Poultry meat remains the most popular and affordable meat and source of protein in Bulgaria with consistent growth in consumption since 2013, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report. This is despite some fluctuations in 2020-2022 caused by HPAI and the COVID pandemic.

FAS/Sofia forecasts higher poultry meat consumption in 2024 due to improving consumer demand, both at the retail level and in the food service industry. Food inflation has been under control and persistently declining since the middle of 2023, while consumer incomes have increased contributing to better purchasing power. 

The MinAg monthly data indicate stable prices for frozen and chilled whole broilers at both the wholesale and retail levels as of mid-June, with less than a percent difference compared to a year ago, encouraging stable and growing consumption. These prices, however, remain significantly below the average EU prices.

Also, chicken meat imports grew by 3.1% while exports (volume) dropped by 26% in the first quarter of 2024, indicating stronger domestic demand. Based on this data, broiler meat consumption is expected to grow in 2024 with a potentially stronger rate than in 2023. 

Currently, the MinAg does not follow consumption and/or prices of duck meat and there is no official data about it. Bulgarian imports of duck meat are very small, while exports declined in the first quarter of 2024, indicating slightly growing local sales.