In recent years, fruit production in Bulgaria has been on the rise, according to a Ministry of Agriculture report.
However, this increase in production comes with a notable surge in fruit imports. Cherry imports have skyrocketed by nearly 1300%, peach imports have grown by around 190%, and watermelon imports have increased by 120% during the reporting period. Import volumes for grapes, apricots, and apples are also rising.
According FreshPlaza, producers attribute this rise to earlier harvests in neighboring southern countries and the lower prices of imported fruits.
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While Bulgaria’s fruit imports have soared, the nation’s fruit exports have also experienced substantial growth. Cherry exports, for example, surged from just 3 tons in 2023 to nearly 400 tons between January and May 2024. Apple exports more than tripled, and watermelon exports grew by nearly 160%. However, strawberry exports fell by approximately 35% due to less favourable growing conditions.
Overall, Bulgarian fruit exports have increased by more than 5%, reaching 29,432 tons.
Turning to the local market, seasonal vegetables and fruits have generally become more affordable. Cucumber, carrot, mature onion, and green pepper prices have all decreased. In contrast, cabbage prices have risen, along with tomatoes from open fields and greenhouse tomatoes. Potatoes have also seen a slight price increase.
Among fruits, peaches, apricots, watermelons, and melons have all decreased slightly in price. Meanwhile, lemon and banana prices have risen.
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