Electricity and fuel prices worry meat processors more than the euro does, says Atanas Urdzhanov, head of the Bulgarian Association of Meat Processors. He spoke as a guest at the traditional Elena ham festival.

Urdzhanov says the sector's main problems are inflation and high production costs. At peak hours, for example, electricity costs €340 per megawatt hour, a price that hits producers hard. Dearer fuel adds to their costs.

Because of energy costs, the industry expects help from the state. One plan under discussion would keep the money in a fund for 10 months. Urdzhanov fears the aid may not reach firms in time.

About 40% of the pork that goes into processing is Bulgarian, and 60% comes from the European market. Urdzhanov says pork prices are fairly stable for now, which lets producers keep their own prices competitive.

Beef is harder. Local output falls short, so roughly 20% is Bulgarian and 80% is imported from other European countries.

More than 400 companies work in the sector, most of them small or medium-sized. Urdzhanov says producers should join forces so they can take on bigger orders and meet demand.

By his figures, 12 million tourists need to be fed good Bulgarian food. Urdzhanov says Bulgaria can gain from this flow of visitors with local products aimed at both Bulgarians and foreigners. He called for more active promotion of traditional products and for support for local producers.