Consumption of Animal Products in Bulgaria

Abstract

This chapter analyses the trends in production and consumption of animal-based food products, including meat, dairy, eggs and fish, in Bulgaria between 2010 and 2015. Against decreasing population, the production of livestock, yogurt, packaged milk and cheese remained relatively stable or increased resulting in rises on a per capita basis. There was an overall 9% increase in meat consumption with 45% being pork and 72% of it being processed. This trend goes against international dietary recommendations and contributes to climate change and environmental deterioration. The consumer survey conducted in Sofia in 2017 shows limited awareness about these problems with price of meat being the dominant regulator of meat consumption. Nevertheless, there was an acknowledgement by more than half of the survey respondents that Bulgarians should cut their meat intake which is a good starting point for social marketing and encouragement to change consumption away from animal-based products.