Sour cherries market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The sour cherry market in Bulgaria began the period at 5,797 t in 2018, supported by expanding cultivation areas and a strong processing sector that utilized 60-65% of the output for pulp and exports. However, unfavorable climatic conditions and the need for modern protection technologies contributed to a decline in 2019, while new regulations on environmental protection and plant health further pressured production, leading to a sharp contraction to 3,587 t by 2020.

From 2021, the market stabilized and then grew to 4,111 t in 2022, driven by increased grower interest and the adoption of new cherry varieties with extended ripening periods and improved resilience. This recovery was supported by ongoing development of producer organizations and investments in quality-oriented technologies.

The positive trend was abruptly reversed in 2023 when climatic anomalies, including frosts, caused a weak harvest. This led to a significant drop in production and market volume to 3,187 t, exacerbated by labor shortages and low purchase prices that left part of the crop unharvested, despite a simultaneous expansion of cherry orchards.

Production sour cherries in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Bulgaria ranked as the 20th largest producer of sour cherries between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of sour cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of sour cherries, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, Bulgaria's sour cherry production experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 4 810 tonnes of sour cherries, marking a modest 6.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 5 150 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a 16.7% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of expansion, Bulgaria's sour cherry production value saw a downturn. In 2020, the output was valued at 6 795 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 5.4% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the total production value grew by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The highest value was achieved in 2019 at 7 185 thousand US dollars, and the most significant increase was recorded in that same year, with a 15.8% surge.

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

Exports sour cherries from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 532 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 1 310 tonnes, representing a 2.5-fold difference. In 2020, the volume of sour cherries exported from Bulgaria amounted to 1 310 tonnes, indicating a substantial 93.3% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 59.4% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Italy, and Germany formed the core of Bulgaria's sour cherry exports in volume terms. Romania accounted for 45.0% of exports, Italy for 18.2%, and Germany for 8.2%, collectively representing 71.4% 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 market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values fluctuated significantly, with a 2.7-fold difference between the low of 2018 at 689 thousand US dollars and the high of 2020 at 1 851 thousand US dollars. In 2020, sour cherry exports from Bulgaria were valued at 1 851 thousand US dollars, showing a 95.7% rise compared to the previous year. The most pronounced decline was recorded in 2018, with a 61.1% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Italy, and the United Kingdom played leading roles in Bulgaria's sour cherry exports by value. Romania contributed 37.3% of export value, Italy 16.0%, and the United Kingdom 13.7%, together accounting for 67.0% 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 sour cherries to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

Bulgaria's sour cherry imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported {value_last_year} tonnes of sour cherries, which is 84.8% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 94.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -62.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece dominated Bulgaria's sour cherry imports in volume terms, accounting for 84.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller 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

Bulgaria's sour cherry import value declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the import volume amounted to 76 thousand US dollars, down by 82.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 92.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -57.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece accounted for 85.6% of Bulgaria's total sour cherry imports by value. The remaining flows were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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