Grapes market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, Bulgarian grape production fluctuated, starting at 201.5 thousand tons. Climatic conditions in 2018 reduced the harvest volume, while in 2019, rising prices for grain crops like wheat and barley likely diverted agricultural resources away from vineyards, contributing to a further decline. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 introduced unpredictable shifts in trade and consumer behavior, alongside inflation and higher energy costs, yet production temporarily recovered to 178.3 thousand tons.

From 2022 onward, a persistent annual decline of about 9% set in, driven by lower average yields and global factors such as military conflicts and sanctions, which affected agricultural prices and costs. This trend continued through 2023, with production falling to 147.8 thousand tons, and into 2024, where reduced demand for farmland and stabilized grape prices reflected the market's adjustment to ongoing climatic and economic pressures.

Production grapes in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's grape production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 159.1 K t of grapes, which represents a 10.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.1%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 201.5 K t. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2019, when production dropped by 11.4%.

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

Exports grapes from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The export market for Bulgarian grapes showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 284 t, while the highest was observed in 2017, creating a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Bulgaria reached 815 t, marking a substantial increase of 186.9% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 75.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Greece, and Belarus remained the primary destinations for Bulgarian grape exports in volume terms. Romania accounted for 40.3% of exports, Greece for 13.5%, and Belarus for 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 64.7% of Bulgaria's total grape exports during this period.

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

The value of Bulgarian grape exports experienced notable volatility. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 333 K $ US, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 1 463 K $ US, representing a 4.4-fold difference. In 2020, export value reached 821 K $ US, showing a significant increase of 146.6% compared to the previous year. The most substantial decline took place in 2019, when export value dropped by 77.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets dominated Bulgaria's grape exports in value terms. Romania, Germany, and Greece collectively accounted for 64.3% of the total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports grapes to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's grape imports rebounded in 2020. The lowest import volume during this period was recorded in 2019 at 8 968 t, while imports reached 11 187 t in 2020, representing a robust increase of 24.7% from the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.9%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 25.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Greece, Turkey, and North Macedonia were the main sources of grape imports to Bulgaria in volume terms. Greece contributed 49.4% of imports, Turkey 17.3%, and North Macedonia 8.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 75.6% of Bulgaria's total grape imports.

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

In 2020, the value of Bulgaria's grape imports stood at 6 699 K $ US, showing a notable increase of 14.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 9.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 864 K $ US, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 7 453 K $ US. The most significant decline took place in 2019, when import value dropped by 21.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 22.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three primary markets supplied the majority of Bulgaria's grape imports in value terms. Turkey, Greece, and Iran together accounted for 57.6% of the total import value during this period.

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

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