Market
Raisins (dried grapes) in Bulgaria are primarily an import-supplied dried-fruit product used for household baking/snacking and as an ingredient in nut-and-fruit mixes. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Bulgaria is a net importer: 2023 imports were about USD 1.93 million versus exports about USD 0.065 million for HS 080620. As an EU Member State, Bulgaria applies EU-wide contaminant limits and food information rules, with official controls recorded through EU systems. Turkey-origin dried grapes are listed under EU Implementing Regulation 2019/1793 for increased import controls focused on ochratoxin A, creating a practical risk of border delay or refusal for non-compliant lots.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleConsumer retail and ingredient market (home baking/snacking; use in prepared mixes)
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityYear-round retail availability driven by imports; demand can peak around seasonal baking periods.
Risks
Food Safety HighTurkey-origin dried grapes (raisins) entering Bulgaria/EU face increased official controls for ochratoxin A under EU Implementing Regulation 2019/1793; non-compliance can lead to detention, refusal of entry, and RASFF notifications.Source from suppliers with robust mycotoxin control programs; require pre-shipment ochratoxin A test results, implement incoming-lot testing, and align TRACES/CHED documentation to the control-post requirements for the consignment.
Supply Concentration MediumBulgaria’s raisin imports are concentrated in a small set of origin countries (notably Iran and Turkey in 2023), increasing exposure to origin-specific disruptions (border measures, crop shocks, or trade/payment frictions).Dual-source across multiple origins (EU and non-EU) and maintain buffer inventory for high-demand baking periods.
Border Enforcement MediumBFSA reports regular refusals of food consignments at Bulgaria’s EU external borders due to issues such as excessive pesticide residues, toxins, and documentation gaps, indicating active enforcement that can disrupt deliveries.Run a pre-shipment compliance checklist (contaminants, residues, documentation) and use compliant, pre-vetted logistics routes/control posts.
Allergen Labeling MediumIf sulphur dioxide/sulphites are present above the EU threshold, failure to declare them as allergens under EU food information rules can trigger non-compliance actions (withdrawal/recall risk).Verify additive use and total SO2, ensure compliant allergen emphasis on labels, and keep supporting formulation/specification records.
Standards- BRCGS Food Safety
- IFS Food
- FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 (food safety management)
FAQ
Are raisins from Turkey subject to additional import controls when entering Bulgaria?Yes. Under EU Implementing Regulation 2019/1793, dried grapes (HS/CN 0806 20) from Turkey are listed for increased official controls focused on ochratoxin A. This can result in additional border checks and sampling compared with standard risk-based controls.
What is a key contaminant limit to manage for raisins sold in Bulgaria?EU Regulation 2023/915 sets a maximum level for ochratoxin A in dried vine fruits (including raisins and sultanas). Managing ochratoxin A through supplier controls and testing is especially important for Turkey-origin consignments under increased official controls.
Do sulphited raisins need allergen labeling in Bulgaria?Yes. Under EU food information rules, sulphur dioxide and sulphites must be declared as allergens when present above 10 mg/kg (or 10 mg/L) expressed as total SO2, so products using sulphites for preservation/color retention must label accordingly.