Sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Bulgarian market for sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters maintained a stable annual volume of around 510 million litres, while its value declined from $236 million to $208 million. This drop in market value occurred alongside competitive pressure from free tap water and low-priced soft drinks, which constrained pricing. During this period, the market was shaped by the dominance of Devin EAD, a national leader that invested in innovations across equipment, production processes, supply chain, and packaging. The concession regime for mineral water extraction also placed a burden on smaller producers, potentially consolidating the market structure.

After 2020, import volumes rose substantially, reaching 179 million litres in 2024, while exports also grew to 90 million litres. By 2024, a clear consumer shift toward healthier options emerged, with the average sugar content in carbonated drinks falling by 3.95% and sugar‑free carbonated drinks and innovative non‑carbonated alternatives achieving double‑digit growth. This preference for reduced‑sugar products coincided with new regulatory requirements that prohibited marketing bottled waters under names not specified in the official ordinance.

Production sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Bulgaria's production of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters declined in value terms. In 2020, output was valued at 178.9 million US dollars, representing a controlled decrease of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 192.1 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 12.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Following two years of expansion, Bulgaria's production volume of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 492.4 million litres, marking a 2.4% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. The highest volume was achieved in 2019 at 504.4 million litres, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, M l

Export volumes of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters from Bulgaria showed significant fluctuations during the period. The lowest point was in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports stood at 83.0 million litres, reflecting a substantial decline of 13.1% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 95.5 million litres, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 178.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Romania, and Greece were the primary destinations for Bulgaria's exports of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in volume terms. Serbia accounted for 36.0% of exports, Romania for 20.2%, and Greece for 16.8%, together representing 73.0% of total export volumes.

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

Export values for sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters from Bulgaria displayed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest value was in 2017, with the peak occurring in 2019, showing a 3.4-fold gap. In 2020, exports amounted to 46 177 thousand US dollars, indicating a slight drop of 1.2% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 46 725 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 121.8%.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Greece, and Italy were the largest buyers of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters from Bulgaria. Serbia contributed 24.7% of export value, Greece 21.9%, and Italy 18.0%, collectively forming 64.6% 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 sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, M l

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's import volume of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 99.3 million litres, down by 2.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 41.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 102.2 million litres, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bulgaria in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania, Hungary, and Greece were the leading sources for Bulgaria's imports of sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in volume terms. Romania accounted for 26.5% of imports, Hungary for 17.9%, and Greece for 9.8%, together making up 54.2% of total import volumes.

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

Import values for sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters into Bulgaria increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 75 592 thousand US dollars, showing minimal change compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 42.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4%.

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

An analysis of import values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. Romania accounted for 18.8% of import value, Hungary for 17.1%, and Austria for 12.9%, together representing 48.8% of total flows. The remaining 51.2% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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