recovered strongly to reach 11.1 million USD in 2024, maintaining an overall upward trajectory across the 2018-2024 timeframe.

Production frozen fruit and nuts in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's frozen fruit and nuts production increased in 2020. The output was valued at 32 094 K $ US, marking a 7.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 29 815 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 9.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 15 804 t of frozen fruit and nuts, representing a 4.8% year-over-year contraction. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 9.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The largest decline was observed in 2018 at 6.2%, followed by an increase of 1.4% in 2019.

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

Exports frozen fruit and nuts from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of frozen fruit and nuts declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, with a volume of 14 312 t, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 15.2%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France remained the top destinations for Bulgaria's frozen fruit and nuts exports in kind. Italy accounted for 28.0% of exports, Germany for 22.4%, and France for 11.5%, collectively representing 61.9% 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

Following a two-year decrease, Bulgaria's frozen fruit and nuts exports increased in 2020, reaching 34 343 K $ US, which indicates a robust year-over-year uptick of 13.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 6.5%, with an annualized rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 30 185 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with an 11.1% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Germany, and France consistently led as the main destinations for Bulgaria's frozen fruit and nuts exports in value terms. Italy held a 29.7% share, Germany 20.4%, and France 11.8%, together accounting for 61.8% 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 frozen fruit and nuts to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's imports of frozen fruit and nuts increased in 2020, totaling 3 703 t, which corresponds to a 7.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 52.1%, with a CAGR of 21.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 437 t, while the largest decline took place in 2018 with a 40.4% drop.

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

During 2017-2020, Belgium, Greece, and Slovenia were the leading suppliers of frozen fruit and nuts to Bulgaria in kind. Belgium contributed 21.9% of imports, Greece 19.0%, and Slovenia 13.2%, jointly making up 54.1% 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

Following a two-year fall, Bulgaria's imports of frozen fruit and nuts increased in 2020, amounting to approximately 7 279 K $ US, reflecting a substantial year-over-year rise of 20.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with a CAGR of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 033 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with a 10.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's imports of frozen fruit and nuts in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. Romania, Belgium, and Serbia were key suppliers, with Romania accounting for 19.7% of imports, Belgium for 11.6%, and Serbia for 11.0%, together representing 42.3% of total import flows.

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

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