TIRANA, August 10/ATA/- Albania is one of the largest consumers of apples in Europe. According to statistics published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, apple consumption in Albania increased to 25 kg / capita, compared to the level of 19 kg / capita recorded by apple consumption in the European Union.
Apple is one of the most important fruit trees in our country, both in volume and value.
According to statistics in 2019 in Albania apple production increased to 105,933 tons, compared to 12,000 tons that marked the total production of this crop in 2010.
Demand for apple cultivation and support with subsidy schemes has significantly increased domestic production which has also affected the improvement of the export / import balance of apples.
It is worth mentioning the fact that in 2019, 13,437 tons of apples were exported compared to 0 exports that were in 2010. While the import of apples decreased significantly to 7,755 tons in 2019 compared to 29,600 tons of imports in 2010.
Meanwhile, two are the areas that record the highest production of apples in the country, Korça and Dibra, accounting for about 70% of total apple production nationwide.
The most produced varieties in Albania are the two derivatives of Red Delicious, Red Chief and Starking.
Both are locally referred to as “Starking”, accounting for 52% of fruit trees, then the apples of the Golden Delicious variety accounting for 42%.
Other apple varieties not traditionally grown in the region make up 6% of other fruit trees. /p.s./
