Legume bran, sharps and residues market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for legume bran, sharps and residues in Bulgaria opened the period at 759.4 tons in 2018, supported by the introduction of a coupled support scheme for protein crops that encouraged farmers to expand legume cultivation areas. However, the market volume nearly halved to 438.0 tons in 2019, even as state subsidies for protein crops continued and stricter quality and labeling requirements for legume products were introduced in retail chains. A rebound to 592.4 tons occurred in 2020, driven by heightened consumer interest in healthy eating and plant-based proteins during the COVID-19 pandemic, which stimulated consumption despite temporary supply chain disruptions.

Market volume reached a peak of 600.0 tons in 2021, aided by the expansion of processing capacities and the emergence of new market segments like organic legume products. The following year saw a decline to 529.6 tons as global increases in fertilizer and energy prices raised production costs for legume crops in Bulgaria. By 2023, with market volume at 466.8 tons, the contraction continued, influenced by a reduction in imports.

Production legume bran, sharps and residues in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of legume bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

World map of production of legume bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of legume bran, sharps, and residues increased after two years of decline. In 2020, Bulgaria produced 334 tons, marking a 6.3% year-over-year increase. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 67.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 31.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 314 tons, while the largest single-year drop occurred in 2018 with a 50.0% decrease.

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

Exports legume bran, sharps and residues from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria's exports of legume bran, sharps, and residues in kind were almost entirely directed to Greece, which accounted for 100.0% of total export flows 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

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Greece effectively dominated Bulgaria's exports of legume bran, sharps, and residues in value terms, holding a 100.0% share of total export flows.

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

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

Imports legume bran, sharps and residues to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility over these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a threefold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 258.3 tons of legume bran, sharps, and residues, representing a 108.6% increase compared to 2019. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 with a 50.1% drop, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 184.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Germany were the dominant sources for Bulgaria's imports of legume bran, sharps, and residues in kind, together accounting for 96.9% of total import flows. Other countries contributed smaller individual shares.

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

Market volatility was evident during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and reached a high in 2020, with a 3.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of legume bran, sharps, and residues totaled 323.5 thousand US dollars, up 114.3% from the previous year. The largest annual decrease was in 2019 with a 38.3% decline, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with a 142.2% jump.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and China together accounted for 96.4% of Bulgaria's imports of legume bran, sharps, and residues in value terms. Germany held a 50.4% share, while China contributed 45.9%, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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