Last week, Bulgaria recorded a decline in seasonal fruit and vegetable prices, according to the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets. The overall food basket became cheaper thanks to the local seasonal supply.
Commission chairman Vladimir Ivanov noted that the trend was expected, although exceptions remain. Cucumbers and tomatoes continue to exhibit irregular price fluctuations due to inconsistent supply and demand. Both Bulgarian and Greek cucumbers are currently present on the market, reflecting the dynamics of the free EU market.
Consumer organisations, however, highlight long-term challenges. According to Bogomil Nikolov of the Active Consumers Association, domestic fruit and vegetable production has been insufficient for years, which explains the strong reliance on imports.
Experts point to two key structural issues:
- Equal subsidies for industrial crops and vegetables, which reduce competitiveness;
- Irrigation problems that limit stable yields.
In 2024, Bulgaria harvested only 527,000 tons of vegetables and 205,000 tons of fruit, including just 128,000 tons of tomatoes. These volumes remain low compared to other EU countries, underscoring the country's continued dependence on imported produce.
Source: bourgas.ru
