Agropolychim Commences Construction Of A New Calcium Nitrate Production Plant

Agropolychim has officially launched the construction of a new, modern plant for production of calcium nitrate (CN). The investment, valued at over EUR 40 million, marks the beginning of the implementation phase of the company’s long-term strategic investment program, aimed at expanding and diversifying its product portfolio. The overall value of the program exceeds EUR 250 million. Following a lengthy design and regulatory approval process, construction activities are now underway, with all necessary technological equipment already delivered.

The project includes the reconstruction of the existing infrastructure and the development of a new production line with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons of granulated, water-soluble calcium nitrate, as well as the construction of a new logistics base for packaging, storage, and distribution.

Diversification through high value-added products
With this project, Agropolychim is entering a new market segment—premium agricultural products with high added value. In addition to calcium nitrate, the new facility will enable the production of a wide range of liquid fertilizers enriched with calcium, sulphur, magnesium, potassium, and micronutrients. This will allow the development of customized formulations to meet the specific needs of different crops and farming systems.

Market outlook and strategic relevance
The European calcium nitrate market is expected to grow steadily, with a projected CAGR of over 3% in the next five years. While the primary focus will be on export markets—mainly in Southern and Western Europe—the product will also be made available to Bulgarian farmers at highly competitive prices compared to imported alternatives. Calcium nitrate is widely used in greenhouse and open-field cultivation of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries—crops where calcium deficiency is a common issue. The new facility will address the needs of this sector by providing a product of the highest quality.

Packaging, storage, and logistics efficiency
Calcium nitrate is a highly hygroscopic product, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, leading to clumping and reduced usability. To ensure consistent product quality from production to delivery, Agropolychim will implement an automated FFS (Form, Fill, Seal) packaging line for 25 kg bags. The bags will undergo vacuum sealing, meet all European standards for durability and protection, and be automatically stacked on stretch-wrapped pallets of up to 1,200 kg. The finished product will be stored in a high-capacity automated racking warehouse with 8,100 pallet spaces. This integrated system—covering packaging through to logistics—ensures long-term storage stability, transport resilience, and delivery to global markets without compromising quality.

Agronomic benefits
Calcium nitrate is a high-performance mineral fertilizer that provides two essential nutrients for plant growth: calcium and nitrate nitrogen. Calcium is crucial for cell walls’ structural integrity and normal physiological processes in plant tissues. Its deficiency can lead to fruit disorders, cell damage, and stunted growth, ultimately reducing yield and crop quality. Adequate calcium strengthens plant resistance to stress and supports recovery. When combined with nitrate nitrogen, readily absorbed and fast-acting, calcium nitrate becomes an effective tool for precise, balanced fertilization.

This product is particularly suitable for vegetable and fruit cultivation. Demand is highest among professional growers using fertigation systems. It is also highly effective for foliar application in cases of acute calcium deficiency. Crops treated with calcium nitrate exhibit longer shelf life and better transport resilience, encouraging its pre-harvest use. As a result, growers benefit from improved fruit quality, higher yields, and greater economic returns.

Commitment to sustainable agriculture
The production of calcium nitrate at Agropolychim will be entirely based on low-carbon (blue) ammonia, manufactured using carbon capture technology, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The steam and electricity used in the process will also be primarily sourced from renewable energy. This will be one of the first products in the company’s portfolio to carry a certified low carbon footprint, verified by an independent body, meeting the increasing demand from EU farmers for environmentally sustainable solutions.

This approach positions Agropolychim as a leader in transitioning to more sustainable production models while delivering tangible market advantages, especially in regions where carbon performance is becoming a competitive factor.

Moving forward after complex administrative challenges
The project enters its execution phase after nearly five years of delays caused by complex administrative procedures in Bulgaria, including urban planning, environmental impact assessments, integrated permits, and construction authorization. These challenges are not rooted in legislation but in limited administrative capacity and poor inter-institutional coordination.

By comparison, similar processes typically take 24–30 months in the EU, 18–24 months in the U.S., and 12–18 months in Serbia, where digital platforms for document submission and technical approvals are already in place. In Bulgaria, such systems are still underdeveloped, which hinders the timely implementation of investment projects and reduces national competitiveness.

Despite the delays, the construction of the new calcium nitrate facility is a clear demonstration of Agropolychim’s long-term commitment to innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and the future of agriculture—both in Bulgaria and across Europe. The project reinforces the company’s strategic role as a leading industrial investor in the region and lays the foundation for greater competitiveness, export growth, and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.