ISHS Acta Horticulturae 794: II International Symposium on Improving the Performance of Supply Chains in the Transitional Economies
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE APICULTURE SECTOR IN ALBANIA: THE INSERTION OF BEEKEEPERS INTO THE EU HONEY SUPPLY CHAIN |
| Authors: | L.K. Aguiar, A. Sejdaras |
| Keywords: | marketing, diversification and market entry strategy, transitional economies, associations |
| 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 consumer’s 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. | |
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