Grape wine spirits market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian grape wine spirits market contracted in volume from 17.5 million liters in 2018 to 13.8 million liters by 2020. This decline was initially driven by the loss of the key Russian export market, forcing producers to reorient trade flows. The COVID-19 pandemic further pressured the sector by reducing hospitality activity and wine-related events, contributing to the drop in consumption.

Market value began a strong recovery from 2021, rising to $52.5 million in 2023 despite volume remaining subdued. This shift was propelled by changing consumer preferences towards higher-quality products and a growing domestic wine culture. The entry of a new player, Purcari, into the Bulgarian market in 2022 intensified competition in the mid-to-premium segment, while a simultaneous 50% increase in production costs per bottle led to significantly higher retail prices.

In 2024, the market volume fell sharply to 11.1 million liters, yet its total value continued to climb to $53.7 million, indicating a sustained trend of premiumization where consumers are paying more for higher-value grape wine spirits.

Production grape wine spirits in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's grape wine spirits production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 39 238 K $ US, down 12.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 5.6%, with an annualized growth rate of -1.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 45 487 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 9.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Bulgaria's grape wine spirits production volume fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 14 425 K liters were produced, a 16.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 27.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.2%.

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

Exports grape wine spirits from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K l

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's cross-border shipments of grape wine spirits increased. In 2020, exports reached 779 K liters, marking a significant 38.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 25%, with an annualized rate of -9.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 563 K liters, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 29.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria exported grape wine spirits to numerous countries, with the top destinations—Germany, Poland, and France—together accounting for only 41.4% of total exports in volume.

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 contraction, Bulgaria's foreign grape wine spirits supplies increased. In 2020, exports totaled 3 426 K $ US, up 17.9% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 905 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 13.4%.

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

The partner structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Poland (21.1% of exports), Germany (13.6%), and Russia (12.6%) together represented only 47.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports grape wine spirits to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K l

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 129 K liters of grape wine spirits, a 39.8% decrease year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 236 K liters, which also saw the largest increase of 214.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia (26.2% of imports in volume), France (18.6%), and Serbia (17.8%) were the leading sources in Bulgaria's import structure, together accounting for 62.5% 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

Bulgaria's grape wine spirits imports rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 530 K $ US, up 32.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 79.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 21.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (35.2% of imports in value), North Macedonia (13.1%), and Turkey (12.5%) together absorbed 60.9% of Bulgaria's total grape wine spirits imports in value terms, making them the primary sources.

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

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