The food industry has a pronounced export potential. Since 2010, food exports have been growing steadily, with a total increase of 244% over the period 2010-2023. For 2023 alone, food exports are worth BGN 11.2 billion and increase by 12% compared to the previous year, making up 13% of the country’s total exports. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. David Sukalinski, at the opening of one of the most significant events in the sector for Southeast Europe - the International Exhibitions Mesomania, the Milky Way, Interfood & Drink and Wine&Spirits ShoW, the press center of the Ministry of economy and industry. More than 500 exhibitors from 3 continents participate in the forum, which unites the entire food and beverage sector.
Dr. Sukalinski pointed out that with nearly 90,000 employees in about 6,000 companies, the food industry is the largest manufacturing employer in Bulgaria.
He expressed his confidence that the forum will create new opportunities for business contacts and the development of new markets and distribution networks of all segments of the food industry, will be a starting point for start-up companies, and will show the direction of development and increase the competitiveness of industry.
At the opening of the exhibition, Deputy Minister Sukalinski, together with the Minister of Agriculture and Food, Georgi Tahov, visited the stand of the state milk processing company under the Ministry of Economy and Industry “LB Bulgaricum”. The company’s newest product was presented there for the first time - lactose-free probiotic ayran, which contains a probiotic strain with a European patent. The product was developed by the scientists of the “LB Bulgaricum” Research Center and is intended for wide use, including for consumers with difficulty digesting milk sugar – lactose. After production tests, it will be released on the market.
The stand of “LB Bulgaricum” was also visited by His Excellency Hisashi Michigami, Ambassador of Japan to our country, who spoke with Deputy Minister Sukalinski and the executive director of the company Zhivko Zhivkov. During the conversation, it became clear that a month after the signing of the the contract for a joint scientific laboratory with the Japanese company “Meiji”, the company is already working on the implementation of the agreement, having started operationally the real work on the creation of the laboratory in our country.
In his speech at the opening of the Forum, Ambassador Michigami expressed gratitude to the Minister of Economy and Industry Dr. Petko Nikolov and Deputy Minister Sukalinski for the effective cooperation. He defined the contract signed a month ago between the state-owned “LB Bulgaricum” and the Japanese “Meiji” for the construction of a joint laboratory as a stable basis for deepening the cooperation between the two companies. Ambassador Michigami announced that 500,000 buckets of “Meiji-Bulgaria-Yogurt” yogurt are produced daily with the license of the Bulgarian company in Japan.
In the official opening ceremony of the International Food Exhibitions, organized by Inter Expo Center and the branch organizations of the sector, Giuseppina Dzara - Ambassador of Italy, Kenneth Merten – Ambassador of the USA, Svetlozar Patarinski – Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Dobri Mitrev – chairman of the board of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, the chairmen of the branch unions and associations from the food industry.
Time.News Interview: Exploring the Future of Bulgaria’s Food Industry
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to another engaging session from Time.News! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. David Sukalinski, Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry. We’ll delve into the exciting developments in the food industry, particularly the impressive growth in food exports. Dr. Sukalinski, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sukalinski: Good morning, and thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here and share insights about our food industry.
Editor: To start, could you provide an overview of the current state of Bulgaria’s food exports? We noticed a remarkable 244% increase since 2010. What are the driving factors behind this growth?
Dr. Sukalinski: Absolutely. The consistency in growth can be attributed to several factors. Our focus on quality control, product innovation, and strategic partnerships with international distributors has played a pivotal role. In 2023 alone, food exports have reached a remarkable value of BGN 11.2 billion, marking a 12% increase from last year. This growth not only highlights our competitive edge but also the resilience of our local producers.
Editor: That’s impressive! You also mentioned at the recent International Exhibitions that the food industry employs around 90,000 people across nearly 6,000 companies. How crucial is this sector to Bulgaria’s economy, especially in terms of employment?
Dr. Sukalinski: The food industry is indeed the largest manufacturing employer in Bulgaria, which underscores its importance. Not only does it provide direct employment opportunities, but it also drives ancillary sectors, from agriculture to logistics. The ripple effect of our food industry’s growth contributes significantly to the overall economic stability of the region.
Editor: You highlighted the potential of the recent exhibition, Mesomania, for creating new business opportunities. Can you elaborate on how such events benefit the industry and its participants?
Dr. Sukalinski: Certainly! Events like Mesomania gather over 500 exhibitors from three continents, facilitating networking and collaboration. They provide a platform for startups to showcase their innovations and for established companies to explore new markets and distribution channels. The discussions and partnerships formed here can lead to groundbreaking developments and enhance our industry’s competitiveness on a global scale.
Editor: Speaking of innovations, I heard about the introduction of lactose-free probiotic ayran by “LB Bulgaricum” during the exhibition. What does this product mean for consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions?
Dr. Sukalinski: This product is groundbreaking! Our scientists at the “LB Bulgaricum” Research Center have developed a lactose-free probiotic ayran that not only caters to consumers with lactose intolerance but also promotes gut health. This aligns with our goal to introduce health-oriented products to the market. We’re eager to see how this product will perform after testing and its acceptance among health-conscious consumers.
Editor: It sounds like a fantastic addition to Bulgaria’s food offerings! Lastly, during the exhibition, you had a discussion with His Excellency Hisashi Michigami, the Japanese ambassador. What potential collaborations are on the horizon between Bulgaria and Japan in the food industry?
Dr. Sukalinski: Engaging with international partners is vital for our growth strategy. Japan’s interest in our food products signifies a growing demand for Bulgarian offerings in sophisticated markets. We are exploring avenues for collaboration that could involve not just export opportunities but also technology exchange and joint ventures in innovation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sukalinski, for sharing your insights! It’s clear that Bulgaria’s food industry has a thriving future ahead, thanks to innovation and international partnerships. We look forward to seeing how the industry evolves in the coming years!
Dr. Sukalinski: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these topics, and I am optimistic about what lies ahead for our food industry!
Editor: That wraps up today’s interview. Stay tuned for more updates on significant developments in various sectors here on Time.News!