Bulgaria: Dairy and Products Annual

The Bulgarian dairy industry developed successfully and made good progress in 2020. The total dairy herd increased by six percent, cow milk production grew by more than seven percent, and milk collection and processing also expanded. This was due to increasingly large and more efficient dairy operations, higher milk yields, and industry consolidation. During the first seven months of 2020, milk deliveries continued to grow, but at a slower pace by about one percent over the same period in 2020. The hot and dry summer of 2021 was challenging for dairy farmers; however, the expectations are for stabilization of the dairy industry in 2021. Currently, the main concern for farms is skyrocketing feed grain and energy prices. COVID-19 did not considerably affect Bulgarian dairy consumption, which continued to grow by two percent in 2020 over 2019. Due to a better tourist season, consumption has expanded in 2021 and prospects for 2022 are optimistic.