Bulgaria's Dairy Industry Analysis

Bulgaria is a Southeast European country with a burgeoning dairy industry that plays a vital role in its agricultural sector. The nation boasts diverse dairy farms and processing plants, engaging actively in both the export and import of dairy products.

Key Data

• Number of Dairy Cattle: Approximately 300,000 heads/year
• Milk Production Volume: Around 1.1 billion liters/year
• Milk Processing Volume: Estimated at 1 billion liters/year
• Cheese Production Volume: Approximately 65,000 metric tons/year
• Milk Powder and Whey Production: Nearly 20,000 metric tons/year
• Exports of Dairy Products: About 120 million USD/year
• Imports of Dairy Products: Around 160 million USD/year

Major Dairy Plants

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

Notable Dairy Farms

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

Dairy Market Events

In June 2023, raw milk prices in Bulgaria saw a notable increase. This is reflective of several factors including rising input costs, increased demand for dairy products, and climatic conditions affecting production. This price change has had a significant impact on both producers and consumers, leading to adjustments across the dairy supply chain.

Additionally, Bulgaria continues to invest in modernizing its dairy industry with advancements in technology and farming practices. This includes initiatives to improve milk quality, increase production efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. The country also actively participates in the European Union's dairy market, benefiting from funding and support programs aimed at boosting the competitiveness of its dairy sector.

Conclusion

Bulgaria's dairy industry is characterised by a robust production and processing infrastructure, supported by a mixture of traditional and modern practices. The recent increase in raw milk prices signifies a dynamic market responding to various economic pressures. With continuous investments and strategic developments, Bulgaria remains an important player in the global dairy market.

Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Bangladesh were key markets for Condensed Milk and Cream. In 2023, the curds snacks discovered such new countries as Romania and Bulgaria.

Modified: 2025/05/04

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