site.btaFood Prices in Bulgaria Show Seasonal Decline, With Exceptions in Fruit Market

Bulgaria is currently experiencing the usual seasonal decline in food prices, a trend that occurs almost every year, said Vladimir Ivanov, Chair of the State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Wholesale Markets (CEWMSC), at a briefing on Monday. He explained that while the drop is evident, it is progressing more slowly than last year due to unfavorable weather conditions, which have disrupted the regular supply of certain products, especially fruits.

According to Ivanov, the current market situation as calm, well-balanced, and stable. Over the past week, the cost of the consumer basket has decreased by BGN 2. According to SCCEM data, prices have fallen for tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes. Fresh potatoes, in particular, have seen a notable decrease of nearly BGN 0.50 per kilogram due to widespread availability. Cabbage prices have also dropped by around BGN 0.25, although current levels remain higher than those recorded a year ago. Lemon prices, on the other hand, have increased by BGN 0.21 due to limited supply.   

The price of cherries spiked sharply on Saturday in connection with the religious observance of Saturday of Souls, a development Ivanov criticized as an unfair commercial practice. He explained that the surge was spontaneous, lasted for about six hours, and was driven by a small segment of traders. The Commission intervened with sanctions, he noted, but added that such practices should not arise in the first place. Ivanov urged consumers not to purchase goods at artificially inflated prices.

Major retail chains maintained stable cherry prices, Ivanov said, with one large chain keeping its price at BGN 12 per kilogram throughout the weekend. However, at smaller markets, prices reportedly jumped from BGN 14 to BGN 20 per kilogram. He called the BGN 5–6 difference excessive for a product like cherries and noted it reflects poorly on market discipline after three decades of a market economy.  

Apricot prices have declined, though local production is expected to be weak this year, prompting greater reliance on imports. Sugar is currently 8% cheaper than it was a year ago. Sunflower oil has seen a minor increase of around BGN 0.10, but prices remain stable globally, and are expected to hold until the next harvest. 

Ivanov noted that eggs remain the most stable product in terms of pricing, with almost no change. Cow's cheese has shown consistent supply and pricing over the past year. Butter prices have dropped by BGN 0.20, supported by increased availability on European markets. Fresh milk currently sells for BGN 2.08 per liter, with a stabilized price level comparable to last year. Pork prices are trending downward, while chicken prices are expected to rise.