Philicon-97 S.A., based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is a well-established food and beverage manufacturing company with a legacy dating back to the mid-20th century. The company is renowned for its extensive range of fruit juices, nectars, canned foods, and vegetable-based products, all produced under the trusted brand "Philicon."
Brief History
Philicon traces its roots to the 1950s as a state enterprise in Bulgaria’s flourishing food industry. After privatization in 1997, it was restructured as Philicon-97 S.A., quickly rising to become one of Bulgaria’s leading producers of juice and canned goods. With decades of experience and investment in modern production facilities, Philicon has maintained its position as a household name domestically while expanding its reach to over 30 international markets.
Core Business
Philicon-97 S.A. operates as a vertically integrated food processing company, focusing on:
- Fruit and vegetable processing
- Beverage production and bottling
- Canning of fruits and vegetables
- Development of functional and specialty drinks
The company sources fruits and vegetables primarily from Bulgarian agricultural cooperatives, supporting regional farming while ensuring traceability and freshness.
Product and Service Offerings
Philicon’s diverse product portfolio includes:
-
Juices and Nectars:
- 100% Apple Juice
- Apricot Nectar
- Sour Cherry Juice
- Pineapple Juice
-
Ice Teas:
- Peach, Green Tea, Berries, and Lime flavors
-
Canned Products:
- Canned Peaches, Cherries, and Mixed Vegetables
- Fruit Compotes
-
Tomato-Based Products:
- Tomato Purée
- Ketchup and Tomato Sauce
-
Vegetable Spreads:
- Traditional Lutenitsa (pepper and tomato spread)
- Eggplant Spread (Kyopoolu)
-
Specialty Drinks:
- Rose Elixir – a functional beverage utilizing Bulgarian rose oil
These products are offered in a range of packaging formats suitable for retail, foodservice, and export markets.
Specialisation and Core USP
Philicon-97’s competitive advantages include:
- Complete In-House Processing: From raw material intake to bottling and canning
- EU-Compliant Production Facilities with modern machinery
- Strong Export Experience with multilingual labeling capabilities
- Traditional Bulgarian Recipes adapted for global taste preferences
- High-Quality Fruit Sourcing from Bulgaria’s fertile agricultural zones
Financials
Though specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, industry data and market presence indicate:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: €15–25 million
- Production Capacity: Over 30 million liters of juice and nectar annually
- Export Share: Estimated 60% of total production
Philicon supplies to supermarket chains, importers, and private-label partners across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Shipment Data
Based on export monitoring tools and trade databases:
- Export Markets: Germany, Romania, Russia, Israel, China, and Gulf countries
- Top Exported Items: Apple Juice, Lutenitsa, Sour Cherry Juice
- Container Volumes: Over 500 containers annually
Philicon’s logistics are optimized for road and sea transport with long shelf-life product formats.
Target Market
Philicon caters to:
- Retail Chains and Supermarkets with branded and private-label products
- Foodservice and Catering Companies through bulk and institutional packs
- Health-Conscious Consumers via natural juices and rose elixirs
- Distributors and Importers seeking EU-origin certified goods
Capabilities
- Integrated Processing Plants in Plovdiv with pasteurization, aseptic filling, and canning lines
- Product Development and R&D Team for seasonal innovation
- Custom Labeling and OEM Services for private brand clients
- Quality Assurance Systems with in-house labs
Certifications and Compliance Records
Philicon-97 maintains full compliance with EU and international food standards, including:
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management
- HACCP Certification
- IFS (International Featured Standard)
- Kosher and Halal Certification (for select markets)
These credentials allow seamless entry into high-regulation regions like the EU, Middle East, and North America.
Customer Testimonials
Philicon’s products enjoy strong recognition across Eastern Europe and Asia, with recurring positive reviews for their authentic taste, consistent quality, and attractive packaging. Retailers appreciate their private label flexibility and reliability in supply.
Major Achievements
- Over 30 Export Markets Served across four continents
- Top Bulgarian Juice Exporter in terms of market presence
- Awarded Supplier to International Chains like Metro and Carrefour
- Pioneering Rose-Based Functional Drink innovation in Europe
Philicon-97 S.A. continues to blend tradition with innovation, representing the best of Bulgarian agri-food manufacturing on the global stage.