site.btaBulgarian Soft Drinks Association Marks 30th Anniversary

Bulgaria's soft drinks and bottled water industry is growing steadily and outperforming the overall pace of the national economy, Bulgarian Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) Executive Director Jana Velichkova told BTA on the occasion of the organization's 30th anniversary, which is being celebrated on Monday.

According to Velichkova, the anniversary coincides with two milestones: the legal registration of the association, which was founded at the end of December 31 years ago but was officially registered in late May of the following year, and the eve of Enyovden (Midsummer Day), the sector's professional holiday.

The industry generated production worth EUR 512 million in 2024, according to a study by the Institute for Market Economics reviewing its achievements over the past decade. Output has increased by more than 70% over the ten-year period.

"We generate substantial added value for the economy, which reached EUR 185 million in 2024, an increase of two-thirds over the past decade. The study demonstrates the industry's strong investment intensity. Investments in the sector exceeded EUR 1.3 billion over the last ten years, representing a significant effort. We are building a modern, innovative industry that meets the expectations of consumers and society. Labour productivity has doubled, while wages in the sector have increased more than twofold," Velichkova said.

She noted that exports have tripled over the past decade.

"We are a local industry that primarily serves domestic demand, but the growing volume of exports shows that this will become another driver of growth," she said.

The sector exports mainly to neighbouring countries, although more distant markets are also being reached. Association members sell products in both the Americas and Asia, but the bulk of production is consumed by Bulgarians and by tourists visiting the country, Velichkova added.

The industry's profile, as outlined in the study, shows rising productivity and growing value added to the Bulgarian economy. According to Velichkova, each enterprise generates more than EUR 1 million in added value, nine times the national average. The sector comprises 166 companies and provided direct employment to more than 4,350 people in 2024.

Among the industry's main challenges, she highlighted climate change, the sustainable management of water resources, energy efficiency and sustainable development.

A deposit return system will be among the key topics at the event marking the association's 30th anniversary, which will bring together representatives of institutions, companies from the sector, partner industries and other stakeholders.