The 10th anniversary edition of AGRA, WINERY and FOODTECH opened today in Plovdiv. Until February 22, visitors can get acquainted with the products of 620 companies from 25 countries.
AGRA 2025 retains its status as the largest agricultural exhibition, in which over 400 companies from 16 countries participate. The exhibition is spread over the territory of 5 halls and all open areas.
WINERY 2025 marks a growth of 10%, over 140 exhibitors participate, of which 104 are producers. "This year we have many Bulgarian producers and boutique wineries, which in recent years have established themselves as a significant factor in the industry. Foreign brands with debut products, such as the interesting orange wine, are also participating, says the General Director of the Plovdiv International Fair, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Sokolov.
FOODTECH is growing the most dynamically - 130 manufacturers from 7 countries and a 30% increase in areas.
„In order for the Bulgarian economy to be competitive, it must adapt quickly and optimize its markets", said Dr. Sokolov.
„Economically active entities will meet here to create business relationships for the purpose of new projects and business growth", said Assoc. Prof. Sokolov. He believes that the diversity of exhibitors is the key to the success of the megaforum.
"Science and business must go hand in hand", was categorical Eng. Krasimir Koev, executive director of the Executive Agency for Vine and Wine. He reported data on the sector in our country and noted that against the background of global statistics, they are not bad. "We manage to cope with the challenges. In our country, about 362 wineries will operate in 2024", he said and added that since 2021 their number has been steadily growing. Over 9,700,000 kg of grapes is the last harvest in our country, over 67,231,000 liters of wine have been produced, more than half of which is sold on the Bulgarian market. "There is an increase in the production and sale of grape brandy", he added. Eng. Koev expressed hope that with new varieties and developments, the prospects in the industry will improve.
"In a rich business program of the exhibition, farmers and growers will find answers to all their questions. And this is the biggest advantage of the exhibition that we are organizing with the International Fair Plovdiv", said Nikolay Mitev, Chairman of the Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Agricultural Equipment and Technologies in Bulgaria (AGROTECH). "The exhibition is rich in new equipment and technologies. Many seminars and trainings are planned", he added and shared that he expects more visitors.
„Investments in the „Agriculture“ sector reach over 2.2 billion leva per year, which represents about 7-8% of investments in the country's economy“. This was said by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov at the official opening of the exhibitions. He noted that agriculture maintains its stability, provides employment to 6% of the population and forms about 4% of GDP. According to him, positive trends are also observed in trade in agricultural goods, with the positive balance exceeding 1.7 billion in 2023. EUR, which is an increase of nearly 9% compared to the previous year.