About 6,000 companies work in Bulgaria's food and drink industry, employing nearly 90,000 people, deputy minister of agriculture and food Krum Nedelkov said. He was among the official guests at the opening of five international food fairs at the Inter Expo Center.

The ministry is preparing changes to food rules so that foods and their origin are labelled more accurately. Consumers must know exactly what is in their food, where it comes from and what quality it has, while producers need clear rules and conditions to work by, Nedelkov said. The changes should also make official checks more effective.

"We are preparing clearer requirements for traditional dairy products through a change to the ordinance on specific requirements for dairy products, which is now in public consultation," Nedelkov said.

The deputy minister said quality food comes from modern technology and investment, but also from sustainable local production, a secure supply of raw materials and partnership along the whole chain "from farm to table". He said the ministry must create conditions for producers to grow and give consumers better protection. Nedelkov also backs initiatives that make quality Bulgarian products more visible and encourage new partnerships in the sector.

The fairs are Meatomania, The Way of Milk, Bulpek, Interfood & Drink and the Wine & Spirits Show. Nedelkov called them a place that has long brought together producers, processors, traders and consumers. He said they show the potential of Bulgaria's food industry, which is an integral part of Bulgarian farming.

Mariana Kukusheva, chair of the National Branch Union of Bakers and Confectioners, and Atanas Urdzhanov, chair of the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria, also spoke at the opening. Kukusheva said Bulgarian producers are confident that they keep traditions alive, shape consumers' taste and pass it on to the next generations. "We believe in the miracle of remembering the taste of Bulgarian food," she added.

Exhibitors from North Macedonia and Serbia are taking part in Meatomania for the first time this year.

The fairs run until 14 November.