Bulgaria's Dairy Industry Overview

Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, boasts a burgeoning dairy industry that significantly contributes to its agricultural economy. The country is home to approximately 300,000 dairy cattle, supporting a milk production volume of around 1.1 billion liters per year. Of this, about 1 billion liters are processed annually, reflecting the efficiency and capacity of its dairy processing sector.

Production and Processing

The cheese production in Bulgaria is substantial, with approximately 65,000 metric tons produced each year. Additionally, the country produces nearly 20,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey annually. This diverse production underscores Bulgaria's capability to cater to both domestic and international markets.

Trade and Economic Impact

Bulgaria's dairy industry plays a vital role in trade, with exports valued at about 120 million USD per year, while imports are slightly higher at around 160 million USD annually. This trade dynamic highlights Bulgaria's integration into the global dairy market.

Major Dairy Plants

Land O’Lakes Bulgaria
LB Bulgaricum
Meggle Bulgaria
Milkana Bulgaria
Danone Bulgaria

Notable Dairy Farms

Ivan Stanchev Farm: Located in the Plovdiv region, it is one of the largest producers of raw milk in the country.
Minko Yoshkov Farm: Situated in the Pazardzhik region, known for high-quality dairy cattle breeds.
Alexandra Dairy Farm: Based in the Sofia region, renowned for innovative dairy farming practices.

Market Events

In June 2023, raw milk prices in Bulgaria increased notably due to rising input costs, increased demand, and climatic conditions affecting production. This change impacted both producers and consumers, necessitating adjustments across the supply chain. Investments in modernizing the dairy industry are ongoing, with advancements in technology and farming practices aimed at improving milk quality, production efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Bulgaria actively participates in the European Union's dairy market, benefiting from supportive funding and programs.

The city of Vratsa hosted its first-ever cheese and dairy festival, showcasing a variety of dairy offerings from conventional cow, goat, and sheep cheeses to the more exotic donkey and mare cheeses, highlighting the diversity of Bulgarian dairy products.

Conclusion

Bulgaria's dairy industry is a blend of traditional and modern practices, backed by a strong production and processing infrastructure. The recent increase in raw milk prices points to a dynamic market responsive to economic pressures. Continued investments and strategic developments ensure Bulgaria's position as a significant player in the global dairy market.

Rosselkhoznadzor imposes restrictions on the import of sheep and goats due to disease outbreaks. Eleven outbreaks of sheep and goat pox have been registered in Bulgaria since July 20, 2025.

Modified: 2025/09/03