Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian market for salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef expanded consistently from 2018 to 2024, with its total value rising from over USD 3.5 million to nearly USD 9.9 million. Growth was particularly strong between 2020 and 2022, and again in 2024 when the market size increased by over 40% in a single year.

This acceleration in 2024 aligns with reported rising meat prices across Bulgaria and the European Union, attributed to tighter supply and sustained demand. While domestic production more than doubled over the full period, a sharp rise in import value in 2024 was a key contributor to the market's overall value growth. Traditional production techniques, such as using 18–25% brine solutions and controlled drying periods, remained a feature of the sector.

Production salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bulgaria's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 3,999 thousand US dollars, marking a modest increase of 2.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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 30th largest producer of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in the world.

Top producers of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's production volume of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef decreased. In 2020, the country produced 513.1 tonnes, down 12.5% year-on-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 586.1 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 9.9%.

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

Exports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Bulgaria's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 66.5 tonnes, a significant rise of 57.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 287.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 57.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, North Macedonia, and Germany were the top destinations for Bulgaria's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef by volume. Hungary accounted for 37.7% of exports, North Macedonia for 23.3%, and Germany for 15.6%, together making up 76.6% of total export 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

The export value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef from Bulgaria showed volatile changes, reflecting an unstable market. In 2017, exports hit a low point, while 2019 saw a peak, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 222.1 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 59.3% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 545.2 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 167.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Hungary, and the United Kingdom were the leading destinations for Bulgaria's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef by value. Germany accounted for 38.7% of exports, Hungary for 17.3%, and the United Kingdom for 12.4%, collectively representing 68.4% of total export 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 salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef into Bulgaria experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 133.2 tonnes, while 2019 saw the highest volume at 235.9 tonnes, resulting in a 1.8-fold gap. In 2020, imports fell to 159.8 tonnes, a steep decline of 32.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 77.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy dominated Bulgaria's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef by volume, accounting for 89.1% of total flows, with all other countries combined making up the remaining share.

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 imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef by value declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 270.9 thousand US dollars, down 28.1% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 11.9%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 376.9 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 55.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the primary and nearly exclusive source for Bulgaria's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef by value, representing 93.3% of total import flows.

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

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