Frozen whole chickens market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the Bulgarian frozen whole chicken market experienced a significant contraction, with its volume falling from 13 403 t to 6 693 t. The sharpest decline occurred in 2020, when stricter labeling and traceability rules for frozen chicken products under Regulation No. 70 of 14.04.2020 were introduced alongside updated animal welfare legislation. These regulatory changes increased production and compliance costs, directly leading to a reduced market supply that year. Additionally, the long-established consumer preference for fresh over frozen chicken, with only an estimated 10% of purchases being frozen, consistently limited market expansion throughout the entire period.

Market recovery after 2020 was constrained by subsequent cost pressures and structural shifts. In 2021, inflationary pressure on input costs for chicken meat increased operational expenses for producers. The following year, 2022, saw market players like 'Elit 2095' selling accumulated stocks of deep-frozen products, indicating an oversupply that contributed to market volume reduction. During this time, the industry also adapted to new mandatory temperature and hygiene control requirements in storage facilities, as stipulated by Regulation No. 32.

The latter part of the period was characterized by market concentration among a few large, integrated producers such as Ameta and Gradus, which expanded their capacity for frozen goods. This consolidation coincided with the development of niche segments like halal-certified frozen chicken to serve specific consumer needs. However, the core market for frozen whole chicken remained limited. By 2024, a new, stricter version of the Regulation on quick-frozen foods imposed further quality and safety controls on frozen batches, reinforcing a regulatory environment focused on product standards rather than market growth.

Production frozen whole chickens in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of frozen whole chickens declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 15 886 thousand US dollars, but by 2020 it had fallen to 9 160 thousand US dollars, marking a 42.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 38.1%, with an average annual decline of 14.8%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, at 6.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 5 505 tonnes of frozen whole chickens, a sharp decline of 40.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 41.3%, with an average annual decrease of 16.3%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, at 5.0%.

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

Exports frozen whole chickens from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of frozen whole chickens reached 2 382 tonnes in 2019, the highest level in the period, but fell to 1 788 tonnes in 2020, down 24.9% from the previous year. Over 2017-2020, exports decreased by 17.1%, with an average annual decline of 6.1%. The largest year-on-year increase was in 2019, at 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, North Macedonia, and Cyprus were the top buyers of frozen whole chickens from Bulgaria, accounting for 77.4% of total exports by volume. Greece led with 52.1%, followed by North Macedonia at 13.5% and Cyprus at 11.8%.

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 frozen whole chickens declined after two years of gains. In 2019, export value peaked at 5 226 thousand US dollars, but dropped to 3 472 thousand US dollars in 2020, a dramatic 33.6% decrease from the previous year. Over 2017-2020, exports fell by 15.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.4%. The largest year-on-year increase was in 2019, at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Cyprus, and North Macedonia were the main destinations for Bulgaria's frozen whole chicken exports by value, together accounting for 83.5% of total flows. Greece dominated with 61.2%, followed by Cyprus at 13.4% and North Macedonia at 8.9%.

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 whole chickens to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of frozen whole chickens declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their highest point at 6 622 tonnes, but fell to 4 721 tonnes in 2020, down 28.5% from the previous year. Over 2017-2020, imports decreased by 10.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The largest year-on-year increase was in 2018, at 25.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Poland, and Greece were the principal sources of frozen whole chicken imports to Bulgaria, together accounting for 83.8% of total imports by volume.

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 frozen whole chickens declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, import value peaked at 10 386 thousand US dollars, but dropped to 6 093 thousand US dollars in 2020, an abrupt 32.2% decrease from the previous year. Over 2017-2020, imports fell by 21.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.9%. The largest year-on-year increase was in 2018, at 33.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Romania, Poland, and Greece formed the core of Bulgaria's frozen whole chicken imports by value, together taking 84.7% of total flows. Romania led with 38.4%, followed by Poland at 26.0% and Greece at 20.4%.

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

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