site.btaBulgaria's 42 Breweries Produce 4.5 Mil Hectolitres of Beer Annually, Brewers’ Union Says on International Beer Day

Bulgaria has 42 breweries producing around 4.5 million hectolitres of beer annually, 99% of which is made by members of the Union of Brewers in Bulgaria (UBB), the organization said on Friday, International Beer Day.

The global celebration was established in 2007. It is observed annually on the first Friday of August in more than 80 countries.

Brewing in Bulgaria has a history spanning more than 140 years. From the first industrial breweries established in the late 19th century to the present day, the sector has developed dynamically, investing in new technologies and sustainable production while preserving the traditions of Bulgarian brewing.

Today, Bulgarian breweries are investing in optimizing resource consumption, the green transition and the implementation of circular economy principles. One of the most significant projects in this area will be the long-awaited introduction of a deposit return system for beverage packaging, which is expected to benefit both Bulgarian consumers and the environment.

Over the past 18 months, investments in green solutions by members of the Union of Brewers have exceeded EUR 16 million. 

UBB Executive Director Ivana Radomirova said that Europe is unquestionably the home of brewing culture. "According to Brewers of Europe data, around 10,000 breweries operate in European Union countries, providing more than 117,000 direct jobs and supporting agriculture, tourism, the restaurant sector and local economies. Beer production and sales in the EU create approximately two million direct and indirect jobs and generate around EUR 52 billion in added value annually. We are proud that Bulgarian brewers have been a worthy member of the Brewers of Europe since 2007,” she said.

An interesting fact is that classic beer is always and everywhere made from just four basic ingredients – water, malt, hops and brewer’s yeast. Thanks to the different types of malt and hops, brewing technologies and the skills of brewers, there are now hundreds of beer styles and thousands of brands and varieties suitable for every taste, occasion and season, the union said.

The Metalhead Beer Fest was held in Burgas on August 1 and 2, bringing together 20 independent breweries, including 10 from abroad, and offering more than 100 types of beer, a large street food area and a music programme. The festival is symbolically linked to International Beer Day and demonstrates how beer, music and urban culture naturally complement one another. The summer festival season will continue in September.