For example, the same tomato cultivar is exported from Albania at a low value, no more than 0.5 dollars per kilogram, while from Italy it is exported to the UK markets at 2.4 dollars per kilogram.

With the same amount and type of tomatoes, Albanian farmers would triple their income if they shifted exports from the region to developed markets such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, USA, etc. According to specialized international certifications for quality, the average tomato is rated above average competitiveness and is one of the most worthy products to access new export markets in developed countries.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is assisting the necessary Global GAP certifications of products potentially demanded by foreign markets, in order to increase farmers’ incomes.

The World Bank noted in its diagnostic analysis of the agricultural sector that Albania has the potential to increase exports in sub-sectors that include cattle and horse skin, vegetables, seafood, nuts and fruits, fresh tomatoes, anchovies and other canned fish, chestnuts, watermelons and canned olives.

Tomato exports continue to lead with more than 40% of total Albanian agricultural exports.

According to statistics from MoARD, exports of tomatoes and cucumbers increased by 10% compared to 2021, while vegetable exports increased by $ 41 million (January-May 2022) represented by the increase in foreign contracts for the sale of tomatoes.

Experts say that in addition to expanding investments in greenhouses, where tomatoes and cucumbers are mostly grown, group certification with GlobalGAP has started and is being implemented in Albania, as the best option for Albanian farmers because of the facilities it offers compared to individual certification and exports to high value markets.

The upward trend of vegetable exports shows that the application of high standards in production and processing of products should no longer be regarded as a wish or an option for Albanian producers and exporters, but a primary task whose implementation is directly related to food safety, a healthy lifestyle, the demand of consumers and potential customers, maintaining and strengthening positions in export markets.

Albania is rated one of the largest exporters of tomatoes in the region and beyond, thanks to the increase of greenhouses, collection capacities, sales contracts, etc.
/r.e/sm/