''Bulgaria is a leading European producer of black caviar and competes successfully with traditional leaders France and Italy'', said Emil Arabadjiev, chairman of the Association of Black Caviar Traders, in an interview with BTA. France and the United States are also major importers and consumers of this delicacy from Bulgaria.

This industry began in Bulgaria 30 years ago as a private initiative. ''One kilogram of Bulgarian black caviar costs over EUR 1,650. Bulgarian caviar is almost half the price of caviar in Europe'', Emil Arabadjiev noted. Bulgaria exports more than 15 tons of black caviar annually.

Sturgeons are raised for 14–15 years before reaching sexual maturity, and during this period, continuous care is required for their development. This is a long-term investment that requires significant resources, and the venture carries a high degree of risk. 

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: abctb.eu