USAID Supports Albania’s Leading Agro-Businesses
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| USAID is helping Albanian farmers develop the marketing skills needed to introduce their products in international markets. USAID has prepared a Buyer's Resource Guide and developed a "Taste of Albania" campaign to promote Albanian agribusinesses. |
Last week’s American food companies were introduced 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 agro-businesses explore lucrative international markets.
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 the 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 the gourmet and ethnic markets.
“Albania’s agricultural sector is increasingly becoming more sophisticated, progressively responding to market demand,” said Mr. Juan Estrad-Valle, USAID’s AAC project director. “USAID is helping Albanian companies’ explore international markets by providing them the opportunity to exhibit their products in one of the world’s most sophisticated trade shows.”
According to Valle, the fair helped establish commercial contacts and raise awareness of the current and potential role of Balkan agriculture and agro-industry.
To support this effort, USAID produced the first Albania’s Buyer Guide, a user-friendly directory with contacts for companies interested in purchasing Albanian products.
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