Kavarna growers vs cheap Romanian grapes
Desislav Kostov farms about 380 daa near Kavarna (some 800 daa across three growers). Whites from 8 September; now Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Fresh-market Muscat is €1.10/kg, blacks €0.90 — while Romanian grapes are cited at €0.40–0.50, and buyers take roughly half last year’s tonnage.
On the Black Sea belt near Kavarna, three growers work about 800 decares. The pick is loud; the cheque is quieter.
Desislav Kostov, who has tended roughly 380 daa since 2015, told 24 Chasa whites Muscat Ottonel and Sauvignon Blanc started on 8 September. Now the rows are Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Quality is fair, but late-August rain left grey rot — fruit sold for the fresh market that is damaged often stays in the field. Fresh-market prices: Muscat €1.10/kg, black varieties €0.90. Romanian grapes are quoted at €0.40–0.50, and market stalls also push Romanian fruit around €0.90, undercutting the local ask.
His white fruit found buyers; blacks are harder. The same customers who took two to four tonnes last year now buy about half — small notes, almost no €100 or €200 bills. Euro conversion squeezed households; farm costs doubled on fuel, sprays and day wages now at €45 (versus 50 leva last year). If the campaign only recovers what was invested, he will call it a good year — otherwise losses near 30%. Some growers plan to cut vineyard area.
Mini-concept: cheap cross-border fruit does not only lower a price list — it teaches buyers that half a load is “enough” this September.
Keep: imported cheap fruit never waited for a Black Sea grower’s wage. A Kavarna bottle did — choose one from rows that still sold.
Remember: Kostov ~380 daa / ~800 daa×3; whites from 8 Sep; Muscat €1.10, blacks €0.90; RO grapes €0.40–0.50; wages €45; grey rot after late-Aug rain.
Source: 24 Chasa