Ice Cream Industry in the EU: Bulgaria with Impressive Growth and Export Ambitions

The European ice cream market is experiencing dynamic development in 2024, with total production reaching an impressive 3.3 billion liters. Eurostat statistics reveal interesting trends in the sector, placing Bulgaria among the fastest-growing producers.

The Bulgarian ice cream industry marks a remarkable growth of 19 percent, increasing its production to 13.5 million liters. This leap contrasts with the results of other leading European countries, which show different development rates.

Germany continues to dominate production with 607 million liters, followed by France with 501 million and Italy with 492 million liters. Spain and Poland complete the top five with 378 and 298 million liters of ice cream, respectively.

An interesting note in the annual report is the multi-directional dynamics among the main producers. While Poland registers an impressive growth of 29 percent, other leading countries report a decline - France by 12 percent, Italy by 7 percent, Spain by 6 percent, and Germany by 1 percent.

The EU export indicators are also of interest. Total exports to third countries reach 265.3 million kilograms, with imports of 69.3 million kilograms. Although the increase in exports is minimal - only 1 percent, imports grow significantly by 24 percent.

France maintains its leading position as the main exporter, realizing 55.9 million kilograms of ice cream outside the community, representing 21 percent of total European exports. Following are Italy with 42.6 million kilograms, the Netherlands with 31.9 million, Germany with 28.2 million, and Belgium with 27 million kilograms.

Bulgaria performs modestly but promisingly in international trade - exporting 395 thousand kilograms and importing 8.83 million kilograms of ice cream during the past year. These figures show potential for future development of the national ice cream industry.