Bulgarian organic market growth slows 

The Bulgarian organic market continued to expand in 2022 with an estimated annual growth of 3.2% compared to 2021, according to a USDA report. The main driver behind the growth was the strong consumer focus on a healthier lifestyle and the perception that organic products are healthy and higher quality compared to conventional products. An improved summer tourist season and fully functioning food service industry supported the increase in sales. On the other hand, accelerated food inflation began affecting higher-end organic product sales and forcing more marketing efforts to sustain them. Demand growth is expected to continue in 2023, however, at a slower rate due to economic challenges and stagnated/reduced disposable income. The domestic organic sector continued to shrink in 2021 and 2022 with further decline in land under organic production and the number of operators. At the end of 2021, organic land area decreased by 26% compared to 2020 and accounted for only 1.7% of Bulgaria’s total agricultural area.