Garlic market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian garlic market experienced a sustained contraction from 2 525 t in 2018 to 1 392 t in 2022. This decline was primarily driven by the growing dominance of imported garlic, particularly from Spain, which displaced local varieties and led to a sharp fall in domestic production. European regulatory changes on food labeling and packaging, which Bulgaria implemented with delay, introduced additional compliance pressures during these years.

Market volume recovered to 1 829 t in 2023. Consumer preference for Bulgarian garlic due to its taste qualities remained a notable feature, while the market continued to be influenced by global price volatility stemming from major producers like China. Cultivation persisted on a small, traditional scale across the country, with both winter and summer garlic types grown.

Production garlic in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2019, production levels varied dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 123 times. In 2019, Bulgaria produced 2 220 tonnes of garlic, which was the maximum value recorded. However, in 2020, production dropped to 1 600 tonnes, representing a year-over-year decrease of 27.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with production surging by 9 733.3%.

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

Exports garlic from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Bulgaria's garlic exports reached their minimum at 147 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, exports increased to 154 tonnes, marking a gradual gain of 4.6% compared to 2019. The maximum export value was recorded in 2018 at 229 tonnes. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 28.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 35.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 6.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and Romania were the dominant destinations for Bulgaria's garlic exports in kind, jointly accounting for 84.3% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

Garlic shipments from Bulgaria to abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 310.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a small drop of 1.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 650.2 thousand US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 21.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 51.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 64.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Romania dominated Bulgaria's garlic exports in value terms, together accounting for 86.5% of total flows. Other destinations made smaller individual contributions.

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

World map of product's exports from Bulgaria in value, 2017-2020

Imports garlic to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, foreign garlic supplies to Bulgaria increased. In 2019, imports reached their minimum at 355 tonnes. In 2020, imports totalled 488 tonnes, reflecting a steep year-over-year increase of 37.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 64.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 63.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading destinations for garlic imports in kind to Bulgaria were Spain, accounting for 24.0% of imports, Austria with 16.5%, and Poland with 15.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 56.0% 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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From the high in 2017 to the low in 2019, import volumes varied 2.3 times. In 2019, the minimum value was recorded at 363.1 thousand US dollars. In 2020, garlic shipments to Bulgaria from abroad amounted to 805.2 thousand US dollars, equivalent to an intense gain of 121.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for garlic imports in value terms to Bulgaria were the Netherlands, accounting for 32.1% of imports, Greece with 14.5%, and Egypt with 14.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.9% of total flows.

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

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