Albanian food exporters look to China

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China is not just one of the world’s leading exporters, but it is also establishing itself as one of the biggest importers. Ahead of the 4th China Import Expo to be held this November in Shanghai, exporters from around the world are gearing up for their share of China’s expanding and lucrative market. Food producers from Albania have also joined the race.

Albania is a small country of just under three million people, located in southeast Europe. It is a country where agriculture thrives: they have clean air and soil as well as a lack of industry. All that helps produce organic and natural products.

Now they would like to capitalize on those advantages by selling their food products abroad, and China is in their crosshair.

Honey, livestock, meat and many other agriculture products from Albania are on offer for the Chinese market. But it is their dairy industry that has the highest hopes for selling their milk and cheese at one of the largest markets in the world.

“Lufra”, which is Albania’s biggest and arguably the best dairy producer, already started preparing for that journey.

The company, located some 100 kilometers south of the capital Tirana, is proud of the modern technology they use for milk processing.

A delegation from Lufra has recently returned from China, where agreement of their first-time representation at the 4th China Import Expo was reached.

The National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai prepares for the 4th China Import Expo in November this year. /VCG Photo

Luis Dreka, Commercial Manager of Lufra, said they had an interesting meeting in Shanghai.

“They were looking for honey -- a lot, for meat, and also for cheeses. Different types of cheeses. So, that’s what we are preparing to export to China,” Dreka said.

Lufra is one of only two Albanian companies that will appear at the expo. The second company will offer honey and other products.

It is just the beginning and first steps towards opening more doors for the various exports to China.

Pjerin Shoshi, Director of Programs of Albanian Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed this.

“The products that we export today to China are mainly medicinal plants, wine and some others. As a ministry we are making efforts to give a new exporting impulse to the animal products: meat, dairy products and honey.

“We are in negotiations with China to sign a quarantine protocol that is going to allow the trading of these products between both sides,” Shoshi said.

According to 2016 figures, Albania has significant trade deficit with China. The Albanian government hopes exporting agriculture products to the Chinese market will help reducing this deficit.

(Top image: Different cheeses are displayed during the opening ceremony of the first French Agriculture Fair in Tirana, Albania, April 25, 2014. /VCG Photo)