Application

Application

Each company submits its application online. A company may submit more than one application - for all products it wishes to enter. Each product may only be submitted to one category.

Nominations

A 10-member jury of Bulgarian experts will nominate a total of 150 products created in Bulgaria across all sectors of the economy, presented in 5 categories. Each product is independently assessed by two experts.

Evaluation

Products are assessed against 10 distinct criteria. The names of the nominating jury members will be publicly announced at the same time as the nominated products are presented in May 2027.

Final Selection

A jury of five globally recognised international experts will conduct the final selection for the inaugural edition of 50 BEST PRODUCTS FROM BULGARIA. Individual jury members’s scores are not published.

Presentation

Through an exclusive English-language book, a limited-edition gold coin with QR code, an international ceremony and a pop-up exhibition the project presents the 50 outstanding products selected by the Bulgarian and International Juries.

Who may
apply

The first edition of the national platform 50 BEST PRODUCTS FROM BULGARIA will showcase the achievements of the Bulgarian economy over the past 35 years to an international audience.

The selection is open to products created in Bulgaria or by Bulgarians that demonstrate innovation, quality and sustainability, and that either already have an international market presence or show clear potential to succeed globally.

Companies of any size may apply online through our independent platform. Each product may apply in one category only. Applications are free of charge, regardless of the number of products submitted.

A substantial and clearly identifiable Bulgarian connection is essential. The initiative recognises products created by companies with a genuine presence in Bulgaria, as well as products developed by Bulgarians abroad.

Applications must be submitted in English, as they will be reviewed by an international jury.

Who can apply?

You may apply if you are:

  • a legal entity registered in Bulgaria; or
  • a company registered in the EU/EEA with substantive economic activity in Bulgaria, including a local team and development, engineering, manufacturing or operational activities carried out in the country.
What Products Are We Looking For?

We are seeking products created in Bulgaria that stand out for their innovation, quality and sustainability, and that either already have an international market presence or demonstrate strong global potential.

The product must have been developed or manufactured by, or on behalf of, the applicant.

The assessment will also consider clarity of ownership, transparency of the corporate structure and the applicant’s long-term commitment to development in Bulgaria. For products created by Bulgarians in another country, particular weight will be given to international distinctiveness and market presence.

Products are not required to meet all the evaluation criteria simultaneously. Small and recently established companies are also encouraged to apply.

The product must be fully developed and commercially available, rather than merely an idea or prototype. It must be produced on a regular basis; made-to-order production is permitted within the Design Products category.

Services fall outside the scope of the 50 Best Products from Bulgaria 2026–2027 selection. Hotels, retreats, resorts, restaurants and similar hospitality businesses are therefore not eligible. Educational programmes, training courses and other services are likewise excluded from the 2026–2027 selection.

What is the role of the applicant?

The product must have been created or developed by the applicant. Manufacturing may be carried out in-house or outsourced to a third-party producer, including one located outside Bulgaria.

The applicant must have played a substantial role in the product’s creation and development—through its concept, design, technology, development or another essential part of the process.

Simply marketing, distributing or reselling a product created by another company does not constitute sufficient grounds for participation.

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted online through the project’s independent platform at 50best.bg.

Each product must be entered in one category only. Companies may submit more than one product on the condition that a separate application is completed for each one. Applications are free of charge for every company, regardless of its size or the number of products submitted.

Nominated products that do not proceed to the final selection in a particular edition will receive:

  1. The opportunity to be considered for nomination in the following edition without submitting a new application, unless the company wishes to update the information provided or enter a new product.
  2. An invitation to participate in the initiative’s Pop-up Pavilion and travelling exhibition with the status of “Nominated Product”.
  3. An invitation to participate in the initiative’s events, including the official ceremony and other project-related events.
How Often Is the Selection Held?

50 BEST PRODUCTS FROM BULGARIA is held once every two years.

Application form

Please complete this form in English only.

    In up to 300 words, set out the most compelling arguments for the jury to award this product the highest possible score. Back up your response with facts, data, and concrete results. Is there a compelling story - about the product’s origins, development, or creators - that you wish to share and that might feature in the publication should you be selected? Please include it. Do you have a favourite motto, quotation, or phrase you associate with your product, your success, or your story? Please feel free to share it?

    Evaluation Questions (Scale 1–10)

    Dear Applicant, while filing the form, please add all relevant statistics, information (market data, market shares, achievements, awards, nominations etc) that could help the jury evaluate your application better and understand the context in which you operate. Please note that all the information will be visible only to the jury and will remain confidential.

    1. Origin and Authenticity *

    Criteria: The manufacturer is a company registered in Bulgaria that creates and/or produces its products in Bulgaria; or a company registered in the EU/EEA with substantive economic activity in Bulgaria (‘substantive economic activity’ means: a team based in Bulgaria; R&D / engineering / operations conducted within the country),

    - Where and how was the product created? Describe the development and/or manufacturing process in Bulgaria. Please specify relevant locations, teams, or partners.
    - What makes this product authentically Bulgarian? (e.g. know-how, raw materials, cultural context, market context, technological capability)
    - What is the contribution of the Bulgarian team, know-how, or infrastructure? (teams, technologies, partners, raw materials)

    2. Innovation and Distinctiveness *

    Criteria: Innovation may be technological, functional, conceptual, design-driven, process-based. The jury evaluates the extent to which the product offers a new or improved solution, differentiates itself from existing alternatives, and creates genuine value for the end user. The product need not be ‘revolutionary’ - what matters is that the innovation is meaningful, substantiated, and applicable.

    - What specific problem does the product solve? (a clearly articulated user need)
    - What existing alternatives does it replace or improve upon? (brief comparative overview)
    - In what ways does the product differentiate itself from its direct competitors? (up to 3 clearly articulated advantages)
    - Does it incorporate proprietary technology, a patent, or a unique process? (yes/no + brief description and degree of protection)

    3. Environmental Responsibility *

    Criteria: The jury assesses the company’s holistic approach to: environmental stewardship the use of sustainable materials and resources responsible treatment of employees, partners, and clients Holistic responsibility encompasses the balance between product, people, processes, and environment, as well as ethical business practices that exceed minimum regulatory requirements.

    - Materials and resources - what primary materials and raw inputs does the product use? (origin, renewability, certification - if applicable). What specific measures are taken to reduce resource consumption? (materials, water, energy - with examples)
    - Production process - how has the production process been optimised to reduce environmental impact? (technologies, process improvements). Is renewable or energy-efficient energy used? (sources, approximate percentages)
    - Waste and circular economy - what types of waste are generated during production and how are they managed? (recycling, reuse, reduction). Are circular economy principles applied? (material reuse, maintenance, extended lifecycle)
    - Packaging and logistics - what packaging materials are used? (recyclability, biodegradability, reduced volume). How are logistics and transportation optimised? (local suppliers, routes, volumes, emissions)
    - Measurability and transparency - how is the environmental impact of the product measured? Certifications and standards (advantageous). Does the product or production process hold certifications? (ISO, FSC, EU Ecolabel, B Corp, etc.). Is the company subject to independent external audit or assessment? (yes/no + type)

    4. Traceability and Quality Assurance *

    Criteria:he jury considers the extent to which the manufacturer has clearly defined production and quality control processes, ensures consistent product quality, can trace the origin of raw materials, components, and key stages of production. Certifications (including ISO), internal standards, control systems, and transparency towards consumers are highly valued.

    - How is product quality guaranteed? (standards, tests, certifications, control mechanisms)
    - How is consistent quality ensured during periods of growth and scaling? (supply chain, raw materials, production, risk management)
    - What is the traceability mechanism?

    5. Sustainability and Market Performance *

    Criteria: This criterion measures the genuine viability of the product through a clearly defined target audience, a logical market positioning, potential for development and scalability. The jury assesses the product’s capacity to develop sustainably over time rather than its current success

    - What sustainable practices are integrated into the product or its production? (materials, energy, waste, logistics)
    - What specific, measurable outcomes can you demonstrate? (e.g. reduced emissions, resource savings, certifications)
    - In which markets is the product currently present? (countries, channels)
    - What market results has the product achieved? (sales, growth, consumer base)
    - How do consumers rate the product? (reviews, ratings, NPS, examples)

    6. Economic and Social Impact on the Local Economy *

    Criteria: Social responsibility may be expressed through support for causes and communities, creation of equitable working conditions, inclusion of vulnerable groups, educational, cultural, or social initiatives. Actions should be authentic, consistent, and sustained over a long term.

    - How does the product contribute to the local economy? (employment, local suppliers, regional development)
    - Does the product generate a social effect beyond direct sales? (education, health, accessibility, inclusion)

    7. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility *

    Criteria: The jury evaluates the contribution of the product and the company to employment, the development of local suppliers and partners, the regional economy. The project encourages products that create value both for the end consumer and for the environment in which they operate.
    - How does the company apply ethical and responsible business practices?
    - Does the company have long-term social initiatives or policies in place? (employees, communities, vulnerable groups)

    8. Digital Transformation and Accessibility *

    Criteria: This criterion examines - the use of digital technologies in production, sales, or communication, the accessibility of the product - online presence, digital channels, and user orientation. High technological complexity is not required; what is valued is the meaningful application of digital solutions.

    - How do digital technologies enhance the product or access to it? (online sales, platforms, personalisation, UX, AI)
    - How does the product reach diverse audiences? (accessibility, online channels, international use, adaptation)

    9. International Presence and Global Potential (optional)

    Criteria: The jury assesses the extent to which the product possesses - potential for international market realisation, a competitive advantage beyond the domestic market, a clearly articulated identity comprehensible to a global audience. Actual presence abroad is not mandatory, but readiness and applicability outside the national context are actively sought.

    - What is the product’s potential for international markets? (strategy, interest, presence)
    - What are its primary competitive advantages in a global context?

    10. International Recognition (optional)

    Criteria: This criterion takes into account recognition already achieved externally, including - international awards and distinctions, participation in prestigious exhibitions and professional forums, coverage in international and specialist media. This criterion is not mandatory, but carries additional weight in the evaluation.

    - Has the product received international awards or distinctions?
    - Has it been featured in international media, forums, or exhibitions? Please provide specific examples and links.

    Process Overview

    Administrative Review

    All applications undergo an initial administrative review to verify compliance with the eligibility criteria (origin, category selection, completeness of information).

    2-5 business days following submission

    Nomination Stage: Bulgarian Expert Jury (Stage 1)

    Eligible applications are evaluated by the Bulgarian Nominating Jury (10 experts across 5 categories). Each product is independently assessed by two jury members against 10 criteria. The 30 highest-scoring products in each category (150 in total) receive an official nomination.

    NOVEMBER 2026

    Final Selection: International Jury (Stage 2)

    All nominated products proceed to evaluation by the International Jury (5 globally recognised experts). The evaluation is conducted independently and against the same criteria.

    MAY 2027

    Publication and Production Stage

    Selected products will be featured in: the official publication 50 Best Products from Bulgaria (in English) the digital edition (accessible via QR code on the commemorative coin) the pop-up pavilion and the project’s communication materials The team may contact you for additional materials, editorial input, or approvals.

    NOVEMBER 2026 - APRIL 2027

    Official Announcement and Public Presentation

    Official Ceremony (Sofia), Publication Launch, Television Broadcast and Public Pavilion (Sofia)

    MAY 2027

    Process Overview

    2-5 business days following submission
    Administrative Review

    All applications undergo an initial administrative review to verify compliance with the eligibility criteria (origin, category selection, completeness of information).

    NOVEMBER 2026
    Nomination Stage: Bulgarian Expert Jury (Stage 1)

    Eligible applications are evaluated by the Bulgarian Nominating Jury (10 experts across 5 categories). Each product is independently assessed by two jury members against 10 criteria. The 30 highest-scoring products in each category (150 in total) receive an official nomination.

    MAY 2027
    Final Selection: International Jury (Stage 2)

    All nominated products proceed to evaluation by the International Jury (5 globally recognised experts). The evaluation is conducted independently and against the same criteria.

    NOVEMBER 2026 - APRIL 2027
    Publication and Production Stage

    Selected products will be featured in: the official publication 50 Best Products from Bulgaria (in English) the digital edition (accessible via QR code on the commemorative coin) the pop-up pavilion and the project’s communication materials The team may contact you for additional materials, editorial input, or approvals.

    MAY 2027
    Official Announcement and Public Presentation

    Official Ceremony (Sofia), Publication Launch, Television Broadcast and Public Pavilion (Sofia)