Lower yield of wine grapes by 30% in Bulgaria, but with superior quality

Droughts have impacted wine grapes in terms of quantity and quality, Bulgarian winegrowers report. Long-lasting droughts have reduced the production yield and winegrowers are estimating that this harvest season they are able to get only 70% of the annual production output. On the other hand, the quality and sugar levels of the grapes are expected to be superior.

Lower yield will bring its challenges for winegrowers as they are anticipating that most of the growers aren't going to be able to cover their costs and therefore, unable to make the necessary investments for next year.
Farmgate prices vary around EUR 0,25 - EUR 0,28 per kg, which is 10% higher than last year, the prices are estimated to be insufficient to compensate for the yield that is lost.