Bulgaria’s ice cream industry is experiencing a dramatic downturn, with production levels plummeting between 60 and 70 percent over the past six years.
Eurostat data highlights a stark decline from 29.6 million liters of ice cream produced in 2018, marking the industry’s peak, to a projected 11 million liters for 2023.
The drop in output has been substantial, falling from 19 million liters in 2020 to just 14 million liters in 2021. This downward trend is expected to continue, with production for 2023 projected to be slightly above 11 million liters.
Despite the significant reduction in domestic production, ice cream consumption in Bulgaria has remained relatively steady.
According to the National Statistical Institute, consumption decreased from 13 million liters before the pandemic to 10 million liters in 2020 but rebounded to 13 million liters in 2021 and has maintained that level since.
This suggests that imported ice cream may be compensating for the decline in local production.
The current landscape of Bulgaria’s ice cream production includes around 50 enterprises, not accounting for those that supply public catering establishments like pastry shops.
Compared to other EU countries, Bulgaria’s production is minimal. In contrast, Italy, renowned for its gelato, produced 527 million liters in 2023, making it the third-largest producer in Europe.
France follows closely with 568 million liters, while Germany leads with an impressive 612 million liters.
Germany, in addition to being the largest producer of ice cream in Europe, offers it at the lowest average price of 1.80 euros per liter. France’s average price stands at 2.20 euros per liter, while Italy’s average is 2.60 euros per liter.
In comparison, Austria reports the highest average price at 7.70 euros per liter, followed by Hungary at 4.80 euros, and Greece at 3.70 euros per liter.
Industry experts suggest that Bulgaria’s decline in production could be attributed to several factors, including increased competition from imported products, changes in consumer preferences, and economic challenges impacting local manufacturers.
The steady consumption rates, however, indicate a persistent demand for ice cream, suggesting that Bulgarian consumers are turning to imported options to fill the void left by the declining local production.
As the ice cream industry faces these challenges, stakeholders in Bulgaria may need to explore strategies to rejuvenate local production and competitiveness in the European market.
With stable consumption but a sharply reduced production capacity, the future of Bulgaria’s ice cream industry hinges on its ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics and consumer preferences.