Why a Trade Show and why now? ICEBERG EXHIBITIONS gives you 3 reasons
February 23, 2022
Export of Albanian fruits and vegetables to European markets with British Expert
May 7, 2022
« Agriculture ! One thing that makes us survive on this planet ! »
Albania has a total land area of 28,750 square kilometers, of which 24% is agricultural, 36% forest, and 15% pasture or other type of land. With its predominantly mountainous surface of almost 70 percent and nearly 400 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, Albania is a small country with plenty of opportunities for agricultural production and the collection of a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants.
Albania also has favorable assets for organic production. The limited use of fertilizers and pesticides offers opportunities for investments in organic agriculture. Opportunities also exist for the production and processing of high-value cash crops. The leading sub-sectors include grains, cereals, dry fruits, farm machinery, food processing equipment. Since the establishment and formalization of the Organic Agriculture Association in 1997, which started the organic movement, we all have witnessed important changes in the organic sector thanks to valuable contributions of many entities.
Due to a mild climate, fertile land, and abundant water resources, agriculture is one of the main sectors in Albania that accounts for about one fifth of the gross domestic product and it accounts for slightly less than half of the total employment. The majority of the approximately 350,000 agricultural enterprises produce to serve their own needs. The agriculture sector contributed around 21% to national GDP in 2019. In 2020, imports of agricultural products were slightly more than $1 billion, almost the same as in the previous year. Exports have continued to rise, reaching about $365 million in 2022, a 10% increase from 2019.
For more than 40 years Albania has been a very isolated country. Because access was constrained, very few people from abroad have visited this country and are therefore unaware of the natural diversity that Albania offers.
Favorable climate
The main agricultural producers in Albania are the regions in the western part of the country such as Lushnje, Fier, Vlore and the region of Korçe in the eastern part of the country. Most of the country’s vegetable production is concentrated in these areas as mild and relatively short winters provide an ideal climate to produce a wide range of vegetables, including off-season for export. The main Albanian agricultural exports are medicinal herbs and vegetables, tobacco, tinned fish and animal leather. Albanian exports are niche products that require labor-intensive production methods.
Extending along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania’s coastal areas are also one of the most favorable areas for agricultural production. The coastal area is interesting for fruit and wine production. While the production of fresh olives and olive oil has a long tradition in Albania and is rather stagnating in terms of surface and production volume, fruit and wine production is growing fast.
Tourism in rural areas
Tourism is becoming an increasing economic factor in rural areas. As in agriculture, rural tourism is dominated by smaller, largely informal family businesses (for example, offering accommodation). The lack of institutional tourism structures in regions and communities makes it more difficult to develop differentiated, quality-oriented tourism services. Regional tourism and agricultural partnerships have not been used effectively enough to deliver a diverse income strategy. However, Albania, with its diverse natural and cultural landscapes, its particular (agro-)biodiversity and historical traditions, as well as its direct links to Europe, has enormous potential for developing an environmentally friendly rural tourism industry and not only.
Agriculture Days 2022
Access to international markets, standards and value chain coordination require considering two important aspects: Long-term relationships and contracts with buyers – improving vertical coordination and Cooperation and collective action – improving horizontal coordination.
But surely trade fairs have also given businesses a chance to grow. Agriculture Days 2022 -An International Trade Fair in Agriculture, Technologies, Food & Processing is a unique opportunity to meet different customers and suppliers all gathered in the same place, to participate in conferences and workshops on important topics on this sector, to follow the latest developments in agricultural technologies. It is afair with a relevant target audience combined with a powerful exhibit will give to the small businesses the opportunity to be on the same trade show floor as large competitors.
The Agriculture Days 2022 also offers the opportunity to be in the same venue with government institutions and associations that protect the business’s interest. During the days of the exhibition, important information sessions are organized regarding various aspects of the industry, conferences, workshops, etc. Agriculture Days allows every actor to grow their business.
Why to participate in Agriculture Days ?
Agriculture Days 2022 is the largest and most important B2B Trade Show for businesses and professionals in the agricultural sector.
It covers the entire market of the Balkan region. Provides an excellent opportunity to introduce the company and the brand.
Gives the opportunity to increase brand recognition and the commercial potentials.
Encourages new partnerships and collaborations by growing as well as trade potentials. Strengthens existing links between businesses and institutions. Provides information on new trends, innovations and technological developments in the sector.
Provides opportunities to monitor competitors and their developments.
The International Trade Fair in Agriculture, Technologies, Food & Processing, “Agriculture Days 2022” will take place in Albania on May 19-21, 2022 in the city of Lushnje. The placement of the exhibition is strategically chosen taking into consideration that Lushnje is known as the capital of agricultural exports, featuring several markets for the collection of agricultural products and linked with a variety of exporters not only from the countries of the region and the EU but also expanding the map of “Made in Albania“ products to the Nordic countries. Agriculture Days 2022 will offer important opportunities for the businesses and professionals in agriculture, covering the whole Balkan market.
About Iceberg Exhibitions
Iceberg Exhibitions organizes fairs and events in the field of business in sectors with significant impact on the region’s economy such as agriculture, construction and energy, tourism, etc. The main objective of Iceberg Exhibitions is to play an important role in fostering strategic relations between the Balkan region and international markets, bringing people together and sharing visions. Iceberg Exhibitions aims to bring the event where the sector has the greatest impact without being limited to a particular location or venue. Our events are dynamic, comprehensive and of interest to businesses in the Balkan region for a worthy representation in international markets.
Sources:
Organic Agriculture in Albania /Thomas Bernet and Iris S. Kazazi
Rural nonfarm income and its impact on agriculture: evidence from Albania Talip Kilica, Calogero Carlettob, Juna Milukac, Sara Savastanod
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agrarian and Rural Development Agency (http://www.azhbr.gov.al/)
Promotion of the rural areas in Albania as regions to live and do business
Frensis LLOJI
