Sofia, Bulgaria – The price of chicken in Bulgaria has surged dramatically in recent years, placing an increasing financial burden on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.
According to a report by Novini.bg, the average price of chicken meat has risen by at least 75% over the past six years, marking one of the steepest increases in food prices in the country.
As of January 2025, the price of chicken fillet varies between 14 and 20 leva per kilogram, depending on promotions, with an average price of around 17 leva per kilogram. Organic chicken prices have skyrocketed even further, exceeding 30 leva per kilogram.
This sharp increase stands in stark contrast to the 2019 price of poultry meat, which was only 4.58 leva per kilogram. By 2020, the cost had risen slightly to 4.95 leva amid the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a steady climb to 5.35 leva in 2021.
The trend continued in 2022, reaching 6.75 leva, and by 2023, prices had surged to 7.71 leva per kilogram—an overall increase of 68.34% in just four years.
A Steady Rise in Chicken Fillet Prices
Chicken fillet, a staple in Bulgarian households, has followed a similar trajectory. In 2019, supermarkets listed chicken fillet at approximately 8 leva per kilogram.
A year later, prices climbed to 9.99 leva, remaining relatively stable at around 10 leva in 2021. However, 2022 saw another rise, with prices reaching 11 leva per kilogram.
The upward trend continued into 2023, with chicken fillet priced at 12 leva per kilogram, before increasing to 13.99 leva in 2024.
These rising costs are particularly concerning as chicken remains one of the most consumed meats in Bulgaria, second only to pork.
In 2024, chicken consumption was estimated at around 12 kilograms per person annually, while pork consumption averaged 30 kilograms per person per year.
Comparisons with Poland Highlight Regional Disparities
Despite these increases, Bulgaria’s poultry prices remain higher than those in neighboring Poland, where chicken remains relatively affordable.
This stark contrast underscores the growing disparity in food costs across Europe, with Bulgaria experiencing sharper price hikes that place additional strain on consumers.
Households Struggle to Cope
The escalating price of chicken is reflective of broader economic challenges in Bulgaria, where essential goods have become increasingly expensive.
According to a recent report by the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions (CITUB), a three-member family with two working adults needs at least 2653 leva per month to cover basic expenses.
For a single working individual, the required net monthly income as of December 2024 was estimated at 1474 leva.
As Bulgarian families face rising food costs, many are forced to adjust their budgets, cutting back on essentials or seeking alternative sources of protein.
The persistent inflation in food prices, coupled with overall economic pressures, continues to fuel concerns about affordability and living standards in the country.
With poultry prices showing no signs of stabilizing, consumers and policymakers alike are left questioning what measures, if any, can be taken to curb the rapid rise in food costs and ease the financial burden on Bulgarian households.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members