In 2025, Albania recorded the highest share in Europe of spending on food relative to the size of its economy.

Nominal spending on food products reached 20.4% of gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for approximately one-fifth of the economy. The European Union average, meanwhile, was just 6.2%.

The difference is also evident when compared with countries in the region. In Montenegro, food spending accounted for 19.9% of GDP, in Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.1%, in North Macedonia 17.9%, and in Serbia 12.8%.

This high share is mainly linked to low incomes. Households with more limited financial resources focus heavily on meeting basic needs, with food taking the largest share.

In higher-income economies, once food needs have been covered, a larger portion of the budget can be used for housing, transport, healthcare, education, culture, entertainment and savings.

Individual consumption per capita in Albania, calculated according to purchasing power, stands at 48% of the EU average, while income per capita reaches just 43% of the European average.

Despite this, the share of food spending in the economy is more than three times higher than the European Union average.

According to Eurostat data, the value of food spending in Albania amounts to €5.1 billion.

An analysis by category shows that several basic products have a particularly large share in the Albanian economy. Albania ranks first in Europe for spending on milk and dairy products, oils and fats, as well as vegetables.

The category “milk, other dairy products and eggs” accounted for around 4.5% of Albania’s GDP in 2025. In the European Union, the average for this group was 1%, and no other country in the European table recorded a higher share.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, this group represented 4.2% of GDP, in Montenegro 3.5%, in North Macedonia 3.4% and in Serbia 2.2%. In Greece, the share was 1.7%, while in Italy it was 1.2%.

Thus, milk, dairy products and eggs have a share in the Albanian economy 4.5 times higher than the EU average.

There is no data showing that Albanians consume more dairy products than Europeans. The gap appears to be linked more to the high prices in this category.

During 2025, Albania recorded an index of 135.6 for milk, dairy products and eggs, compared with the EU average of 100.

Prices were 35.6% above the European average, placing Albania third among Europe’s most expensive countries for this group. In value terms, spending on milk, dairy products and eggs amounted to €1.1 billion.

Compared with the region, the difference was even more pronounced. The index for this group was 107.1 in Serbia, 95 in Montenegro, 92 in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 89.6 in North Macedonia. Albanian consumers bought these products around 27% more expensively than Serbians, 43% more expensively than Montenegrins and more than 50% more expensively than consumers in North Macedonia.

Oils and fats also show a major difference. In Albania, this category accounted for 1.4% of GDP, compared with just 0.2% in the European Union.

Relative to the size of the economy, Albanian spending on these products was seven times higher than the EU average. The value of this spending was €356 million.

Albania also had the highest share for this group among the European countries included in the table. In Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, oils and fats accounted for 0.6% of GDP, while in Serbia they accounted for 0.4%. Greece, which was relatively high compared with the EU average, stood at 0.7%.

In 2025, prices for oils and fats in Albania were also above the European average. Their index reached 112.5, or 12.5% above the EU average.

However, Albania was not the most expensive country in the region for this category, as Serbia had an index of 128.4 and Montenegro 119.4. Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded an index of 99.2, while North Macedonia stood at 95.

Vegetables are another category with an unusually large share. The group classified by Eurostat as “vegetables, tubers, plantains and pulses” represented 3.9% of Albania’s GDP in 2025, almost five times the European Union average of 0.8%. Approximately €1 billion is spent on this group each year.

Albania shared the highest level with North Macedonia, where vegetables also represented 3.9% of GDP. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the share was 1.7%, in Montenegro 1.6%, in Serbia 1.4%, in Greece also 1.4% and in Italy 1.2%.

Unlike dairy products and oils, vegetable prices in Albania remained below the EU average, but were significantly higher than in most countries in the region.

The price index for vegetables was 91.2, almost the same as in Serbia, where it was 91. Nevertheless, prices in Albania were around 20% higher than in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 22% higher than in Montenegro and 27% higher than in North Macedonia.

Meat remains the product that absorbs the largest share of food spending in Albania. The category of meat and slaughterhouse products accounted for 4.7% of GDP, compared with an EU average of 1.3%. This share was around 3.6 times higher than the European average, while spending in value terms reached nearly €1.2 billion.

In the region, only Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina had a higher share for meat, at 5.6% of GDP each. Serbia recorded 3.6%, while North Macedonia recorded 3.4%.

In terms of prices, meat in Albania was just 2% cheaper than the EU average, with an index of 98, but it was the most expensive in the region. The index was 86.1 in Serbia, 83 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 77.6 in North Macedonia and 71 in Montenegro.

Fruit and nuts also accounted for a significantly larger share of the Albanian economy than of the European Union. Spending on this category represented 1.9% of GDP, compared with 0.5% in the EU, or nearly four times more. Montenegro and North Macedonia had higher shares, at 2.3% each, while Bosnia and Herzegovina stood at 1.7% and Serbia at 1%.

Fruit and nut prices in Albania stood at 92.1% of the EU average. However, the difference with the region’s cheaper markets was considerable: the index was 71.2 in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 52.4 in North Macedonia.

Compared with North Macedonia, fruit and nuts in Albania cost around 76% more. Spending on cereals and cereal products amounted to 2.1% of GDP, more than twice the EU average of 1%. Albania was not the highest in the region for this category, as Montenegro reached 3.5%.

Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded 2.7%, North Macedonia 2.5% and Serbia 2.2%.

The high share of food in the Albanian economy is now accompanied by another development. For the first time in 2025, food prices in Albania exceeded the European Union average.

The food index reached 102.9, or 2.9% above the EU average. A year earlier it was 99.6, while in 2022 it was around 85. Albania is the only country in the region where food prices have exceeded the European average. Serbia, the second-most expensive, had an index of 96.6, Montenegro 84.6, Bosnia and Herzegovina 84.6 and North Macedonia 74.3.

When food and non-alcoholic beverages are calculated together, Albania’s index rises to 103.8. In Serbia it was 97.1, in Montenegro 86.5, in Bosnia and Herzegovina 85.8 and in North Macedonia 74.8.

In Albania, food and non-alcoholic beverages cost around 7% more than in Serbia, 20% more than in Montenegro, 21% more than in Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearly 39% more than in North Macedonia.

Of the 12 detailed food groups published by Eurostat, prices in Albania are above the European Union average in half of them. These include milk and dairy products, oils and fats, sugar and confectionery, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as prepared food. Meat and fish, meanwhile, are close to the European average.

Non-alcoholic beverages, on which Albania spends 1.4% of GDP compared with 0.6% in the EU, had a price index of 114.3 in 2025. This level was 14.3% above the European average and the highest in the region.

The index for sugar, confectionery and pastry products was 123.1, or 23.1% above the EU average. Meanwhile, prepared food and other food products reached an index of 128.2, making them 28.2% more expensive than the European average.

The post Albania Leads Europe in the Share of Food Spending, with High Prices for Dairy, Oils and Vegetables appeared first on Albeu.com.

Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has said that the country’s deep political crisis is also being accompanied by an economic crisis, criticizing the government for failing to take measures in response to rising prices.

Referring to measures recently taken in Greece, Berisha said the Greek government had decided to cut the prices of around 1,600 items by 5% to 30%, including basic foodstuffs, school supplies and products widely used by consumers.

Meanwhile, in Albania, Berisha said, Rama and the government are indifferent, while he “lives in the ivory tower of power.”

“Meanwhile, according to the latest statistics, food prices in Albania rose five times more this year than the average in EU countries. The government has shown zero response and taken zero action. These figures, together with other data proving that 30% of Albanians are at risk of hunger, are the saddest alarm bells ringing in this country. Rama’s indifference to this situation surpasses even the most inhumane attitudes,” the Democratic Party leader said.

According to Berisha, the Democratic Party proposes removing VAT on food, fully subsidizing all school-related expenses in line with the principle of free education, and establishing a subsistence minimum.

“For the Democratic Party, removing VAT on food is vital. All school-related expenses must be fully subsidized, based on the principle of free education. Under the Constitution, education is free. A subsistence minimum must be established,” Berisha said.

The post Greece Cuts Food Prices/Berisha: Rama Indifferent, Offers “Besa” and “Pasqyra”! Prime Minister Lives in the “Ivory Tower” of Power appeared first on Albeu.com.

Albania has one of the highest shares of agriculture in the economy in Europe, accounting for nearly 15% of gross domestic product, compared with approximately 2% on average in the European Union and less than 8% in the other countries of the region (see the chart at the end).

But agriculture’s large share is not translating into cheaper food for consumers. On the contrary, Albanians pay more for some basic products than the European average, and significantly more than their neighbors.

The advantage that a broad agricultural production base should theoretically provide is not reflected in the prices paid by households.

Comparable price-level data, in which the European Union average is 100, place Albania at an index of 103.8 for food and non-alcoholic beverages in 2025.

In other words, the price level is 3.8% above the EU average and the highest among the countries of the region. Serbia, the second-most expensive country, has an index of 97.1, Montenegro 86.5, Bosnia and Herzegovina 85.8, and North Macedonia just 74.8.

In a direct comparison, food and non-alcoholic beverages cost around 7% more in Albania than in Serbia, 20% more than in Montenegro, 21% more than in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and nearly 39% more than in North Macedonia.

The difference remains almost the same even when beverages are removed from the group and only food is compared. Albania has an index of 102.9, or 2.9% above the European average, compared with 96.6 in Serbia, 84.6 in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, and 74.3 in North Macedonia.

Food in Albania is around 6.5% more expensive than in Serbia, 22% more expensive than in Bosnia and Montenegro, and nearly 39% more expensive than in North Macedonia.

50% of food groups, including some of the most essential, are more expensive than in the EU

Of the 12 detailed groups reported by Eurostat, prices for six, or half, are higher than the European average.

These include basic products such as milk and dairy products, oils and fats, while meat and fish are also very close to EU price levels.

The largest difference among basic products is in milk, dairy products and eggs. Albania has an index of 135.6, or 35.6% above the EU average.

In Serbia, the index is 107.1, in Montenegro 95, in Bosnia and Herzegovina 92, and in North Macedonia 89.6.

Albanians pay around 27% more for these products than Serbs, 43% more than Montenegrins, and more than 50% more than consumers in North Macedonia.

Prepared food and other food products are also significantly more expensive. Albania’s index reaches 128.2, or 28.2% above the EU average.

Serbia stands at 111.2, Montenegro at 108, Bosnia at 95.5, and North Macedonia at 80.9. Albania is around 15% more expensive than Serbia and approximately 59% more expensive than North Macedonia.

For sugar, confectionery and pastry products, prices in Albania are 23.1% above the EU average, with an index of 123.1.

In this category, Serbia is slightly more expensive, with 125.3, while Montenegro has an index of 120.5. Bosnia stands at 104.2 and North Macedonia at 92.5.

For non-alcoholic beverages, Albania again becomes the most expensive country in the region, with an index of 114.3, or 14.3% above the European average.

Montenegro stands at 105.9, Serbia at 103.2, Bosnia at 97.7, and North Macedonia at 79.9. Compared with North Macedonia, non-alcoholic beverages cost around 43% more in Albania.

Oils and fats are also above the EU average, with an index of 112.5. In this category, Albania is no longer the most expensive in the region: Serbia has an index of 128.4 and Montenegro 119.4.

Bosnia is close to the European average at 99.2, while North Macedonia stands at 95.

For meat and meat products, Albania has an index of 98, slightly below the EU average. But compared with the region, it remains the most expensive country. Serbia has an index of 86.1, Bosnia 83, North Macedonia 77.6, and Montenegro just 71.

Although Albania is a country with abundant water resources, it is the second-most expensive in the region, with only landlocked Serbia behind it.

For fish and seafood, Albania has an index of 96.5. Serbia is more expensive, at 106.7, while Montenegro stands at 90.2, Bosnia at 88.3, and North Macedonia at 80.5.

The paradox of a country where agriculture accounts for a large share of the economy is also evident in products that are widely produced domestically.

For fruit and nuts, Albania has an index of 92.1, below the European average but well above most of the region. Serbia is slightly more expensive, at 95.9, while Montenegro stands at 77.9, Bosnia at 71.2, and North Macedonia at just 52.4.

Compared with North Macedonia, the price level in Albania is around 76% higher.

For vegetables, potatoes, cooking bananas and pulses, Albania has an index of 91.2, practically the same level as Serbia, at 91. But it is around 20% more expensive than Bosnia, 22% more expensive than Montenegro, and 27% more expensive than North Macedonia.

Even for cereals and cereal products, where Albania’s index is 84, prices are higher than in Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Only Serbia, with an index of 87.3, is more expensive.

The most expensive product in Albania is alcoholic beverages. Albania has an index of 159, or a full 59% above the European Union average.

No other country in the region comes close to this level. Montenegro has an index of 128.8, Serbia 116.3, North Macedonia 99, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 92.6.

In the broader category of “alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics,” Albania has an index of 81.7. Although below the EU average, this is still the highest level in the region, ahead of Serbia at 72.5, Montenegro at 69.7, Bosnia at 63.6, and North Macedonia at 58.5.

The data highlight a stark contrast in the Albanian economy: agriculture accounts for around 15% of GDP, a share many times higher than in the European Union, yet Albanian consumers face food prices that in many categories are not only the highest in the region but also above the European average.

The advantage that a broad agricultural production base should theoretically provide is not reflected in the prices paid by households. The cheapest product in Albania is tobacco, which is obviously harmful to health!/Monitor

The post List/ 50% of food groups cost more in Albania than in Europe, a record in the region appeared first on Albeu.com.

Between July 13-15, 2026, around 30 people sought immediate help at this health facility. After detailed laboratory tests, the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria was confirmed in 11 of them.

According to medical staff, all hospitalized patients are receiving necessary care and their health progress is positive.

Among these cases, in the past three days, five residents from the municipality of Hani i Elezit have also been registered, showing the same clinical signs. The affected individuals themselves have stated that the number of those who eat at the same place and are suspected to have been affected is much higher.

The medical team continues with the relevant examinations and monitors patients’ conditions without interruption, while investigations to accurately determine the origin of the infection are being carried out at full intensity.

The post Number of food poisoning cases rises in Kosovo, UCCK reports 31 hospitalized appeared first on Albeu.com.

skandali përfshin Portin e Durrësit dhe Autoritetin Kombëtar të Ushqimit, ku një sasia e konsiderueshme e filetos së pulës së ngrirë e ardhur nga Brazili, ka rezultuar me salmonelë, teksa një pjesë e saj është hedhur në treg dhe është konsumuar.

Burime për mediat bëjnë me dije se bëhet fjalë për rreth mbi 18 ton në total, ku 13.1 ton fileto pule është hedhur në treg dhe është konsumuar, ndërsa 5.2 ton është bllokuar nga AKU. Sasia ka hyrë në Shqipëri më 11 Mars.

Ndërkohë, AKU, pas publikimit të skandalit, përmes një komunikate të shkurtër për mediat, pranoi faktet, por ndërkohë nuk tregon se cila është kompania që e ka hedhur në treg fileton me salmonelë, duke mos bërë transparencë për konsumatorin.

AlbEu mëson se kompania, e cila e ka hedhur në treg fileton e pulës me salonelë është “AMG FOOD“, ose e njohur me emrin tregtar si “diMal“. Kompani është në administrim dhe në pronësi 100% të shtetasit Mondi Goxha.

AlbEu kontaktoi kompaninë për një koment, por deri në publikimin e këtij shkrimi nuk morëm një reagim.

Rasti është konstatuar pas procedurave standarde, ku inspektorët e AKU-së në pikën doganore kanë marrë mostrat e mishit të importuar dhe i kanë dërguar për analizim.

Deri në daljen e rezultatit të analizave mishi duhet të qëndronte i bllokuar, por ndërkohë ka ndodhur e kundërta.

Pa pritur rezultatin e analizave, subjekti importues, në këtë rast kompania “AMG FOOD“, ose e njohur me emrin tregtar si “diMal“, ka hedhur të gjithë produktin në treg për shitje.

Përgjigjia e analizave ka dalë me 5 ditë vonesë dhe një pjesë e sasisë është shpërndarë në treg dhe është konsumuar, ku bëhet fjalë për 13.1 ton fileto pule.

Përgjegjësia për këtë skandal shkon direkt tek Ministria e Bujqësisë e drejtuar nga Anila Denaj dhe tek institucioni në varësi të saj, Autoriteti Kombëtar i Ushqimit, i drejtuar nga Manush Kullolli.

Reagimi i AKU-së:

Në kuadër të transparencës dhe informimit të publikut, si dhe në funksion të garantimit të sigurisë ushqimore dhe mbrojtjes së shëndetit të konsumatorëve, Autoriteti Kombëtar i Ushqimit ka ndërmarrë një sërë masash të menjëhershme dhe të strukturuara për të adresuar një situatë të identifikuar para disa ditësh gjatë proceseve të kontrollit të produkteve ushqimore të importuara në Portin e Durrësit.

Referuar analizimit në ISUV në datën 21.03.2025, për prani të Salmonella Typhimurium në një mostër produkt pule (fileto e ngrirë), e importuar nga Brazili, AKU ka ndërhyrë në mënyrë të koordinuar me strukturat përgjegjëse për gjurmimin, verifikimin dhe bllokimin e produktit në fjalë, si dhe për marrjen e masave administrative dhe ligjore ndaj subjektit përgjegjës.

Është inspektuar subjekti importues për ndjekjen e gjurmueshmërisë, i cili është referuar në organet e Prokurorisë së Rrethit Gjyqësor Tiranë, për veprime të mëtejshme proceduriale, për sa i takon elementëve të veprës penale për mosrespektim të kritereve të gjurmueshmërisë dhe dhënie të informacionit të pasaktë.

Autoriteti Kombëtar i Ushqimit siguron publikun se situata është në ndjekje të vazhdueshme dhe se çdo veprim është ndërmarrë në funksion të transparencës, sigurisë dhe mbrojtjes së shëndetit të qytetarëve.

Për çdo zhvillim të mëtejshëm, AKU do të vijojë të informojë në mënyrë të saktë dhe të përgjegjshme. /albeu,com

The post SKANDALI/ Si e hëngrën shqiptarët 13.1 ton mish pule me salmonelë nga kompania AMG Food (Dimal) appeared first on Albeu.com.