Cabbages market in Albania

Earlier Report Observations

Albania's cabbage production rose from 52 857 t in 2018 to 70 411 t in 2019, driven by improved logistics and market access following the establishment of the national flag carrier Air Albania and the announcement of the Vlora International Airport project. Digitalization initiatives, such as the dynamic startup LACONICS introducing automation to business processes, also contributed to sectoral efficiency during this period.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted distribution channels towards online sales, coinciding with a temporary production dip. The market rebounded in 2021, with production reaching 69 127 t supported by geographic expansion of cultivation to areas like Divjakë and Lushnjë, and a significant increase in exports of cabbage, broccoli, and related products as reported by Eurostat.

Rising energy and agricultural input costs in 2022 pressured production costs, leading to a modest decrease in output. However, the market adapted with the introduction of a new product segment, as Brussels sprouts began to be cultivated more widely in 2023, helping to sustain overall production volumes. Ongoing labor shortages and emigration remain persistent challenges for the agricultural sector.

Production cabbages in Albania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Albania's cabbage production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 70 411 tonnes, marking a significant 33.2% increase. However, in 2020, production fell to 64 951 tonnes, representing a 7.8% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Albania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cabbages from Albania

Exports in kind, t

Albania's cabbage exports have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 6 085 tonnes, reflecting a 34.1% decline. By 2020, exports surged to 13 355 tonnes, showing a sharp 69.8% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 44.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Albania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the main buyers of Albanian cabbages in terms of volume. Serbia accounted for 40.1% of exports, Ukraine for 10.6%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 60.7% of Albania's total cabbage exports by volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Albania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Albania's cabbage exports in value terms showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 1 799 thousand US dollars, with a 10.8% decline. By 2019, exports saw the largest increase of 87.8%. In 2020, exports rose to 5 272 thousand US dollars, up 56.0% compared to 2019. Overall, exports fluctuated by a factor of 2.9 between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Albania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina formed the core markets for Albania's cabbage exports in value terms. Serbia held 35.2% of exports, Ukraine 13.6%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 10.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 58.8% of the total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Albania in value, 2017-2020

Imports cabbages to Albania

Imports in kind, t

Albania's cabbage imports in volume exhibited noticeable fluctuations. In 2017, imports were at their minimum of 19 tonnes. By 2018, imports peaked at 88 tonnes, marking a substantial 582.1% increase. In 2019, imports fell by 82.6%. In 2020, imports rose to 19 tonnes, showing a 22.5% year-on-year gain. Over the period, imports varied by a factor of 6.8 between the maximum in 2018 and the minimum in 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Albania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Greece and Spain dominated Albania's cabbage imports in volume, together accounting for 100.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Albania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Albania's cabbage imports in value terms displayed an unstable trend. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 8 thousand US dollars, with an 84.4% decline. In 2018, imports reached their maximum of 51 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 538.6% increase. In 2020, imports stood at 11 thousand US dollars, up 40.7% from the previous year. Import levels fluctuated by a factor of 6.4 between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Albania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, Greece and Spain captured the entirety of Albania's cabbage imports in value terms, jointly representing 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Albania in value, 2017-2020