Bulgaria

Inflation was still an issue in 2023 for small local grocers in Bulgaria, though growth eased. As such, though current value sales rose, constant value sales fell, as continuing rising costs cut profit margins. There was also minimal openings of new…

In 2023, cafés/bars continue to recover from the significant declines recorded in the channel at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, recording strong double-digit value growth in the year. Growth can be attributed to the growing interest…

The majority of categories in other pet food are set to develop positively in 2024, especially in value as opposed to volume terms due to their price retention at a relatively high level. Category growth will be based mainly on increasing knowledge…

As inflation remained relatively high in 2023, many consumers turned towards private label for their bath and shower needs. Brands like Balea from dm and Cien by Lidl captured the interest of price-conscious consumers most affected by the…

With no pandemic-related movement and travel restrictions mandated by the government, foodservice continues to recover in 2023. Limited-services restaurants, in particular, are recording strong value growth as a result of strong and renewed consumer…

Tissue and hygiene in Bulgaria witnessed positive development in 2023, with high inflation bolstering sales especially in the second half of the year. Retail prices remained elevated and even saw some slight increases, as most producers grappled with…

Retail adult incontinence in Bulgaria continued to witness robust growth in 2023, both in retail volume and current value terms, supported by the ageing population and growing urological problems. Rising demand was due mainly to an expansion of the…

Home products specialists in Bulgaria registered current value growth in 2023, though constant value sales fell. Inflation was still an issue and impacted profitability. That being said, it was homewares and home furnishing stores that dragged down…

In 2023, street stalls/kiosks continue to rebound from the steep sales declines seen at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong double-digit value growth is further supported by rising unit prices and the impact of inflation. The market has already…

Men’s grooming in Bulgaria is evolving due to changing attitudes towards self-care with men investing in their personal appearance. In 2023, men’s grooming witnessed robust growth in current value terms driven mainly by unit price increases, while…

Boosted by significant price hikes and the inflation, self-service cafeterias is achieving very strong value growth as consumer demand continues to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. As no further pandemic-related restrictions have been…

Retail volume sales of nappies/diapers/paints in Bulgaria continued to fall in 2023, in line with the ongoing decline in the country’s birth rate which is reducing the overall consumer base. Indeed, the very low numbers of babies being born Bulgaria…

High inflation impacted retail e-commerce in Bulgaria in 2023. As such, though retail e-commerce registered high current value growth, constant value sales fell. Consumers cut back on spending on less essential items and this impacted e-commerce.…

Muted performance for general merchandise in 2023

In 2023, full-service restaurants continue to recover from the devastating losses registered during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the strong double-digit value growth is largely the result of rising unit prices and inflation. For a growing number…

With inflation still being an issue, though apparel and footwear specialists in Bulgaria registered an increase in current value sales, constant value sales fell, as continuing rising costs cut into profit margins. There was also a slight decline in…

Energy drinks benefits from constant innovation and improved distribution. Producers are challenging traditional perceptions of energy drinks by introducing sugar-free variants and incorporating healthier ingredients like fruit juice, green tea or…

Sweet spreads in Bulgaria saw an increase in both volume and value, driven by the gradual process of inflation stabilisation and further price hikes in the first quarter of the year. However, the category that continued to experience a decline was…

The consumption of cheese rose marginally in 2023 after two years of decline caused by a shift back towards out-of-home entertaining and travelling in the post-pandemic era. Foodservice sales grew significantly and are exceeding pre-pandemic levels…

In 2023, most baby food subcategories continue to show positive growth, both in retail volume and current value terms. Despite the country’s declining birth rate, there is growing demand for specialised baby food among Bulgarian mothers, with mothers…