Preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Bulgaria experienced consistent growth in both volume and value. The initial expansion was driven by rising domestic sales of key sub-categories, including a nearly 10% increase in sauces and condiments alongside a 17% rise in processed and preserved vegetables in 2018. This trend continued into 2019, supported by growing consumer demand. The market's resilience in 2020, despite a 7% drop in preserved vegetable sales, was sustained by a 12.5% surge in preserved fruit consumption and further growth in the sauces segment.

A significant market expansion occurred in 2021, with volume jumping over 26% to 19 097 tonnes. This spike was primarily fueled by a strong recovery and growth in domestic sales of processed and preserved vegetables, which increased by 16.8%. Concurrently, sales of sauces and condiments rose by 7.2%, contributing to the overall market growth. The period also saw a slight increase in export value for preserved products, adding to the positive dynamic.

Following the 2021 peak, the market volume saw a slight correction in 2022, decreasing by 3% to 18 525 tonnes, though its value continued to rise. By 2024, the market had recovered and grown further, reaching 19 775 tonnes. In value terms, the market demonstrated robust growth throughout the period, increasing from 15.0 million USD in 2018 to 30.2 million USD in 2024.

Production preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2018, Bulgaria's output of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts reached its peak value of 18 038 K $ US. The following year, in 2019, production declined by 10.4% to 16 157 K $ US, marking the lowest value in the period. In 2020, output showed a modest recovery, increasing by 0.7% to 16 263 K $ US. The largest annual increase of 10.3% was recorded in 2018.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Production of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in Bulgaria has been declining for two consecutive years. In 2018, output peaked at 15 133 t, representing an 8.8% increase from the previous year. However, in 2019, production fell sharply by 10.1% to 13 607 t. The downward trend continued in 2020, with output decreasing by 5.0% to 12 922 t. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 7.1%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 2.4%.

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

Exports preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Exports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from Bulgaria have been growing for two consecutive years. In 2018, export volumes reached their lowest point at 5 598 t, reflecting a 2.0% decline from the previous year. The following year, in 2019, exports rebounded strongly with a 6.6% increase to 5 970 t. This growth continued in 2020, with exports rising by 2.7% to 6 130 t. Between 2017 and 2020, total exports increased by 7.3%, representing an average annual growth rate of 2.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and the United States were the leading destinations for Bulgaria's exports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in volume terms. Germany accounted for 27.5% of total exports, followed by Romania with 15.4%, and the United States with 15.0%. Together, these three countries represented 57.9% 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

After two years of decline, Bulgaria's exports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in value terms showed growth in 2020. In 2018, exports decreased by 4.6% to 8 599 K $ US, which remained the lowest value through 2019. In 2020, exports recovered, increasing by 5.1% to reach 9 039 K $ US.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's export markets for preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in value terms were highly diversified. Germany was the largest destination with 25.3% of total export value, followed by Romania with 11.8%, and the United States with 11.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 48.8% of total export flows, while the remaining 51.2% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Imports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts into Bulgaria have been increasing for three consecutive years. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes grew substantially by 143.9%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 34.6%. In 2020, imports reached 8 293 t, representing a strong increase of 20.8% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Greece, and Germany were the main sources of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts imports into Bulgaria in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 38.9% of total imports, followed by Greece with 19.6%, and Germany with 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 71.7% of Bulgaria's total import flows during this period.

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

Imports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts into Bulgaria in value terms have been growing for three consecutive years. Between 2017 and 2020, import values increased significantly by 138.6%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 33.6%. In 2020, imports reached 9 915 K $ US, reflecting a substantial rise of 23.0% compared to the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Greece, and Germany consistently dominated Bulgaria's imports of preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in value terms. Turkey accounted for 25.9% of total import value, followed closely by Greece with 25.8%, and Germany with 21.6%. Together, these three countries represented 73.3% of Bulgaria's total import flows during this period.

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

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