Bulgaria: Livestock and Products Annual

In 2020 and 2021, Bulgaria made significant progress in the recovery of the national swine herd after African swine fever (ASF) hit the country in 2019. Most backyard farmers have stopped raising pigs while the national herd is rebuilt, and commercial pork production has increased. Post estimates that in 2021/2022, the recovery will further expand if the authorities successfully manage the epizootic situation. Consumer demand softened in 2020 due to the pandemic but has rebounded steadily in 2021 due to the stabilization of the hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) industry. Post expects the Bulgarian market for pork meat to grow further in 2022. Beef production and consumption followed a similar trend and declined in 2020, however, it is recovering in 2021 due to higher animal inventory and better trade prospects.