Wine and wine products market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Bulgarian wine market faced limited domestic supply of white wine, coupled with growing imports of quality wines that intensified competition, within a relatively small and volume-stagnant market. Subsequently, the market volume in physical terms continued to decline, falling from 92.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 60.8 thousand tons in 2021, while in value terms, after a dip in 2020, it began to recover, reaching 207.4 million USD in 2021.

Market volume rebounded to 78.9 thousand tons in 2022, driven by a sharp increase in imports, particularly a doubling of shipments from Hungary and greater inflows from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and North Macedonia, especially in the lower-priced segment. Concurrent shifts in consumer preferences, including growing demand for higher-quality wines, rosé, and sparkling wines, along with the popularity of bag-in-box packaging, stimulated consumption. Wine tourism in Plovdiv also expanded, drawing attention to local products.

By 2023, market volume eased to 72.9 thousand tons, but value continued climbing to 289.3 million USD, reflecting a premiumization trend. Production costs surged, with the cost per bottle rising 50% in 2022, squeezing producer margins and contributing to a further decline in domestic output. A reduction in alcohol import duties from 150% to about 20% opened new export opportunities, although overall export volumes kept falling.

Production wine and wine products in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria ranked 20th globally in wine and wine products production.

Top producers of wine and wine products, 2017-2020

World map of production of wine and wine products, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's wine and wine products production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 91.7 K t, marking a significant 15.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 23.1%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Bulgaria's wine and wine products production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 142.3 M $ US, reflecting a 9.6% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 8.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 166.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 6.9%.

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

Exports wine and wine products from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, t

Wine and wine products exports from Bulgaria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 59 776 t, up 2.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 2.2%, with an annualized rate of 0.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 54 738 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 7.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Poland, and Sweden were the top contributors to Bulgaria's wine and wine products exports in volume. Romania accounted for 31.1% of exports, Poland for 29.6%, and Sweden for 6.7%, together representing 67.3% 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, M $ US

Exported wine and wine products from Bulgaria increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Bulgaria exported 92.8 M $ US worth of these products, a 9.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 21.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for Bulgaria's wine and wine products exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Romania accounted for 21.5% of export value, Poland for 20.4%, and Sweden for 7.3%, together representing 49.1% of total flows. Many other countries accounted for the remaining 50.9%.

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

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

Imports wine and wine products to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, wine and wine products imports to Bulgaria declined. In 2020, imports stood at 31 354 t, down 1.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 31 927 t, which also saw the largest increase of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Italy were the largest suppliers of wine and wine products to Bulgaria in volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 15.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 10.5%, and Italy for 9.3%. However, their combined contribution was limited to 35.6% of total imports, reflecting a diversified supplier structure.

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, M $ US

After a two-year uptick, foreign wine and wine products supplies to Bulgaria declined. In 2020, Bulgaria imported approximately 133.7 M $ US worth of these products, a 6.3% decrease from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 9.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 142.6 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for Bulgaria's wine and wine products imports in value terms was quite broad. The Netherlands accounted for 21.3% of import value, the United Kingdom for 20.2%, and Italy for 8.3%, together representing only 49.8% of total flows.

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

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