In marketing year (MY) 2020/21, Bulgaria’s total fresh deciduous fruit crop declined sharply by 15 percent due to adverse climate conditions. Apple production decreased by 13 percent from MY2019/20, as unfavorable weather conditions reduced area harvested. Pear production declined more steeply, by 48 percent, to its lowest level in the last four years due to the decrease in both area harvested and yields.
Table grape production was more resilient to the unfavorable weather, but also dropped by six percent. The pandemic reduced consumer demand and imports for fresh consumption due to food service industry outlet restrictions, weak tourism, and consumer budgets targeting more staple food products. Post expects MY 2021/22 production, fresh consumption, and processing to rebound due to gradual economic recovery, vaccination progress, a better tourist season, and relaxed operations of food service outlets.
Fresh year-on-year apple consumption in MY 2020/21 is estimated to remain at a lower level compared to pre-pandemic times although it was slightly up by 4.5 percent vs. the previous year due to better retail sales.
The forecast for MY 2021/22 is for a rebound in production, supply, and consumption (fresh and for processing) due to vaccination progress, more liberal operations of food service industry outlets and an improved tourist season. Increasing prices, however, along with the food inflation will still limit the growth.
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Source: lnks.gd
