Textiles and Apparel in Bulgaria: Prospects for the Industry Following EU Accession

30 pages, published in Issue 128, March-April 2007   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

Bulgaria was one of Europe’s fastest growing apparel producers in 2006. However, most of the textile and apparel sector is in need of investment. There is a handful of modern manufacturers, many of whom are owned by foreign companies. But the vast majority of companies are small to medium sized enterprises which are already operating at full capacity. These firms face a number of obstacles to growth, most notably a lack of added value and a limited supply of short-term finance.

Now that Bulgaria is a member of the EU, the industry faces a number of opportunities for development, spurred by: easier access to the EU, its largest export market; harmonised legislation with the EU; improved opportunities for training and networking; a fixed exchange rate against the euro; reductions in the grey economy, in working practices and in corruption; better availability of short-term finance for capacity expansion and modernisation of technology; improved attractiveness to potential investors; an increase in the number of jobs; and higher labour productivity. However, the transition into a bona fide EU member state could result in the closure of manufacturing companies which are unable to afford the investments needed to harmonise standards with the rest of the EU. If these risks are not addressed by the government and manufacturers, the development of the sector could be hampered.

Seven examples of successful Bulgarian textile and clothing companies are Ariston S, Brod, Mak, Markam, Miroglio Bulgaria, Top Man, and Veni-Style. Ariston S is a women’s clothing manufacturer and exporter with two brands in Bulgaria, “A’ S” and Ariston S, and one brand in Poland—Bobo Zander. Brod is one of most technically advanced and highest quality knitwear companies in Bulgaria. Mak is the only fabric producer in Bulgaria which provides special textile finishes. Markam is a large producer of high quality women’s garments in northern Bulgaria. Miroglio Bulgaria, one of the most important producers in south-eastern Europe, is involved in spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, printing and finishing. Top Man specialises in men’s tailored garments on a cut-make-and-trim (CMT) basis for export to Europe. Veni-Style, one of the best known women’s clothing brands in Bulgaria, produces apparel for its own label, Etere, and for export.

Textiles and Apparel in Bulgaria: Prospects for the Industry Following EU Accession

Summary
Political and Economic Profile
Industry Overview
Bulgarian Textile and Clothing Manufacturers
Ariston S
Brod & Co
Mak
Markam
Miroglio Bulgaria
Top Man
Veni-Style
Outlook for the Future of the Sector as a Member of the EU

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (128) now	Subscribe

• Profile of the textile and clothing industry in Lithuania, July-August 2006, (July-August 2006)
• Profile of the Textile and Clothing Industry in Ukraine, (May-June 2006)
• World textile and apparel trade and production trends, September-October 2004, (September-October 2004)
• Prospects for the Textile and Clothing Industries in Belarus, (March-April 2003)

Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of intelligence, expert analysis and insight on the global textile and clothing industry.

What's in it? Each issue provides an authoritative source of information on key industry topics, including: circularity; cotton; environmental sustainability; fibre prices; innovation; production and consumption forecasts; imports and exports; industry giants and emerging brands; international trade fairs; key geographical markets; recommerce; retail; supply chains; textile and clothing trade; textile machinery; trade and production trends; world markets; and yarn and fabric manufacturing. A single issue of Textile Outlook International includes: an editorial think-piece on a topical issue from an industry expert a report on textile and apparel trade and production trends a round-up of the latest international trade fairs a feature on textile and clothing imports and exports or fibre prices, production and consumption a report on a key geographical market insight and analysis of a key market leader or fast-growing start-up An annual subscription to Textile Outlook International is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global textile and clothing industry. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Textile Outlook International is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "There is nothing to compare with Textile Outlook International in the US. You are filling a gap in the market." (Analyst; US manufacturing company)