Almonds: Gold-rush atmosphere in Bulgaria

November 7, 2016 at 10:15 AM , Der AUDITOR
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SOFIA. Bulgaria may not rank among the world’s top producers, but the local almonds prices are surprisingly high.

 

High price level
Organic local varieties are trading above 11.00 EUR/kg EXW Bulgaria. The conventional counterparts are trading in a considerably lower range of 8.50 EUR/kg EXW Bulgaria in the face of imports, mainly from the USA. Considering that imported equivalent US almond varieties are trading on a much lower level of roughly speaking 6.30-6.60 EUR/kg EXW Spain it seems rather surprising that Bulgarian demand is so high for local varieties.

 

High quality
The reason is that the domestic crop is neither genetically modified nor have any pesticides been applied to produce the pristine kernels the imported Californian almonds have. Although the local kernel may not look as if they have been taken out of a candy box, their taste and flavour are quite unique. Local purchasers value their high quality and are prepared to pay the higher prices.

All in good time
Only few growers have so far invested in larger orchards. These orchards will, however, require time before they have any noticeable impact on the market, as one farmer explains: “Substantially larger almond orchards, producing significantly higher quantities will come into effect in three to seven years. If the government helps with subsidies this will definitely benefit us. But until then the US almonds will continue to dominate the market.”

 

Organic almonds, Bulgaria

Type

EUR/kg

in shell

7.30

natural kernels, Nonpareil

11.20

natural kernels, Asparuh

11.20

natural kernels, Primorski

11.20

natural kernels, Start

11.20

natural kernels, Nikitski

11.20

almond paste

18.00

roasted kernels

15.40

EXW Bulgaria

 

Almonds, Bulgaria

Type

EUR/kg

in shell

3.60

natural kernels, Nonpareil

8.50

natural kernels, Asparuh

8.50

natural kernels, Primorski

8.50

natural kernels, Start

8.50

natural kernels, Nikitski

8.50

almond paste

11.90

roasted kernels

11.40

EXW Bulgaria

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