Strawberries market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Bulgarian strawberry production fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, falling from 4 830 t in 2018 to 4 270 t in 2020 before surging to 6 280 t in 2021 and then moderating to 5 210 t in 2023. Market volume followed a similar pattern, peaking at 9 514 t in 2021 after steady growth from 6 922 t in 2018. In value terms, the market reached 23.1 million USD in 2021 and climbed further to 24.9 million USD in 2023, indicating an increase in the product's unit value.

Imports of fresh strawberries rose from 2 487 t in 2018 to a high of 4 576 t in 2022, then eased to 3 678 t in 2024. Exports grew to 1 090 t in 2021 but subsequently fell to 342 t in 2024. In 2024, droughts in Spain and storms in Morocco affected strawberry supplies and prices across Europe, leading to shortages and price increases of about 10-15% in Bulgaria, which contributed to lower import volumes. Concurrently, Bulgarian producers invested in greenhouse production and technologies, targeting the domestic market and large retail chains that require quality and safety certificates.

Demand for fresh, high-quality strawberries grew throughout the period, supported by consumer campaigns promoting national products. Major market players like 'Rodopi 95' AD and exchanges in Burgas and Ognianovo played a key role in trade and logistics. The development of electronic marketplaces and direct trading platforms helped producers sell their output, especially in the wake of COVID-19. However, competition from cheaper imported fruits, particularly from Greece and Spain, continued to challenge local growers.

Production strawberries in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's strawberry production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4,270 tonnes of strawberries, which represents a 6.6% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 20.3%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 7.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Strawberry production in Bulgaria has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 11,788 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.2% drop from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13,319 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.6% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 16.7% rise.

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

Exports strawberries from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Strawberry exports from Bulgaria have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume reached 654 tonnes, showing a solid year-on-year growth of 19.9%. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 39.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 15.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 395 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 63.6% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 37.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Bulgaria's strawberry exports in volume terms were Romania, accounting for 59.9% of exports, Germany with 9.2%, and Lithuania with 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 77.2% 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

Bulgaria's strawberry exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,804 thousand US dollars, which is 24.3% higher than the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 22%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 7.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,090 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 52.9% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 33.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of Bulgarian strawberries in value terms were Romania, accounting for 66.3% of exports, Germany with 9.7%, and the Netherlands with 6.4%. Collectively, these three markets formed 82.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports strawberries to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria imported 3,363 tonnes of strawberries, representing a significant decline of 10.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 2,487 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 3,743 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 12.4% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 50.5% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece dominated Bulgaria's strawberry imports in volume terms, accounting for 91.6% 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

Strawberry imports into Bulgaria have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3,883 thousand US dollars, showing a measured improvement of 9.5% year-on-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3,109 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 19.6% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 14.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece accounted for 82.1% of Bulgaria's strawberry imports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among multiple smaller partners.

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

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