The price of bread in our country has increased by more than 20% over the last year. This is shown by the data of the National Statistical Institute, and the information was confirmed by the chairman of the Federation of Bread Producers Mariana Kukusheva on the air of “Wake up“ on NOVA.
According to her, the reason for the price increase is the return of the standard VAT rate on bread and flour, which came into effect on January 1, 2025.
“This proves our thesis that the zero VAT on bread was an entirely social measure in favor of consumers. It was not the producers who benefited from it, but the people. After the tax was returned, this immediately affected the final price“, explained Kukusheva.
“I expect the total amount of taxes that the industry will pay to be extremely small – many times less than before. Each loaf of bread has its official euro equivalent, which differs depending on the manufacturer“, she commented.
Kukusheva recalled that the Law on the Introduction of the Euro contains texts related to control over the “incredible price increases“, but specified that there is no speculation on the part of manufacturers.
“The problem is not with us. The speculative behavior comes more from the traders. We are fighting for fair prices for bread and for equality in the market“, added the chairman of the Federation.
Despite the increased prices, bread continues to be among the most frequently consumed foods in our country. According to statistics, an average Bulgarian eats about 69 kilograms of bread and pasta per year.
However, Kukusheva refrains from making a specific forecast for future prices: “I have no forecast for how much more the price of bread can rise“.