USAID Supports Albania’s Leading AgriBusinesses

TIRANA, July 14 – American food companies were introduced last month to some of Albania’s leading culinary producers at the 2010 Fancy Food Show in New York. With the support of USAID, these producers showcased their high-quality fare to potential buyers and introduced Albanian products to new and eager audiences.
For the past two years, USAID’s Albanian Agriculture Competitiveness Program has helped Albanian agribusinesses explore lucrative international markets.
“Albania’s agricultural sector is increasingly becoming more sophisticated and progressively responding to market demand,” said Mr. Juan Estrada-Valle, USAID’s AAC project director. “USAID is helping Albanian companies explore international markets by providing them the opportunity to exhibit their products at one of the world’s most sophisticated trade shows.”
Albania produces some of the highest quality olive oil in the Mediterranean region. Several producers have been awarded international prizes for quality and taste. Albania is also one of the largest suppliers of sage and other aromatic plants. Some of these companies have received organic certification and are producing essential oils. Albania’s long growing season, rich soil and mild climate produce tons of tasty fruits and vegetables that can be used to supply gourmet and ethnic markets.
According to Estrada-Valle, the fair helped establish commercial contacts and raised awareness of the current and potential role of Balkan agriculture and agro-industry.
To support this effort, USAID produced Albania’s first Buyer’s Resource Guide, a user-friendly directory with contacts for companies interested in purchasing Albanian products.