This study analyzes financial products offered by commercial banks to agricultural producers in Bulgaria, focusing on farmers’ preferences and banks’ positioning strategies. Survey data from 33 farmers and 23 banks reveal that the most valued attributes are loan repayment term, possibility of loan guarantee, type of collateral, initial loan amount, and availability of business consulting. Banks that allow subsidies from the State Fund for Agriculture as collateral and provide immediate liquidity are considered most attractive. Four banks—DSK Bank AD, Eurobank AD, UniCredit Bulbank AD, and Investbank AD—emerge as leaders in offering financial products aligned with farmers’ needs. The findings indicate that targeted segmentation of agricultural producers enhances banks’ profitability and market competitiveness, while large banks with dedicated marketing teams achieve more effective product positioning. The study highlights the importance of strategic positioning in achieving sustainable success in the agricultural financial services market.
The purpose of this article is to determine to what extent the positioning strategy is an effective and reliable tool for effective sales management of commercial banks when offering agricultural loans and financial products. The findings of this study provide compelling evidence that the adoption and consistent implementation of a well-defined positioning strategy is a reliable and effective tool for sales management in commercial banks. Through statistical testing using the t-criterion and multiple comparisons across three distinct groups of banks, the analysis revealed that nine out of eighteen hypotheses were confirmed, demonstrating significant differences in financial performance linked to the degree of strategic implementation. In summary, this study demonstrates that positioning strategies are not merely abstract management tools but constitute practical, results-oriented mechanisms that strengthen sales management, sustain competitive advantage, and support the long-term growth of commercial banks—particularly in financing the agricultural sector.
This article examines the effectiveness of profitability management in wine-producing enterprises through the application of the DuPont model. Based on accounting data from a sample of firms, return on equity is analyzed through its key components – net profit margin, asset turnover, and financial leverage. The results indicate that low profitability in the sector is primarily driven by weak operating performance and inefficient use of assets, while high indebtedness in some enterprises amplifies negative financial outcomes. The study confirms the applicability of the DuPont model as a tool for assessing managerial efficiency.
This study evaluates the efficacy of the predatory bug (Macrolophus pygmaeus) as a biological control agent against the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) in greenhouse-grown pepper (Capsicum annuum). The experiments were conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions in six experimental cages, involving two treatments: M. pygmaeus + T. vaporariorum, and an untreated control (without predatory insects). The results demonstrate that the population density of T. vaporariorum remained significantly lower in the cages with M. pygmaeus compared to the untreated control. Specifically, the average number of whiteflies was 45.7% lower within the first 14 days and decreased by over 90% in the later stages. The results underscore the potential of M. pygmaeus as an effective biological control agent for the management of T. vaporariorum in greenhouse-grown pepper crops. Keywords: Macrolophus pygmaeus, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Biological control, Greenhouse crops, Pepper (Capsicum annuum), Pest management
This study examines the financial stability and risk profile of wine-producing enterprises using accounting-based financial indicators. The analysis focuses on liquidity, leverage, and solvency measures derived from the financial statements of 56 enterprises for the period 2022–2024. Descriptive statistical analysis reveals substantial heterogeneity in financial structures across firms, with significant differences in liquidity coverage, debt levels, and equity buffers. A cluster analysis further identifies three distinct financial risk profiles, ranging from relatively stable enterprises with strong liquidity and moderate leverage to highly vulnerable firms characterized by weak liquidity and excessive indebtedness. The findings indicate that financial risk in the sector is concentrated among a limited number of enterprises rather than being uniformly distributed. The results highlight the importance of prudent working capital management, balanced capital structures, and adequate equity capitalization in enhancing financial resilience in capital-intensive agri-food industries. The study contributes to the literature on firm-level financial stability by providing sector-specific empirical evidence and practical implications for financial risk management in wine-producing enterprises.
