Mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes and biscuits market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for mixes and dough in Bulgaria expanded from 43 565 t in 2018 to 52 231 t in 2019, driven by producers' active extension of product lines, the introduction of new brands, and responses to health-conscious trends such as demand for products with various flours and additives. Simultaneously, the development of production capacities and technology, including automated lines for bread and pastry, enabled increased output. The emergence of new segments, like frozen bread semi-finished products and premium items with fillings, also contributed to market growth.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer habits, boosting demand for home baking and stimulating online sales of mixes and dough. While the physical market volume slightly decreased to 48 861 t, its value rose to $66.1 million, reflecting a move toward more expensive products and changes in distribution channels. Subsequently, new European labeling and traceability rules were implemented, and manufacturers developed lines with functional and healthy attributes, such as reduced salt and sugar content.

After 2020, the market continued growing, reaching 57 858 t in 2022. This rise was supported by strengthening consumer demand for bio and organic baked goods, along with the development of new sales channels, including specialized health food stores. Changes in packaging and recycling legislation also influenced producers. In 2023 and 2024, market volume increased to 60 402 t and 71 341 t respectively, maintaining the upward trend.

Production mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes and biscuits in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 63,219 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate 5.2% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 42.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria ranked as the 12th largest global producer of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits.

Top producers of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes and biscuits, 2017-2020

World map of production of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes and biscuits, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's production of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits declined. In 2020, output totaled 49,604 tonnes, down 3.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 23.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 51,279 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 19.6%.

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

Exports mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes and biscuits from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 4,905 tonnes, surging 87.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 110.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 28.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania was the primary buyer of Bulgaria's mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits, accounting for 78.8% of total exports in volume. The remaining share went to a diverse group of other countries.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria exported 4,877 thousand US dollars worth of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits, up 56.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 79.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus were the main markets for Bulgaria's exports of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits in value terms. Romania accounted for 60.2%, Greece for 13.4%, and Cyprus for 5.9%, together making up 79.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes and biscuits to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of foreign mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume hit 4,162 tonnes, rising 16.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 11.9%, with an average annual rate of 3.8%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 3,184 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Greece were the top sources for Bulgaria's imports of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits in volume, together representing 54.6% of total 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, Bulgaria's imports of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits were valued at 7,800 thousand US dollars, down 1.1% from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7.7%, with an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 7,358 thousand US dollars, which also had the largest annual drop of 13.0%. The largest increase was in 2019, at 7.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Hungary were the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports of mixes and doughs for bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits in value terms, together accounting for 56.6% of total import value.

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

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