site.btaBulgaria Produces Black Caviar for US, Even for Traditional Leader France

Bulgaria is a leading European producer of black caviar and competes successfully with traditional leaders France and Italy, said Emil Arabadjiev, chairman of the Association of Black Caviar Traders in Bulgaria, in an interview with BTA.

In fact, France and the US are also major importers and consumers of this delicacy from Bulgaria, he added.

“We have made a breakthrough in the Spanish and Australian markets, and negotiations for new destinations are continuing. Japan is also showing great interest in the Bulgarian product,” Arabadjiev said.

On the current topic of US trade negotiations with Europe, he commented that most likely agreements will not be renegotiated if the new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump come into force. Furthermore, he believes that higher prices will not change demand across the Atlantic, as there is a shortage of the product and every trader will find a way to continue working in the coming season, which for black caviar production begins in October. Hopes are high for a positive outcome from the Brussels-Washington negotiations, but diversification into new destinations such as Australia, Canada, and Spain is bringing calm to the industry.

Sturgeon is so valuable that in the US, July 18 is celebrated as National Caviar Day by lovers of the delicacy, restaurants, and suppliers, with the aim of recognizing its place in culinary history and protecting the sturgeon population. The sector in Bulgaria is also preparing to celebrate on Friday.

This industry began in Bulgaria some thirty years ago as a private initiative. To date, many investors have made similar investments and the volumes produced are significant.

At this stage, Bulgarian caviar is almost half the price of caviar in Europe, said Emil Arabadjiev. According to the association’s data, this country exports over 15 tons of black caviar annually. Consumption in Bulgaria is growing: if 7-8 years ago it was around 500 kg per year, now it exceeds 1 ton per month. “This is a huge increase, which speaks to the popularity of Bulgarian caviar in Bulgaria and the development of habits,” he said.

According to him, Bulgarian moruna caviar has a unique taste and texture and is one of the most expensive caviars in the world.

While France associates caviar with champagne and Russia with vodka, Bulgarians love black caviar on its own because it is a product known for its taste.

The Association of Black Caviar Traders in Bulgaria has been in existence for three years and was created to promote the product in Bulgaria among hotels, restaurants and end consumers. It works to establish a culture of consumption: to overcome and limit smuggling and to restore the sturgeon population in the Danube, which is an extremely complex process.

One kilogram of Bulgarian black caviar costs over EUR 1,650. “We believe that a price of 96 leva for 30 grams is affordable for anyone who wants to try it. Caviar is a luxury and one of the healthiest products that can be consumed,” Arabadjiev explained.