# Bulgarian consumer spending and food price trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-consumer-spending-and-food-price-trends > Updated: 2026-09-06T04:36:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 6. In mid-August 2026, the Dimitrovgrad Market reported a significant decline in sales as rising costs for food and medicine forced households to prioritize essentials over discretionary goods. While wholesale food prices saw a downward trend in late August—driven by drops in vegetables like tomatoes and red peppers—some sectors like dairy and peaches experienced price increases. The retail business climate has deteriorated, falling from 27.2% to 26.1% according to the National Statistical Institute. Retailers face labor shortages, intense competition, and an uncertain economic environment, leading to expectations of future price hikes. In response, the community-led initiative ‘The Euro in Bulgaria – Boycott of Bold Prices’ launched an interactive ‘Map of Businesses with Normal Prices’ to help consumers locate affordable goods, particularly in Plovdiv. By early September, Lyubomir Datsov, a former Deputy Minister of Finance and Fiscal Council member, warned that economic growth is slowing and food prices are expected to continue rising. Datsov attributed rising food costs to international uncertainty and droughts in Western Europe. He also provided commentary on state finances, suggesting the actual budget deficit might be lower than the announced 5.7%, and noted that the implementation of the state’s capital program is lagging significantly behind budget targets. Data from the State Commission on Exchange and Traded Goods through early September shows the overall wholesale market index rose by 0.4%, moving from 2.275 to 2.284 points. Significant price increases were recorded for tomatoes, which rose by 27.55% to 1.25 euro per kilogram, and fresh 3% fat milk, which increased by 26.96% to 1.46 euro per liter. Other rising costs included zucchini, flour type 500, butter, and sugar. Conversely, prices for lemons, onions, green peppers, potatoes, and red peppers saw decreases. ## Claims - The wholesale food price index in Bulgaria fell by 1.21% to 2.292 points. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tomato wholesale prices decreased by 28.01% to 0.91 euro per kilogram. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Red pepper prices fell by 17.52% to 1.29 euro per kilogram. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Peach prices increased by 5.18% to 1.26 euro per kilogram. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Cow butter prices rose by 6.59% to 1.52 euro per 125g pack. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fresh milk prices remained unchanged at 1.15 euro per liter. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Bulgarian wholesale food prices rise as tomato and milk costs surge Wholesale food prices in Bulgaria rose slightly, driven by sharp increases in tomato prices (+27.55%) and fresh milk (+26.96%), despite price drops in lemons, peppers, and onions. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-wholesale-food-prices-rise-as-tomato-and-milk-costs-surge ### 2026-09-03: Bulgaria food prices show mixed wholesale trends Bulgarian wholesale food prices show mixed trends, with significant increases in tomatoes and milk, while other staples like potatoes and lemons have decreased in cost. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-food-prices-show-mixed-wholesale-trends ### 2026-09-02: Bulgaria addresses economic slowdown, EU relations, and infrastructure Bulgaria reports slowing economic growth and rising food prices, while officials discuss EU security, AI, and the progress of the Hemus motorway construction. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-economic-growth-slows-as-food-prices-rise-expert-warns ### 2026-08-28: Bulgarian retailers expect price hikes amid declining business climate Bulgarian retailers expect price hikes amid a declining business climate, prompting citizens to launch an interactive map to identify businesses with fair pricing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-retailers-expect-price-hikes-amid-declining-business-climate ### 2026-08-23: Bulgaria wholesale food prices decline as tomato costs drop Wholesale food prices in Bulgaria have declined, with the market index falling 1.21%. Significant drops were seen in tomatoes and red peppers, while peach and butter prices increased. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-wholesale-food-prices-decline-as-tomato-costs-drop ### 2026-08-16: Dimitrovgrad Market faces sales decline due to low consumer spending Traders at the Dimitrovgrad Market in Bulgaria report a decline in sales as rising costs for food and medicine reduce consumer spending on clothing and other non-essential goods. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dimitrovgrad-market-faces-sales-decline-due-to-low-consumer-spending --- Cite as: Bulgarian consumer spending and food price trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-consumer-spending-and-food-price-trends