Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, watermelons, cabbage and tangerines were the agricultural products with the highest export value in 2022, according to data from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) database.
- In 2022, tomatoes were the second most exported product in the country with 26.2 million dollars, but with a decrease of about 9 percent compared to 2019, where the value of tomatoes sold abroad was 28.7 million USD.
- Cucumbers were the third most exported product in 2022 with a value of 22.5 million USD with a 130 percent increase in export value compared to 2019, where sales abroad of this product were about 9 million USD.
- Chillies and peppers together had a value of 16 million USD, almost double compared to 2019 where their value was 8.9 million USD.
- The export of watermelon has experienced strong growth with about 9 million USD in 2022, with a 175% increase compared to 2019.
- Cabbage was the 7th most exported product in 2022 by value with a total amount of USD 9 million from USD 25 million in 2019.
- Among the most exported fruits in 2022 were tangerines and apples with a combined value of over USD 16 million. In 2019 the most exported fruits were apples and strawberries both with a market value of USD 3.4 million.
Studies have shown that Albania has potential for the production of vegetables, especially in greenhouses due to the climate that enables an earlier season. Coming to the market almost 1 month before the neighbors ensures farmers sales with higher values. However, the lack of support and high costs such as abundant production in neighboring markets has brought problems to farmers this year. Currently, a kilogram of tomatoes in greenhouses is being sold in bulk for up to 35 Lek, but farmers say that the price in this period should be at least 70 Lek in order to cover the costs.
Source: CNA