Tomato market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian fresh tomato market experienced a contraction in volume from 226 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 197 thousand metric tons in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a long-term downward trend in domestic production, which lost ground despite the country's traditional and climatic advantages for cultivation. Domestic output fell sharply from 148 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 116 thousand metric tons in 2020, reflecting this persistent loss of market position.

Market dynamics shifted from 2021 onward, with import volumes consistently high, applying pressure on local producers. By 2023, the market was significantly influenced by rising imports, particularly from Turkey and Greece, which coincided with a further drop in domestic production to 116 thousand metric tons. Unregulated import flows and market speculation also affected prices and consumer behavior during this period.

In 2024, the sector faced new challenges as tomato exports fell by approximately 20% year-on-year. Concurrently, stricter and more transparent rules in the vegetable production ordinance came into effect, altering the regulatory landscape for growers. Climate-related difficulties also emerged as a notable factor influencing the market environment.

Production tomato in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's tomato production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 115.8 thousand tons of tomatoes, which represents a 20.2% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.1%, averaging an annual decline of 10.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of tomato production in Bulgaria was 166.9 million US dollars, showing a significant drop of 12.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.4%, while 2019 saw a modest increase of 5.0%.

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

Exports tomato from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.7 times. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 9 400 tons of tomatoes, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 1.2%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 682 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 72.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Romania, Hungary, and Czechia—collectively accounted for 81.9% of Bulgaria's total tomato exports by volume.

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

In 2020, Bulgaria exported tomatoes worth 13 547 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 10.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 65.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 60.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Hungary, and Germany were the top buyers of Bulgarian tomatoes by value, accounting for 58.8%, 16.0%, and 8.1% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up 82.9% 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 tomato to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bulgaria imported 86 320 tons of tomatoes, up 3.1% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 88 281 tons. The largest decline was in 2019 at 5.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 16.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Greece, and Poland were the key sources for Bulgaria's tomato imports by volume, representing 40.4%, 33.9%, and 8.8% of imports, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 83.1% of total import 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

Tomato imports into Bulgaria have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 60 460 thousand US dollars, showing a robust 12.5% rise year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 49.7%, averaging an annual increase of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Greece, and Germany were the principal sources for Bulgaria's tomato imports by value, contributing 63.3%, 12.5%, and 8.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 84.2% 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