Bulgarian grape growers prepare protests over lack of market demand

Bulgarian grape growers are preparing for protests due to a lack of market demand for this year’s harvest. Despite a successful and abundant crop, particularly in the Pleven region, producers report they are unable to find buyers for their grapes.

Producers cite several systemic issues, including competition from subsidized grape and wine imports from neighboring countries such as Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Greece. Growers expressed concern that the influx of cheap foreign products, often found in restaurants, is displacing local production and threatening the long-term viability of the traditional Bulgarian viticulture sector.

Atanas Vasilev, Chairman of the Association of Bulgarian Grape Growers, stated that producers are seeking a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture to find a systemic solution to these challenges.