Albania makes first ever participation in Berlin agriculture fair

TIRANA, Jan. 22 – Ten Albanian companies participated at the Berlin International Green Week, the world’s biggest fair for food, agriculture and horticulture, marking the country’s first ever participation. Albania was represented in a separate pavillion next to Kosovo at the fair where wine, fruit, vegetable, medicinal plant and milk products were displayed to visitors from all over the world. Agriculture Minister Genc Ruli also participated in the fair holding meetings with counterparts and entrepreneurs interested in investing in Albania or exporting or processing Made in Albania products.
Established in 1926, International Green Week (IGW) is taking place for the 78th time in 2013. The IGW is a one-of-a-kind international exhibition for the food, agricultural and horticultural industries. At the same time, the IGW is the point of origin for the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) with more than 60 departmental ministers. Producers from all over the world come to IGW to test market food and luxury items and reinforce their brand image. Following consumer trends, regional sourcing plays an increasingly important role. Renewable resources, organic agricultural and products, Fair Trade, rural development and gardening continue to gain importance at International Green Week.
The IGW also features commercial and non-commercial agricultural, forestry, and landscaping exhibits. Changing annual themes typically include such topics as renewable resources or scientific livestock breeding and production. These trade show elements are of particular interest to those involved in the developing markets of central and Eastern Europe, organizers say.