Melons and papayas market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian melon and papaya market volume showed initial stability, remaining near 150 thousand tonnes from 2018 through 2020.

A significant surge lifted the market to 181.1 thousand tonnes in 2021, which was followed by a sharp decline to 133.7 thousand tonnes the following year.

In 2023, the market volume recovered to 144.9 thousand tonnes, a rise supported by high consumer demand for papayas, although domestic supply was limited and depended on imports from Greece.

Production melons and papayas in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's production of melons and papayas has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 112.7 thousand tons, which represents a 6.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 121.6 thousand tons, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 12.4%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, while exports peaked in 2018, creating a 2.3-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 4 315 tons of melons and papayas, marking a sharp decline of 52.4% compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 854 tons, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 131.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Romania, and Lithuania formed the core export markets for Bulgarian melons and papayas in volume terms. Czechia accounted for 47.9% of exports, Romania for 21.4%, and Lithuania for 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 81.9% of Bulgaria's 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

Export values exhibited considerable volatility over the observed years. The lowest point occurred in 2017, while the peak was reached in 2018, with a three-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Bulgaria's melons and papayas exports were valued at 1 767 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 45.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum export value was recorded in 2018 at 3 470 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 204.5%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Czechia, Romania, and Lithuania stood out as the primary markets for Bulgarian melons and papayas in value terms. Czechia accounted for 44.7% of export value, Romania for 24.0%, and Lithuania for 11.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 79.9% of Bulgaria's total export value during these years.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of melons and papayas increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 41 858 tons, representing a solid 11.6% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 6.5%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 36 830 tons, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece dominated Bulgaria's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms, accounting for 76.2% of total imports. The remaining import flows were distributed among multiple smaller trading partners.

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, Bulgaria's imports of melons and papayas were valued at 7 231 thousand US dollars, representing a 5.7% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values grew by 47.5%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 13.8%. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019 at 2.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 42.6%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Greece, Turkey, and Germany were the main sources of Bulgaria's melons and papayas imports in value terms. Greece accounted for 45.6% of import value, Turkey for 29.5%, and Germany for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 86.3% of Bulgaria's total import value for these products.

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

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