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 November 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 inaugural edition of the national platform 50 BEST PRODUCTS FROM BULGARIA sets out to showcase what the Bulgarian economy has built over the past 37 years.

The selection is open to products created in Bulgaria or by Bulgarians – products distinguished by innovation, quality and sustainability, and either already present on international markets or holding clear potential to reach them.

Any company may apply, whatever its size, through our independent online platform. Each product is entered in one category only.

Entry is free of charge, regardless of how many products a company submits.

What matters to us is that the product carries a substantial and clearly recognisable Bulgarian imprint. The initiative recognises products made by companies with a genuine presence in Bulgaria, and products created by Bulgarians.

Applications are submitted in English, so that the international jury can assess them directly.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you are:

-  a legal entity registered in Bulgaria, or

-  a company registered in the EU/EEA with genuine economic activity in Bulgaria - a team based in the country, and development, engineering, manufacturing or operations carried out here.

The product must have been developed or manufactured by the applicant.

Assessment takes into account clarity of ownership, transparency of structure and long-term commitment to development in Bulgaria. For products created by Bulgarians based abroad, international distinction and market presence carry particular weight.

A product need not satisfy every criterion at once. Small and early-stage companies are expressly encouraged to apply.

The product must be created or developed by the applicant. Manufacturing may be in-house or outsourced, including outside Bulgaria.

The applicant must have played a substantial role in bringing the product into being - through concept, design, technology, engineering or another decisive part of the process.

Offering, distributing or reselling a product created by another company is not in itself grounds for entry.

The product must exist in reality rather than as an idea or prototype, and must be manufactured in series or made to order.

Outside the Scope of the 2026–2027 Selection

Services fall outside the scope of this selection, as do hotels, retreat centres, resorts, restaurants and similar venues. Educational programmes and training courses are likewise outside the scope of the 2026-2027 edition.

What We Are Looking For

Products created in Bulgaria that stand out for their innovation, quality and sustainability, and that already reach international markets or have the potential to do so.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online, through the initiative's independent platform at 50best.bg. Each product is entered in a single category. A company may enter more than one product, submitting a separate application for each.

Nominated Products Not Included in the Final Selection

Nominated products that do not reach the final selection in a given edition receive:

-  Automatic consideration in the following edition, without the need to submit a new application - unless the company wishes to update its information or present a different product.

-  An invitation to the Pop-up Pavilion and the initiative's travelling exhibition, under the status Nominated Product.

-  An invitation to the initiative's events, including the official ceremony.

- Pro bono strategic support for 5 companies. 5 from the nominated companies that will not enter the final 50 will receive an international market development strategy and a financing strategy, prepared free of charge by our strategic partner, the Sofia Chamber of Commerce. The companies will be chosen by the team of 50 Best Products from Bulgaria and representatives of the Sofia Chamber of Commerce.

How Often the Selection Takes Place

50 BEST PRODUCTS FROM BULGARIA is held once every 2 years.

closed

The application form is closed.
Thank you for your interest!

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)