Bulgaria: Hop Market 2025

Hop Market Size in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian hop market soared to $X in 2022, growing by 116% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a noticeable decline. Hop consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Hop Production in Bulgaria

In value terms, hop production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a perceptible curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by 30% against the previous year. Hop production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of hops in Bulgaria expanded modestly to X tons per ha in 2022, picking up by 1.7% against 2021. In general, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the yield increased by 28% against the previous year. The hop yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The hop harvested area in Bulgaria shrank to X ha in 2022, falling by -2% on the previous year. Overall, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 65% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the hop harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Hop Exports

Exports from Bulgaria

In 2022, the amount of hops exported from Bulgaria dropped rapidly to X tons, with a decrease of -27.4% against 2021. In general, total exports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports decreased by -33.2% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 32%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, hop exports reduced markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a slight expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 60%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Spain (X tons), Italy (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of hop exports from Bulgaria, with a combined 82% share of total exports. Poland, the Netherlands, France, the Czech Republic and Hungary lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +107.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($X) remains the key foreign market for hops exports from Bulgaria, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Italy ($X), with a 23% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Spain stood at +5.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (+4.4% per year) and Germany (+0.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average hop export price amounted to $X per ton, flattening at the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 27% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Poland ($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 France (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Hop Imports

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2022, supplies from abroad of hops decreased by -33.1% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 124% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, hop imports dropped remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a perceptible reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 43% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then shrank markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Germany (X tons) was the main supplier of hop to Bulgaria, accounting for a 92% share of total imports. Moreover, hop imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Czech Republic (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany was relatively modest.

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of hops to Bulgaria, comprising 75% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Czech Republic ($X), with a 21% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany amounted to -4.5%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average hop import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 3.3% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a pronounced slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average import price increased by 106%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Czech Republic ($X per ton), while the price for Germany stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Czech Republic (+4.9%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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