Sofia, October 6, 2025 — Bulgaria’s Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has announced plans to launch an in-depth probe into the dairy market, identifying it as the most problematic segment within its ongoing sectoral analysis of essential food products.
Early findings point to structural deficiencies and competitive imbalances across the dairy supply chain, prompting the regulator to intensify its examination of pricing practices, production capacity, and market concentration among processors and retailers, the agency said.
The CPC also announced that its preliminary assessment of the sunflower oil market found no current market or economic justification for higher prices of sunflower oil or corn. Following public reports of potential price increases tied to expectations of lower sunflower yields in 2025, the agency decided to assess the sector.
These inquiries form part of a broader sectoral review of Bulgaria’s food supply chain—from producers to retailers. As part of the analysis, the CPC has collected detailed information from nearly 50 retail chains and grocery traders, covering about 500 outlets across 25 cities.
The data include pricing mechanisms, cost structures, contractual relationships, and financial results—such as wholesale and retail prices, sales volumes, turnover, expenses, and profit margins—for key staples like fresh milk, cheese, yellow cheese, eggs, sunflower oil, flour, bread, minced meat, and bottled water.
The authority also held meetings with leading industry organizations, including the Association of Dairy Processors, the Union of Poultry Farmers, and the Association of Soft Drink Producers, to discuss retail pricing dynamics, commercial practices, and production challenges contributing to insufficient domestic output. Industry representatives emphasized the need for greater government financial support and enhanced cooperation among producers to bolster competition and ensure food system resilience.
The CPC said it plans to publish an interim report summarizing its key findings without providing a timeline.
Source: https://www.cpc.bg/news-445
