Wheat and meslin flour market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

The Bulgarian wheat and meslin flour market volume started at 383.8 thousand tons in 2018 before falling sharply to 310.3 thousand tons in 2019. This contraction coincided with the implementation of new Bulgarian quality standards for flour and bread, which introduced stricter production control and labeling requirements, likely causing temporary industry adjustments. A rebound to 375.2 thousand tons followed in 2020.

Market volume grew to 401.9 thousand tons in 2021, supported by rising consumer interest in gluten-free and specialty flours driven by health trends, even as low global wheat production due to unfavorable weather created raw material constraints. Volume stabilized around 398-406 thousand tons through 2022-2023. During this period, regulatory developments including the transposition of the NIS2 cybersecurity directive and a new standard banning GMO wheat, preservatives, and colorants in rye bread affected production and compliance. Continuing demand for specialty flours provided support, though rising global wheat prices from climate-related disasters increased production costs and market values. In 2024, market volume declined to 363.3 thousand tons, while the trend toward specialty flours continued and changes to VAT rules for bread impacted the tax treatment of flour.

Production wheat and meslin flour in Bulgaria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Bulgaria's wheat and meslin flour production was valued at 135.5 million US dollars, marking a robust year-over-year increase of 10.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when output fell by 3.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After a two-year decline, Bulgaria's wheat and meslin flour production volume increased in 2020. The country produced 436.5 thousand tonnes, representing an 8.3% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 402.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.3% during the period.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 54.1 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 110.1 thousand tonnes, showing a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, wheat and meslin flour volumes leaving Bulgaria totaled 80.5 thousand tonnes, down by 26.9% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a surge of 103.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, France, and Romania were the primary markets for Bulgaria's wheat and meslin flour exports in kind. Greece accounted for 48.1% of exports, France for 28.0%, and Romania for 12.5%. Together, these three countries represented 88.6% 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

In 2020, wheat and meslin flour deliveries from Bulgaria amounted to 25 323 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 3.6% decline compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 39.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 823 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.0%. Exports peaked in 2019 at 26 256 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 65.9% occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece, France, and Romania formed the main cluster of markets for Bulgaria's wheat and meslin flour exports in value terms. Greece held a 54.5% share, France 20.2%, and Romania 13.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 88.6% 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 wheat and meslin flour to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K t

Imported wheat and meslin flour volumes in Bulgaria increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. The country imported 19.2 thousand tonnes, amounting to a controlled rise of 9.8% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 55.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece was the dominant source for imports in kind of wheat and meslin flour to Bulgaria, accounting for 81.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

Wheat and meslin flour shipments to Bulgaria from abroad increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports amounted to 8 825 thousand US dollars, up by 3.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 48.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Greece was the main supplier of wheat and meslin flour to Bulgaria in value terms, taking 79.2% of total imports. Other trading partners had relatively modest shares during this period.

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

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