DUBLIN, IRELAND, (NAMC) - Research and Markets has announced the addition of Textiles and Apparel in Bulgaria: Prospects for the Industry Following EU Accession to their offering.
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 are 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.
SUMMARY
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PROFILE
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Location of textile and clothing companies
Employment
Wages
Grey market economy, illegal trade and unfair business practices
Labour productivity
Health, safety and environmental regulation
Production trends
Industry structure
Retail distribution channels
Investment
Foreign direct investment (FDI)
International trade
Imports
Exports
BULGARIAN TEXTILE AND CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS
Types of textile and clothing companies
Ariston S
Production
Products and markets
Employment
The future
Brod and Co
Products and markets
Production
The future
Mak
Company development
Products and markets
Markam
Products and markets
Miroglio Bulgaria
Company development
Production
Production capacity
Investment
Top Man
Production and markets
Human resources
Production facilities
Veni-Style
Company development
Production facilities
The future
OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SECTOR AS A MEMBER OF THE EU
Factors favouring the development of the textile and clothing sector
Geographic position
Reduced hold-ups at customs and lower costs of exports
Harmonised health, safety and environmental regulations
Improved opportunities for training and networking
Fixed exchange rate
Reduction of grey economy and illicit working practices
Improved availability of short-term finance
Improved attractiveness to potential foreign investors
Barriers to the development of the textile and clothing sector
The migration of skilled workers, or a "brain drain"
Clothing prices at a maximum
Reliance on textile imports
Outlook
List of tables
Table 1: Bulgaria: economic indicators, 2002-06
Table 2: Bulgaria: political and economic profile, 2006
Table 3: Bulgaria: imports of textiles and textile articles by leading supplier, 2005
Table 4: Bulgaria: textile and clothing exports to the EU by leading EU member state, 2006
Table 5: Bulgaria: leading ten clothing companies, 2005
Table 6: Bulgaria: leading ten textile companies, 2005
Companies Mentioned:
- Ariston S
- Brod and Co
- Mak
- Markam
- Miroglio Bulgaria
- Top Man
- Veni-Style
Arts and Entertainment 
