Bulgaria: Sour Cherry Market 2025

Sour Cherry Market Size in Bulgaria

In 2022, the Bulgarian sour cherry market increased by 17% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a perceptible slump. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sour Cherry Production in Bulgaria

In value terms, sour cherry production fell slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a noticeable setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of sour cherries in Bulgaria amounted to X tons per ha, increasing by 8.2% on 2021. In general, the yield indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, sour cherry yield decreased by -7.5% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 48%. Over the period under review, the average sour cherry yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The sour cherry harvested area in Bulgaria shrank to X ha in 2022, which is down by -3.4% on 2021 figures. Overall, the harvested area continues to indicate a noticeable setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 26%. The sour cherry harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sour Cherry Exports

Exports from Bulgaria

In 2022, overseas shipments of sour cherries decreased by -10.8% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, exports, however, recorded strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 93% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sour cherry exports shrank remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, enjoyed a moderate increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 95%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Romania (X tons) was the main destination for sour cherry exports from Bulgaria, accounting for a 94% share of total exports. Moreover, sour cherry exports to Romania exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Italy (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Romania amounted to +68.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (-0.8% per year) and Germany (-60.8% per year).

In value terms, Romania ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for sour cherries exports from Bulgaria, comprising 90% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Italy ($X), with a 6.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Romania totaled +70.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (-2.8% per year) and Germany (-61.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average sour cherry export price amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -27.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 7.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Romania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Romania (+1.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sour Cherry Imports

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2022, supplies from abroad of sour cherries increased by 99% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. Overall, imports continue to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 435% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sour cherry imports rose sharply to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 331% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Greece (X tons) was the main sour cherry supplier to Bulgaria, with a approx. 99.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Greece amounted to +20.8%.

In value terms, Greece ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sour cherries to Bulgaria.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Greece stood at +13.0%.

Import Prices by Country

The average sour cherry import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -44% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 33% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Greece.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Hungary amounted to -0.3% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :