Albania Dairy Industry Overview
Albania, nestled in the Balkan region, has a dairy sector that is gradually evolving. The industry is primarily driven by small and medium-sized farms and dairies that focus on satisfying local demand. As of recent data, the country has been included in the list of countries under the Russian food embargo, impacting its export potential to Russia.
Dairy Cattle and Milk Production
Albania has approximately 350,000 dairy cows distributed across numerous small-scale family farms. These farms are the backbone of the country's milk production, which currently stands at around 952,000 metric tons annually. The diversity in genetic stock and feeding practices affects milk yields, with ongoing efforts to improve overall production efficiency.
Milk Processing and Product Output
The volume of milk processed in Albania is around 600,000 metric tons per year, aimed at producing various dairy products for the domestic market. Cheese production is a vital component, with annual production reaching approximately 47,000 metric tons. However, the production of milk powder and whey is relatively minimal due to limited processing facilities dedicated to these products.
Key Enterprises and Farms
Albania is home to several key dairy processing plants, including:
- Erzeni Dairy Plant
- Lufra Dairy
- Ladi-Klozet Dairy
These enterprises focus on producing cheese, yogurt, and other fermented milk products primarily for local consumption.
Among the notable dairy farms in Albania are:
- Elion Dairy Farm
- Gusht Dajti Farm
- Agroelbasan
Trade Balance - Exports and Imports
The export of Albanian dairy products is relatively limited due to the country's focus on meeting domestic demand first. Nonetheless, Albania exports approximately 2,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, primarily to nearby countries with established trade relations. On the import side, Albania brings in about 20,000 metric tons of dairy products each year, supplementing its needs for diverse product offerings unavailable locally.
Significant Events and Industry Developments
Recent years have seen an increased focus on modernizing dairy farm operations in Albania. There have been initiatives to introduce better genetic stock and improve cattle feeding practices. Moreover, Albania's food trade dynamics are influenced by its inclusion in the Russian food embargo list, which dictates certain restrictions and challenges for its international trade relations. Furthermore, Albania has been striving to meet EU standards in dairy production to potentially expand its market reach within Europe in the future.
Modified: 2025/08/06