Prepared or preserved pork and offal market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared or preserved pork in Bulgaria contracted by over 12% in volume in 2019, falling to 4 954 t. This decline coincided with heightened regulatory scrutiny, as the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency conducted unannounced checks on meat labeling and origin around Easter, likely restricting non-compliant supply. Concurrently, growing consumer interest in plant-based proteins and meat alternatives began to shift demand away from traditional pork products.

Market volume rebounded strongly after 2019, growing to 5 545 t in 2020 and 6 515 t in 2021. Growth then paused in 2022, with volume stabilizing at 6 432 t. This plateau occurred alongside increased public awareness of scientific studies linking processed meat consumption to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, which may have tempered demand. The market resumed expansion in 2023, reaching 7 094 t, while in value terms it surged by 33% to $29.8 million, reflecting broader price increases.

Production prepared or preserved pork and offal in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved pork and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved pork and offal, 2017-2020

In 2020, Bulgaria produced 1,157 tons of prepared or preserved pork and offal, marking a 2.5% increase from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of prepared or preserved pork and offal in Bulgaria was valued at 3,410 thousand US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3,400 thousand US dollars, and the maximum in 2018 at 4,038 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved pork and offal from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's exports of prepared or preserved pork and offal amounted to 496 tons, a decline of 4.7% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 478 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 34.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 8.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32.2%, with an annualized rate of 12.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Germany were consistently the main destinations for Bulgaria's exports in kind. Greece accounted for 22.7% of exports, the United Kingdom for 15.1%, and Germany for 14.5%, together representing 52.2% of total flows.

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

Prepared or preserved pork and offal exports in Bulgaria declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1,462 thousand US dollars, down by 6.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 43.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Germany formed the main cluster of markets for Bulgaria's exports in value terms. Greece accounted for 20.3% of exports, the United Kingdom for 18.3%, and Germany for 14.3%, together making up 52.9% 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 prepared or preserved pork and offal to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria's imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal reached 4,884 tons, a solid gain of 12.4% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 4,346 tons, and the maximum in 2018 at 5,000 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Greece, and Spain formed the core of Bulgaria's imports in kind. Germany accounted for 27.1% of imports, Greece for 22.4%, and Spain for 14.3%, together taking 63.7% of total 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

Bulgaria's imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 16,095 thousand US dollars, a robust improvement of 19.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 44%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Greece, and Poland formed the main group of destinations for Bulgaria's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 37.0% of imports, Greece for 16.6%, and Poland for 13.3%, with a combined share of 66.9% 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