Bulgaria: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in Bulgaria

In 2021, the Bulgarian lamb and sheep meat market increased by 32% to $X, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a pronounced descent. Lamb and sheep meat consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in Bulgaria

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a pronounced reduction. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2021, the average yield of lamb and sheep meat in Bulgaria stood at X kg per head, with an increase of 13% on the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the yield increased by 16% against the previous year. The lamb and sheep meat yield peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, the number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Bulgaria skyrocketed to X heads, picking up by 20% against the previous year's figure. Overall, the number of producing animals, however, recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production peaked at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from Bulgaria

For the fourth year in a row, Bulgaria recorded decline in overseas shipments of lamb and sheep meat, which decreased by -11.6% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports showed a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 69%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports reduced slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 76% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Italy (X tons), Croatia (X tons) and Romania (X tons) were the main destinations of lamb and sheep meat exports from Bulgaria, together accounting for 93% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Romania (with a CAGR of +42.8%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for lamb and sheep meat exported from Bulgaria were Italy ($X), Croatia ($X) and Romania ($X), with a combined 93% share of total exports. Greece and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 3.2%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Germany, with a CAGR of +233.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

The average lamb and sheep meat export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 12% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 13% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Greece (+5.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of lamb and sheep meat, when their volume decreased by -42% to X tons. Over the period under review, imports, however, enjoyed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 50%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2020, and then reduced remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports declined notably to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 80%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2020, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Poland (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to Bulgaria, with a 84% share of total imports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat imports from Poland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Spain (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Italy (X tons), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Poland amounted to +85.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Spain (+2.9% per year) and Italy (+23.2% per year).

In value terms, Poland ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to Bulgaria, comprising 46% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Croatia ($X), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by Spain, with a 9.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Poland totaled +106.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Croatia (0.0% per year) and Spain (+4.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average lamb and sheep meat import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 29% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Croatia ($X per ton), while the price for Ireland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Romania (+19.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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