Tomato juice market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tomato juice in Bulgaria expanded from 1.5 million liters in 2018 to 1.9 million liters in 2021. This growth was supported by increasing consumer interest in new flavors and global culinary trends, which raised demand for tomato-based products. By 2021, the share of local production in food consumption also helped sustain market volume.

A sharp contraction followed, with the market falling to 1.5 million liters in 2022 and further to 1.4 million liters in 2023. This decline coincided with persistent structural issues in the vegetable sector, including a lack of adequate policy and market access for producers. The introduction of Regulation No. Н-5 covering fruits and vegetables as goods of high fiscal risk introduced new regulatory requirements, likely affecting supply chains and imports.

Heading into 2024, a reduction in tomato cultivation areas threatened to constrain domestic supply. However, Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area by land simplified market access and logistics for agricultural products, potentially easing trade flows for tomato juice.

Production tomato juice in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Top producers of tomato juice, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato juice, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's tomato juice production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 663.5 thousand liters. However, in 2020, output surged to 877.9 thousand liters, marking a 32.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 7.8%.

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

Exports tomato juice from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K l

Bulgaria's tomato juice exports declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 56 thousand liters, which represents an 18.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 44.8%, with an average annual decline of 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Greece, and Romania consistently remained the top destinations for Bulgaria's tomato juice exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 27.0% of exports, Greece for 18.9%, and Romania for 15.2%. Together, these three countries made up 61.1% of Bulgaria's total tomato juice export flows during this period.

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 tomato juice export revenues continued to fall for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 32.2 thousand US dollars, down 21.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, export revenues decreased by 49.2%, averaging an annual decline of 20.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Greece, and Romania were the primary markets for Bulgaria's tomato juice exports in value terms. The United States held a 29.7% share, Greece 16.2%, and Romania 12.4%. Combined, these three destinations represented 58.3% of Bulgaria's total tomato juice export value, solidifying their position as key trade partners.

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

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

Imports tomato juice to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K l

After two years of growth, Bulgaria's tomato juice import volume declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 1 013 thousand liters, but in 2020, they dropped to 943 thousand liters, a 6.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports overall increased by 72.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.9%. The most substantial rise occurred in 2018, when imports jumped by 69.8%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Poland dominated Bulgaria's tomato juice imports in volume terms, accounting for 79.1% of total import flows. All other markets combined made 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

Bulgaria's tomato juice import expenditures increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 412.0 thousand US dollars, showing only a slight year-over-year fluctuation. Over the 2017-2020 span, import spending rose by 66.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland maintained its dominant role as Bulgaria's main source for tomato juice imports in value terms, holding a 71.4% share of total import flows. Other markets collectively formed a smaller portion of the import structure.

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

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