Browse Data and Analysis

Bulgaria is a small but growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products. In 2021, total Bulgarian food and agricultural imports were valued at $6.13 billion, up 18 percent from 2020, of which 1.3 percent, or $80.13 million, were sourced from the United States. During the first eight months of 2022, total food and agricultural imports increased by 45.3 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

The Bulgarian organic market continued to grow in 2021 with an estimated annual growth of 2.5 percent to $39 million. The main driver behind the growth was the stronger consumer focus on a healthier lifestyle and increased popularity for organic products perceived as healthful, which led to higher retail sales.

Bulgaria is a small but growing market for U.S. food and agricultural products. In 2020, total Bulgarian food and agricultural imports were valued at $5.2 billion, of which nearly 1.43 percent, or $73.8 million, were sourced from the United States.

Bulgaria’s leading importer of organic products, BalevBio, requested FAS Sofia's assistance to assist with the first-ever shipment of U.S. organic maple syrup to Bulgaria.

Bulgarian consumer demand for organic foods and beverages has grown in recent years due to economic stability, improved purchasing power, and increased popularity for products perceived as healthful.

The EU Council formally adopted the text of the new Regulation on organic production and labeling of organic products.

Organic agriculture in Bulgaria is developing rapidly due to generous EU subsidies, higher local purchasing power and growing consumer demand.

Organic farming in Bulgaria has thrived driven by improved export demand in the EU market, excellent production subsidies, and favorable governmental policy.

Slovakia took over its first ever European Union (EU) Council Presidency on July 1, 2016.