Gin and geneva market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the gin market in Bulgaria saw initial growth, with volume increasing from 1.3 million liters to 1.5 million liters in 2019, before a slight dip to 1.4 million liters in 2020. This period was marked by a gin renaissance in the country, with growing consumer interest in imported brands like Tanqueray and Gin Mare, and the overall alcoholic beverages market reported a 10.8% annual growth. In 2020, the market continued to develop with the entry of new products and brands, particularly in the premium segment, which helped sustain market value despite the volume decrease.

The market expanded sharply in 2021, reaching 1.9 million liters, and continued to grow to 2.0 million liters in 2022 and 2.4 million liters in 2023. Regulatory developments played a key role: a draft Wine and Spirits Law aimed at harmonizing with EU regulations began affecting production and labeling standards in 2022, while changes in excise law influenced pricing and market access. In 2023, amendments to the Penal Code and regulations on drunk driving introduced stricter controls, impacting consumption patterns, but the market volume grew strongly, supported by ongoing product diversification.

In 2024, the market volume stabilized at 2.3 million liters, with a minor decline from the previous year. The gin segment continued to broaden with new brands and craft gin entries, and record capital investments in beer and malt production indicated sustained interest in the alcoholic beverages industry. New packaging and labeling requirements under EU directives also came into effect, affecting the entire market.

Production gin and geneva in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, Bulgaria's gin and geneva production reached its peak value of 2 394 K $ US, marking a 12.1% increase from the previous year. However, in 2020, output declined to 2 235 K $ US, a 6.6% drop compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 136 K $ US.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

In 2019, Bulgaria produced 1 264 K l of gin and geneva, the highest volume in the period, representing a 16.0% increase from the previous year. By 2020, production fell to 1 104 K l, a significant 12.6% decline year-over-year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 089 K l. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 8.5%, averaging an annual decline of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Exports gin and geneva from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K l

Bulgaria's gin and geneva exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 64.9 K l, a dramatic 67.2% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 767%, with a compound annual growth rate of 105.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the top destination for Bulgaria's gin and geneva exports in volume terms, accounting for 40.5% of the total. Russia followed with 10.2%, and Greece with 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 60.0% of Bulgaria's 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

Bulgaria's gin and geneva exports have increased in value for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 439 K $ US, a 28.6% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 371.4%, averaging an annual increase of 67.7%.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the leading destination for Bulgaria's gin and geneva exports, making up 41.1% of the total. Russia accounted for 10.4%, and Greece for 8.3%. Combined, these three countries contributed 59.8% of Bulgaria's export value.

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

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

Imports gin and geneva to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K l

Bulgaria's gin and geneva imports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 393.6 K l, a 32.6% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import volume grew by 207.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 45.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, K l

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the largest source of gin and geneva imports to Bulgaria in volume terms, accounting for 36.8% of the total. The Netherlands contributed 32.9%, and Germany 12.7%. Together, these three countries made up 82.4% of Bulgaria's 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

Bulgaria's gin and geneva imports have grown in value for the third year running. In 2020, imports reached 3 581 K $ US, a strong 14.5% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 109.4%, averaging an annual growth of 27.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the key partner for Bulgaria's gin and geneva imports in value terms, representing 36.4% of the total. The Netherlands accounted for 33.1%, and Germany for 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries constituted 82.9% of Bulgaria's 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