Bulgaria: Ban on Flavored Tobacco Products Enforced by Law in 2024
All tobacco products featuring flavors other than tobacco are set to be withdrawn from sale by January 1, 2024
Bulgarian tobacco growers have vowed to take to the streets unless what they call a "smear campaign" against Bulgartabac, a major tobacco holding group in the country.
Earlier the private company announced it was halting all sales to the Middle East as of April 01, citing an alleged negative media campaign and the "sensitive situation in that region".
A series of media publications had suggested Bulgartabac products allegedly constituted a major share of cigarettes smuggled into Turkey. The company denies.
The National Association of Tobacco Growers - 2010 and The Union of Oriental Tobacco Producers in Bulgaria have said, in a joint statement published on the former organization's website, have called on leaders and members of political parties to put an end to "political rhetoric" targeting Bulgartabac.
The organizations say they are ready for protest action against any developments that might affect "more than 200 000 tobacco growers".
As part of its exit from the Middle Eastern market, the company is also slashing 400 jobs (or 8% of its employees) and cutting the tobacco buyout program by 80%.
"If the company stops buying tobacco in the same volumes, it means over 15%, or around 4 000 000 kg, worth BGN 20 M [EUR 10 M] of the tobacco produced in the country will not be bought out, the organizations say."
The joint-stock holding company was for years known for alleged links to the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party and its member Delyan Peevski, a controversial lawmaker and alleged media mogul.
Peevski announced in February he was "withdrawing from the ownership of Bulgartabac", with the shareholding company whose majority owner he is "selling its stake". Several days earlier Turkish media had reported he and DPS honorary chairman Ahmed Dogan had been barred from entering the Turkey.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Fitch Ratings, a leading credit rating agency, has affirmed Bulgaria's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at 'BBB' with a Positive Outlook
Eurostat's latest findings have shed light on the shifting landscape of household energy prices in the European Union, with Bulgaria emerging as a frontrunner in affordability.
The National Statistical Institute reports that in 2023, the poverty line for the entire country stood at 637.92 BGN per person per month within households
Along the Southern Black Sea coast, preparations are in full swing for a successful and peaceful summer season, as confirmed by Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev following discussions with local authorities and control institutions
As summer approaches, Bulgaria's seaside tourism industry faces a daunting challenge as hotels may remain shuttered due to a severe shortage of staff
The real estate sector in Sofia has shown resilience in the face of ongoing pandemic challenges, maintaining stability across all segments in the first quarter of the year
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022