Articles
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE APICULTURE SECTOR IN ALBANIA: THE INSERTION OF BEEKEEPERS INTO THE EU HONEY SUPPLY CHAIN
Article number
794_2
Pages
25 – 32
Language
English
Abstract
This paper evaluates the potential of the Albanian apiculture sector to enter export markets in the EU and to identify key issues affecting the honey supply chain that could help to better position Albanian produce.
Albanian honey production is characterised by small family-based units with a strong subsistence element.
Typical of a transitional economy, since the opening of its borders in the late 1980s, beekeepers are now facing the challenges of adjusting to a more market-oriented approach.
Distribution channels for honey are not well organised and fail to follow good farming practices, in particular, the indiscriminate use of pesticides impact on the overall quality of the honey.
Despite the great potential and the proximity of the EU and other markets in the Balkans, most producers are not export oriented.
Honey is generally sold at the farm gate to a collector who sells it to wholesalers or retailers in urban areas.
Very little honey is exported and low entry barriers present a threat to less competitive farmers.
The lack of knowledge of consumers requirements, coupled with the demanding and strict phytosanitary requirements of the EU discourage many farmers.
Nevertheless, as a diversification strategy, some larger honey producers are attempting to venture into the export market and use quality, origin and packaging as a means of differentiating their product offer in the market.
Albanian honey production is characterised by small family-based units with a strong subsistence element.
Typical of a transitional economy, since the opening of its borders in the late 1980s, beekeepers are now facing the challenges of adjusting to a more market-oriented approach.
Distribution channels for honey are not well organised and fail to follow good farming practices, in particular, the indiscriminate use of pesticides impact on the overall quality of the honey.
Despite the great potential and the proximity of the EU and other markets in the Balkans, most producers are not export oriented.
Honey is generally sold at the farm gate to a collector who sells it to wholesalers or retailers in urban areas.
Very little honey is exported and low entry barriers present a threat to less competitive farmers.
The lack of knowledge of consumers requirements, coupled with the demanding and strict phytosanitary requirements of the EU discourage many farmers.
Nevertheless, as a diversification strategy, some larger honey producers are attempting to venture into the export market and use quality, origin and packaging as a means of differentiating their product offer in the market.
Publication
Authors
L.K. Aguiar, A. Sejdaras
Keywords
marketing, diversification and market entry strategy, transitional economies, associations
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