Plums and sloes market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh plums and sloes in Bulgaria remained stable from 2018 to 2019, with volumes hovering around 57 500 t. This period saw investments in quality production, including the cultivation of organic plums by companies such as 'Bioform,' and a reported 9% growth in the business of the largest fruit and vegetable market players. Plums held a significant share among processed fruits, supporting domestic output.

Between 2020 and 2021, the market volume grew by 12%, reaching 64 253 t. This expansion was driven by strengthened processing and production activity, alongside a shift in consumer preferences towards eco-friendly and organic products. The sector demonstrated resilience despite the pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging regional economic conditions.

In 2022, the market contracted by 8% to 58 858 t. The decline was primarily caused by the introduction of new packaging and labeling requirements, which increased compliance costs for producers, and the impact of the war in Ukraine, which led to rising prices for fertilizers and raw materials. By 2023, the market stabilized at 58 891 t as ongoing regulatory measures and continued geopolitical crises maintained pressure on production costs.

Production plums and sloes in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria ranked 24th globally in plum and sloe production volume.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 60 020 tonnes of plums and sloes, marking a 6.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 22%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.4%, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 14.7%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Export data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. Bulgaria exported 660 tonnes of plums and sloes in 2020, up 11.8% from 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 568 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 72.1%. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2018, resulting in a 3.6-fold difference between these years.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's plum and sloe exports in kind were widely distributed among partners. Germany accounted for 16.0% of exports, Czechia for 13.5%, and Italy for 10.3%, together making up 39.8% of total flows. The remaining 60.2% went to numerous 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 564 thousand US dollars worth of plums and sloes, a slight decrease of 2.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 62.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 27.6%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 559 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop that year at 62.5%. The highest increase occurred in 2019 at 3.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Bulgaria's plum and sloe exports in value terms were relatively evenly spread. Spain represented 16.9% of exports, Germany 15.4%, and Italy 9.6%, together accounting for 41.9% of total 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 plums and sloes to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Import data indicates irregular changes, pointing to market volatility. In 2020, Bulgaria imported 1 135 tonnes of plums and sloes, down 39.3% from 2019. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 1 932 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 217.9%. Imports varied 3.2-fold between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and North Macedonia were the main sources for Bulgaria's plum and sloe imports in kind, jointly making up 87.3% of total flows, with other partners accounting for the remainder.

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

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's plum and sloe import value declined. In 2020, imports totaled 443 thousand US dollars, a 37.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The highest value was in 2019 at 704 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 61.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, North Macedonia, and Germany were the leading sources for Bulgaria's plum and sloe imports in value terms. Greece accounted for 32.1% of imports, North Macedonia for 24.9%, and Germany for 12.8%, together representing 69.7% of total flows.

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

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