The Fruit and Vegetable Market in Albania 2025

In 2025, the fruit and vegetable market in Albania has experienced significant developments impacting the national economy and exports. This sector accounts for 16% of GDP and employs 36% of the workforce. With revenues reaching 1.14 billion dollars, fruit and vegetable exports have shown consistent growth, reaching 570 million euros in 2024 with a 26% increase in the first quarter of 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Export Growth: Agricultural exports have increased significantly, including products such as cabbage, watermelons, and olives.

• Domestic Production: Vegetable production reached 1.42 million tons in 2024, with Fier, Lushnjë, and Korçë districts leading.

• New Trends: The demand for organic products and e-commerce is rising, with e-commerce reaching 1.2 million dollars in the sector.

• Challenges: Land fragmentation, post-harvest infrastructure, and high input costs remain significant obstacles.

• Investments: The sector is attracting investors due to its substantial potential in technology and processing.

Albania aims to achieve 1 billion euros in exports by 2030, focusing efforts on modernizing the sector and enhancing the supply chain.

Production Data and Producing Regions

This section describes production performance and geographical distribution, highlighting the impact of local factors on market development. In Albania, fruit and vegetable production has achieved quite positive results during 2025, reflecting continuous investments in the agricultural sector.

Production Figures and Growth Rates

During 2024, Albanian agriculture experienced significant growth, with vegetable production reaching 1.42 million tons, a 2.9% increase compared to the previous year [6]. This growth indicates improvements in technology and modern agricultural practices. Categorized, the production included:

• Early Season Vegetables: 941,000 tons

• Dry Vegetables: 136,000 tons

• Melons: 347,000 tons

A large portion of this production, about 25%, comes from greenhouse agriculture, which is more concentrated in the Fier and Berat districts [6].

The fresh vegetable market is expected to reach a value of 944.39 million US dollars by 2025. Additionally, an annual growth rate of 6.31% (CAGR 2025–2030) is forecasted, with the market volume expected to reach 330.06 million kilograms by 2030 [4].

In the same year, cereal production reached 649,000 tons [6]. These data clearly illustrate the performance of the main producing regions, which are mentioned below.

Main Producing Areas

The western region of Albania, including the districts of Lushnjë, Fier, and Vlorë, leads in the production of fruits and vegetables [7]. On the other hand, the Korçë district in the east plays a significant role in the country's agricultural production [7].

Climatic conditions in these regions are ideal for cultivating a wide range of vegetables, including off-season production for export [7]. Coastal areas, meanwhile, are particularly suitable for the production of fruits and wine [7].

Lushnjë is known as the main center for agricultural exports. In May 2022, it organized the International Trade Fair "Agriculture Days", an event promoting agriculture, technologies, and food processing. Lushnjë's strategic position makes it a key point for markets and exporters collaborating with the European Union and Nordic countries [7].

Meanwhile, the Fier, Korçë, and Vlorë districts are significant contributors to the country's agricultural production [5]. The geographical distribution shows that 43% of agricultural land is in the lowland area, while 24% of the country's total area is dedicated to agriculture [8]. This extensive potential creates opportunities for diversifying production and improving productivity across all regions.

Export Markets and Trade Barriers

Albania has substantial potential for exporting fresh products to Southeastern Europe. The country's geographical position and favorable climate aid in early seasonal production, positioning Albania as a significant supplier to European markets. However, this success also comes with challenges that require solutions.

Major Export Markets

Albanian exports have seen significant development in recent years, reaching 570 million euros last year [11]. Fruits and vegetables account for around 36% of the country's agricultural exports [2]. In the first quarter of 2025, exports of these products increased by 26% compared to the same period last year [1].

"Thanks to the relentless efforts of the entire high-quality production-processing-export chain in our country, we continue to grow. We have supported this sector and will continue to prioritize it while working towards the government's goal of reaching 1 billion euros in exports within this decade", - Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development [10].

The export portfolio includes value-added products such as olives, watermelons, and nuts [9]. A successful example is the growth of cabbage exports, which have found high demand in Eastern European and Baltic countries [12]. In the January–February 2025 period, vegetable exports increased by 71%, while fruit exports experienced a decline of 48%, according to data from INSTAT. Simultaneously, exports to countries like Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo recorded significant growth. Serbia experienced an 86% increase, while Bulgaria and Poland recorded growths of 95% and 144% respectively [12].

While these major markets demonstrate a success story, Albanian exporters also face a series of challenges.

Export Challenges

Although exports have achieved progress, Albanian producers face several obstacles. One of the main issues is the lack of integration into large distribution and marketing networks [13]. Additionally, the small size of farms and land fragmentation limit productivity and agricultural development. Nearly 80% of producers are small farmers working on lands varying from 0.9 to 1.2 hectares [15].

Another challenge is the poor post-harvest infrastructure, particularly the lack of cold storage facilities, which affects supply stability and prices [13]. The high cost of agricultural inputs, including VAT on fertilizers and agricultural products, reduces competitiveness in international markets [13].

Additionally, government policies often lack direct support for exports. Concentrating on support for agricultural inputs, rather than market orientation, limits the sector's development [13]. Administrative bureaucracy, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, frequently delays the movement of goods and increases costs for small exporters [14].

To overcome these challenges, producers must harmonize production standards with international market requirements [13]. The government can play a vital role by collaborating with businesses to enhance technology, food safety, and supply chain management. Investing in the digitization of land records and creating a "National Logistics Portal" could help increase efficiency and improve competitiveness in the fruit and vegetable sector [15].

Investment Opportunities and Business Development

The agricultural sector in Albania is increasingly attracting both local and foreign investors. The favorable climate, fertile land, and strategic position create ideal conditions for long-term investments in fruit and vegetable production. Moreover, the increasing demand for organic and high-quality products opens new horizons for businesses in this sector [16].

New Investment Avenues

The use of modern technologies in agriculture has brought remarkable improvements in yields and product quality. A clear example is the expansion of the greenhouse sector, which now covers over 2,500 hectares, showing potential for further development [2].

"The agricultural sector in Albania has high growth potential due to abundant natural resources and the rising demand for organic and high-quality products. Modern agricultural techniques and equipment can result in higher yields and superior quality products", - Ingrid Kodra, Global Mobility Consultant, Eurofast [16].

Another promising area for investment is post-harvest infrastructure, including cold storage and modern logistics systems. These improvements directly aid in increasing exports [2].

Furthermore, the diversification of the agricultural sector has opened opportunities in livestock, agro-processing, and agro-tourism [16]. The rise in tourism, with an over 80% increase compared to 2019 [17], has significantly increased demand for fresh and local products.

International certifications, such as GlobalGAP, are also a strategic opportunity for producers targeting European markets. These certifications not only enable higher prices but also easier access to distribution networks in Europe [2].

To support this development, the Albanian government has set the objective of reaching 1 billion dollars in agricultural exports by 2030 [2]. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting the sector and creating a favorable climate for investors.

The Role of Business Network Albania

Business Network Albania (BNA) has created a platform that helps local investors and entrepreneurs collaborate more easily. This platform offers personalized consultations to help investors better understand the challenges and opportunities of the Albanian market.

Through networking events, BNA creates opportunities for direct meetings between investors, local producers, and government representatives. These meetings assist in forming strategic partnerships and exchanging critical information for new projects.

The BNA platform also offers mentoring and training for local entrepreneurs, helping them develop their managerial and technical skills. For investors who choose the annual plan of 350 euros, benefits include VIP access to events, networking with startups, and sponsorship opportunities. Moreover, promotion through BNA podcasts and digital magazines helps new businesses gain more visibility and strengthen their market presence.

BNA's global network facilitates connection with international markets, helping Albanian companies position themselves as key suppliers to the European Union [2]. These efforts contribute to further sector development and create numerous opportunities for investments.

Future Planning and Development Approach

With the support of Business Network Albania, the Albanian agricultural sector is entering a new era where technology and modern practices play a key role in shaping the future of production. In the coming years, the fruit and vegetable sector is expected to undergo significant transformation, relying on advanced technology and contemporary methods aimed at increasing productivity and strengthening competitiveness in international markets. This shift is supported by strategic investments and government programs aimed at the complete modernization of the sector.

Agricultural Technology

The use of precision agriculture is changing the way Albanian farmers manage their crops. Platforms like Farmonaut have delivered tangible results in areas like Korçë, Dibër, and Vlorë, where farmers report up to 20% increases in yields and up to 40% reductions in the usage of pesticides, water, and fungicides [19].

Globally, the AgTech sector is rapidly growing. By 2025, its value is expected to reach 26 billion dollars, while by 2034, this figure could go up to 74 billion dollars. The artificial intelligence and data segment is also strengthening, with projections showing a value of 4.9 billion dollars by 2030 [21].

In Albania, the government is supporting this transformation through the "Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation" (DART) program, which has a budget of 3.3 million dollars. This program aims to assist 7,500 women through digital services and provide training for 290 women [20].

"Through DART, we aim to use digital tools as catalysts to increase transparency, improve production efficiency, support regulatory compliance, and save costs across the agricultural sector", - Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development [20].

Moreover, environmentally friendly technologies are increasingly being utilized. In Vorë and Shkodër, 20 farmers – including eight women – are using special machines for pruning and grinding olive branches. This method has helped avoid 1.44 cubic meters of carbon emissions per year [18].

"Agriculture requires small machines for transforming branches into organic fertilizer", - Sherif Hajdari, farmer from Vora [18].

Alongside technological advancements, regenerative practices play an essential role in changing land management and enhancing sector resilience.

Agricultural Practices and Market Growth

Technology and regenerative methods form part of a broader strategy to modernize the agricultural sector. Regenerative agriculture is increasingly being used to improve soil health and recover damages caused by intensive farming. By combining real-time soil monitoring with personalized nutritional solutions, farmers are achieving sustainable outcomes [21].

New generations of farmers are bringing a new approach to the sector, using digital knowledge and interest in new technologies to change the dynamics of Albanian agriculture. This has created a favorable environment for the faster adoption of technologies [18].

The use of precision agriculture has brought numerous benefits, including the early detection of problems, targeted interventions, and precise applications based on specific soil and crop needs [19]. For instance, intelligent irrigation systems have reduced water usage by 30% and increased yields by 15% [22].

The integration of technology helps farmers make more informed decisions, equipping them with accessible data to optimize resources. Besides improving productivity, this approach helps increase sustainability and produce quality, preparing the sector for future challenges and opportunities [19].

The DART program also aims to develop a national strategy for digital agriculture, which will align with EU standards and regulations [23]. Within the 2024–2027 period, this initiative will help Albania integrate digital technology into the agricultural sector and strengthen its long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

Previous analyses confirm that the fruit and vegetable sector in Albania faces both opportunities and challenges. The market is entering a more advanced phase, demonstrating a strong growth potential by 2025. A clear example is the increase in exports by 26% in value and 11% in quantity during the first quarter of 2025, a clear indicator that the sector is moving in the right direction [24].

Factors such as the favorable climate, competitive cost production, and the country's strategic position put Albania in a favorable position as a key supplier of fresh produce in Southeastern Europe. Forecasts indicate that the fresh vegetable market will grow by 6.31% annually until 2030, reaching a value of 944.39 million dollars by 2025 [4].

"We continue to grow thanks to the hard work of the entire production – processing – export chain in our country, which we have supported and will continue to prioritize, towards fulfilling the government's objective of 1 billion euros in exports within this decade", - Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development [24].

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Market prices show that optimizing the supply chain is essential. For example, in June 2025, tomato prices in Tirana ranged from 110 to 130 lek/kg, while watermelon prices varied from 23 lek/kg in Divjakë to 60 lek/kg in Tirana. These fluctuations highlight the need for a better-organized supply chain [25].

For investors, the sector offers numerous opportunities. Improving supply chain infrastructure, obtaining international certifications like GlobalGAP, and developing capacities for value-added processing are some areas with substantial potential [2]. Business Network Albania is one of the organizations providing support for those who wish to invest in this promising sector.

The government has set an ambitious goal to achieve 1 billion dollars in exports by 2030, prioritizing organic and sustainable products [2] [3]. The fruit and vegetable market in Albania is not merely an opportunity for profit but also a significant pillar for the country's economic development, bringing benefits to all actors involved in this sector.