Albania is emerging as one of the most promising locations in Europe for tomato cultivation, according to international agricultural specialists conducting long-term field trials in the country. Experts say Albania’s climate, soil quality, and geographic position make it an ideal environment for testing and growing tomato varieties that meet European Union market standards.
A group of 20 tomato experts from some of Europe’s most developed agricultural markets, alongside regional specialists, established the first experimental tomato greenhouse in Kozare village, located in the Berat region of Albania. On a 4-dynym agricultural plot, they planted more than 200 tomato varieties in an effort to evaluate which cultivars perform best under Albanian growing conditions.
The results, according to the experts involved, have confirmed that Albania has the natural conditions needed to produce tomatoes that satisfy EU quality requirements with relatively low production effort. Fulya Arsaln, a tomato breeding specialist from Turkey, said Albania is one of the most advanced locations for tomato production and an ideal testing ground for identifying which varieties are best suited not only for Albania but for the wider Balkan region as well. She highlighted that the country’s temperature extremes provide valuable data for varietal selection.
International market experts also see strong export potential. Thomas Dault, a tomato sales expert from France, emphasized that Albania’s climate and early harvest capability create a significant competitive advantage in export markets. According to him, the country’s geographic position offers farmers opportunities to reach profitable international buyers.
Producers involved in the project noted that market-ready tomatoes must meet strict criteria, including shape, color, aroma, taste, firmness, and transport resistance. Local producer Bleis Koni said selected varieties continue to undergo testing to ensure consistency and export suitability.
Spanish tomato development expert Jorge Aguilar added that Albania’s geographic location, airflow patterns, and fertile soil were among the main reasons international researchers chose the country for experimental cultivation six years ago. Experts now encourage Albanian farmers to combine natural advantages with modern biological pest control methods, reducing reliance on pesticide spraying while improving crop quality, sustainability, and long-term profitability.