Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for pumpkins, squash and gourds began the period with a production boom in 2018, supported by subsidies for growers that encouraged area expansion and output growth, cementing the country's position as the EU's leading producer. This resulted in a market volume of 32 thousand t. However, production and market size fell sharply the following year to 18.4 thousand t, though the sector maintained its leading role. A recovery commenced in 2020 when the introduction of a new Food Law and related ordinances, designed to improve the safety and organization of farmer markets where these products are sold, provided a regulatory framework for market development. This contributed to a market volume rebound to 23.9 thousand t, with stability continuing into 2021 at 24 thousand t as these regulations remained in effect.

Market volume then trended downward to 20.9 thousand t in 2022 and 19.5 thousand t in 2023. During this phase, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food was preparing new regulations for farmer markets, emphasizing food safety and quality, which signaled ongoing state efforts to tighten control over the fresh produce trade. By 2024, the market was influenced by a combination of factors including a good pumpkin harvest in Southern Bulgaria following summer heatwaves, evolving consumer preferences for ecological and high-quality products, and a developing seed market offering new varieties and hybrids.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

In 2019, Bulgaria produced 12.5 thousand tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, which was the lowest level during the period. Production then surged dramatically by 45.0% to reach 18.1 thousand tons in 2020. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 timeframe, overall production declined by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 26.3 thousand tons, while the largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2019 at 52.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, the value of pumpkin, squash, and gourd production in Bulgaria stood at 17 019 thousand US dollars, marking the minimum for the period. This was followed by an abrupt increase of 49.7% to 25 471 thousand US dollars in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 span, production value decreased by 19.4%, translating to an annualized rate of -6.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 520 thousand US dollars, with the most significant decline occurring in 2019 at 47.7%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Bulgaria exported 775 tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, which was the lowest volume during the period. Exports then saw a sharp uptick of 32.0% to reach 1 023 tons in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, export volumes increased by 25.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 17.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms were strongly concentrated on Romania, which accounted for 89.6% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among other trading partners.

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 2019, Bulgaria's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports were valued at 1 059 thousand US dollars, the minimum for the period. This was followed by an abrupt gain of 36.3% year-on-year to 1 442 thousand US dollars in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, export value increased by 25.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania remained the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Bulgaria in value terms, accounting for 91.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 6 875 tons, showing a small rise of 2.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes grew by 30.2%, with an annualized rate of 9.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Turkey remained the main source for Bulgaria's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, holding a share of 77.3% of total flows. The rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

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 pumpkins, squash, and gourds were valued at 5 385 thousand US dollars, which is 13.6% above the 2019 level. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 36.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 6.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the partner structure for Bulgaria's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms was centred on Turkey, whose share amounted to 81.8% of total flows. Other markets formed a less significant perimeter.

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

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