Bulgaria: Livestock and Red Meat Sector Update
In 2015 and early 2016 the livestock and red meat sector had a positive development with a growth in swine and beef cattle inventory. The major drivers behind this development were the favorable and price-competitive feed supply, combined with good domestic demand, improved management practices and the dominating role of the commercial sector over backyard production. Pork and beef supply increased with a sharp reduction of backyard farming and slaughter. After years of constant growth, red meat consumption has a tendency to plateau while the pattern shifts to higher consumption of fresh meat and more expensive cuts such as prime beef steaks. Trade data for the first five months of 2016 shows optimistic prospects for beef imports.
