TIRANA, February 2 – Strawberry exports have begun from the Fier region, marking further progress in positioning the area as a key production and export hub.

Previously, Albania imported about 90 percent of strawberries in 2010–2011. Today, domestic production covers local demand and supports growing exports to European markets.

In this context, the Agroplant company in Kafaraj, Fier, shipped 6,000 crates to EU markets within a single day. The first shipment headed to Germany, while another consignment will go to Italy. Company representative Olsi Hamataj said the exports reflect the work of more than 100 farming families and confirm the quality of Albanian organic produce.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Energy Minister Belinda Balluku shared footage from the harvesting and packaging process. She said government policies and direct financial support continue to back farmers and agricultural exports.

Earlier, during a meeting with farmers in Divjakë, Balluku stressed that investment schemes aim to boost production, modernize agriculture, and strengthen competitiveness abroad.

As a result, Fier’s strawberry exports highlight Albania’s shift from importer to reliable supplier in European markets. The Kafaraj area alone cultivates more than 200 hectares of strawberries, producing over 7,500 tons per season, with about half exported to countries including Italy, Romania, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

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