The 2006 grape harvest in Bulgaria was better than the previous ones Agriculture and Forestry Minister Nihat Kabil said at the opening of International Exhibition of vine-growing and wine production Vinaria 2007 in Plovdiv.

Wineries sold nearly 256 000 tons of grapes in 2006 of which nearly 19 tons were used for the production of high-quality wine.

The number of registered companies at the National Vineyard and Wine Chamber (NVWC) totaled 255 in the end of 2006, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

Wine export to European Union (EU) countries in 2006 amounted to 33 539 litres.

The leading export market for Bulgaria is Russia followed by Poland. Among the other huge markets in the sector feature Germany, UK and the Czech Republic.

Vinaria 2007 gives presentation floor to 556 companies from 35 countries, 39 more than the 2006 expo participants. Bulgaria is represented by 203 wine producers and traders from the sector among which wineries, scientific institutes and packaging companies.

Various prestigious awards were presented at the traditional grand ball held on March 28.