site.btaUnion of Bread Makers Expects 0% VAT to Remain in Force

Mariana Kukusheva, the chair of the National Union of Bakers and Confectioners expects that the zero VAT on bread will stay. She was among the speakers at a Sofia forum titled "Brand Bulgaria - protection of Bulgarian agriculture and food", organized by Standard News.

"Bread is the only food whose price remained unchanged in the last six months and this is thanks to the introduction of the strong social measure of zero VAT on bread. I have no worries and I think that the zero VAT, which has been backed by all political forces so far - will remain in force. I do not believe that there is a political force that would raise the price of bread by 30% - before or after the elections," said Kukusheva.

The Tuesday event is the first of two discussions within the national campaign "Yes to Bulgarian Food!", which is being held for the 18th consecutive year, with the aim of supporting Bulgarian farmers, food processors and traders, as well as enhancing dialogue between institutions and agribusiness on finding working solutions for the sector.

Kukusheva clarified that the formation of the 30% potential increase she mentioned would be formed by a 20% VAT and 10% markup along the supply chain. "I do not think it will happen, moreover, this social measure brings a huge economic benefit as it fights the shadow economy," she added. 

Bulgaria has had a flat VAT rate of 20% for all goods for long - until the pandemic when it lowered the rate for some products and services.