Milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Bulgarian milk market was influenced by the entry of new players and investments in large dairy farms, including plans to build the country's largest farm. This period also saw a focus on quality and adaptation to European standards. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected supply chains and consumption patterns, with the market volume reaching 118 360 t that year.

From 2021 to 2022, a key driver was the rising import of milk and dairy products from EU countries such as Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Germany. This influx expanded the market volume to 127 045 t in 2021 and intensified competition, requiring local producers to adapt. Consumer preferences also shifted towards products with different fat content, supporting demand.

In 2023, the market volume peaked at 150 582 t, primarily driven by increased imports of uncondensed milk for processing facilities. However, domestic production declined. By 2024, the amount of processed milk fell by 2.6%, contributing to a market volume decrease to 147 856 t. Consumer preferences remained stable, centered on traditional products like sour milk and fresh milk with a fat content around 3.6-3.8%.

Production milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of milk with fat content >1% and ≤6% amounted to 9 527 tons, representing a 7.1% year-over-year decline. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 412 tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 23.5%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 with a 95.3% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Romania clearly dominated Bulgaria's export partner structure in kind, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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 market showed signs of volatility throughout the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, changing by two times between these years. In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of milk with fat content >1% and ≤6% amounted to 6 485 thousand US dollars, showing no significant change compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 223 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 21.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with 99.0% growth.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Greece was the main buyer of Bulgaria's milk with fat content >1% and ≤6%, accounting for 71.8% of total export value, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports milk with fat content of >1% and ≤6% to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's imports of milk with fat content >1% and ≤6% increased. In 2020, imports stood at 52 729 tons, which is 24.6% higher year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 10.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 335 tons, which also saw the largest annual decline of 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania (24.0% of imports in kind), Poland (19.9%), and Hungary (18.6%) played leading roles in Bulgaria's imports of milk with fat content >1% and ≤6%, jointly accounting for 62.6% of total 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

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of milk with fat content >1% and ≤6% amounted to 29 002 thousand US dollars, representing a 21.7% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 10.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 23 826 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 11.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Romania (24.6% of imports in value terms), Poland (19.4%), and Greece (16.9%) played leading roles in Bulgaria's imports of milk with fat content >1% and ≤6%, jointly accounting for 60.9% of total import flows.

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

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