MZm-Agro Plovdiv is preparing a strategy for accelerating the export of Bulgarian wine

2023-05-10 14:56:57

The state will finance the measures with which the wine will be positioned in target markets in the group of high-quality drinks

Villa Justina’s fountain, from which wine flows on holidays

The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing National advertising strategy and promotion of the export of Bulgarian wine with a three-year scope. The working group that will prepare the document held a meeting on Tuesday and was led by the agrarian deputy ministers Todor Dzhikov and Georgi Sabev. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Tourism, branch organizations of wine and grape producers, teachers from UNSS, UHT, etc.

“We need a marketing strategy that will strengthen the sales of Bulgarian manufacturers in the high price segment, and the state must financially support the implementation of the measures that will be scheduled together with professionals from the sector,” said Deputy Minister Todor Dzhikov.

“A new comprehensive approach to Bulgarian wine production is needed, which will support the development of both the viticulture sector and rural areas and make them more attractive. A few decades ago, our country was the third largest exporter in the world by total value. Now the competition is much bigger and aggressive. Every day in which work is not done to strengthen the Bulgarian wine export is a day missed in favor of our competitors”, said Deputy Minister Georgi Sabev. He added that it is important when positioning Bulgarian wine to emphasize that it is a product of high quality, including through the protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication schemes.

Deputy Minister Georgi Sabev also said that the countries of the region should not be underestimated, but also the more distant markets, in order to cover all opportunities for Bulgarian producers to become recognizable, despite the strong competition. He added that the strategy should include educating Bulgarian and foreign users about who the Bulgarian regions are, what is the legend and history surrounding them.

“We brought together manufacturers, science potential and trade experts to clarify what we wanted to achieve. In order to permanently enter foreign markets, it is important to know what the producers of grapes, wine and traders on foreign and domestic markets want,” said Deputy Minister Todor Dzhikov.

The participants in the meeting discussed the selection of target markets and target groups that will be covered by the strategic document, the development and export capacity of Bulgarian wine producers, participation in prestigious exhibitions, the potential of traditional Bulgarian varieties and gave examples of successful implementation of Bulgarian wine in the high price segment in third countries. Working group meetings will continue, with industry associations having the opportunity to submit written proposals for the strategy paper.