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Bulgarian almonds: high prices of locally grown almonds survive against market forces

February 24, 2017 at 8:13 AM , Starry Night Ltd.
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Local almond farmers find market forces to no avail. Prices are as high as ever and no relief is forecasted since local remaining quantities are low. The Californian almond is not considered a threat, at all.

 Almonds: foreigners at the gate

SOFIA. The local market has always been saturated with imports from the USA, as local supply is able to meet only a small portion of domestic demand. As a result, local farmers easily find market for their crops. Focused investment in the cultivation of almond orchards has recently increased, as more farmers have realized the profit motif of growing the crop. Yet, it will take several years before local production dents the established market order. As a consequence, imported almonds will continue to be the choice for the majority of customers.

Quality matters, prices even more

It is not only the level of output; it is also the level of prices. Indeed, domestic crops are sold at a much higher price than their international counterparts are, making the former not so competitive on foreign markets. Because current domestic stocks are very small and because harvest 2016-17 was weaker -- due to bad weather conditions in the blossoming period of the trees, -- local corps are usually traded higher by a few euro than imported almonds are.

Local prices are not expected fall

Indeed, organic almonds command a higher price than their conventional counterparts do. Currently, organic almond kernels, different local varieties, are traded for 10.10 EUR/kg EXW. Going into March, domestic supplies are quickly being depleted, and because the season recorded a weaker harvest, farmers do not expect prices to follow a decreasing trend, as has been the case on the international market for quite some time since the beginning of the year. Yet, about a week ago, even that trend has changed its downward move, apparently because of the heavy rains in California, which might affect expected output.

Organic almonds, Bulgaria

Type

EUR/kg

in shell

5,20

natural kernels, Nonpareil

10,10

natural kernels, Asparuh

10,10

natural kernels, Primorski

10,10

natural kernels, Start

10,10

natural kernels, Nikitski

10,10

almond paste

18,20

roasted kernels

13,10

EXW Bulgaria
   

 Almonds, Bulgaria

Type

EUR/kg

in shell

3,30

natural kernels, Nonpareil

8,80

natural kernels, Asparuh

8,80

natural kernels, Primorski

8,80

natural kernels, Start

8,80

natural kernels, Nikitski

8,80

almond paste

14,80

roasted kernels

11,45

EXW Bulgaria
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