Albania's cabbage exports have surged, driven by favorable climatic conditions and increased demand from Eastern and Baltic countries. Data from INSTAT indicates a 71% rise in vegetable exports during January - February 2025, contrasting with a 48% drop in fruit exports.
The climate has favored winter vegetable yields, with exporter Ruzhdi Koni noting a rise in cabbage exports to countries such as Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states. Cabbage, a staple in Eastern European diets, faces local production issues, boosting demand for Albanian produce.
Climate change is influencing market dynamics, enabling earlier product availability and competitive pricing. Farmers are adapting to the demand shift, with cabbage cultivation thriving in open fields during winter, negating the need for greenhouse investments.
Albania exports two cabbage varieties: head cabbage to Serbia, Croatia, Austria, and Bosnia, and salad cabbage to the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe. The country remains a key vegetable exporter, with greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers prominent in the region.
February saw a notable export increase to Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo, with Serbia witnessing an 86% rise. Bulgaria and Poland also experienced substantial growth, with increases of 95% and 144%, respectively.
Regions like Lushnja, Divjaka, Fieri, Vlora, and Shkodra are leading cabbage producers, with more farmers expanding cultivation areas to meet growing demand.
Source: CNA