Bulgarian vegetable prices rise as producers face shrinking demand

Bulgarian markets and commodity exchanges are experiencing a new wave of rising prices, particularly for vegetables. Tomatoes and cucumbers have seen a 22% increase, while significant price hikes are also reported for peppers, potatoes, and apples.

At the Purvenets commodity exchange, near Plovdiv, there is a notable contraction in consumption during a season that is traditionally one of the strongest. Local producers report that domestic products are now priced similarly to imports due to rising fuel and transport costs.

Grape producers are facing a particularly difficult situation, reporting a lack of buyers. Some growers claim that traders prefer cheaper imports from Turkey, Greece, and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, wholesale prices for peppers have reached approximately 1.30 euros per kilogram, a significant increase compared to previous years, which traders suggest is deterring buyers.