MEAT Sector Analyse

Meat Sector Study
The investments of the meat processing enterprises are quite balanced over the years, in
sharp contrast to the remaining agroindustry.
The processing sector can also be divided into two groups; the non-performing
slaughterhouses which are hardly gaining any profit out of their (too limited) operations;
refurbishment of existing poor slaughterhouse facilities would be too expensive and therefore
the trend will go towards Greenfield investments, especially when supported by IPARD
measures.
The other sub-group are the meat processing plants which do economically fine, especially
when thinking on the 8 big ones which control around 80 % of the market. The past and
future trend goes towards improving the technology and fulfilling standards. When
interviewed the management of these processing plants mentioned the following envisaged
investments:
• Capacity expansion;
• Enlargement of working places;
• Refrigerating and chilling rooms;
• Air conditioning systems in working place;
• Certification according to International Quality Standards to get in line with norms
required by EU such as HACCP system;
• Sewage water plant, treatment of water systems;
• Complete new company as a Greenfield investment.
So far both processing groups have not invested in manure storage or environment
protection.
As Albania has no rendering plant it seems logical that investors will show up as soon as the
veterinary inspections are functioning and IPARD funds available.
It might be assumed that especially the meat processing plants do some not registered
businesses which would make it more difficult to speak officially about investments.
The reaction on the announced IPARD programme was very positive from the already well
performing companies and rather reluctant from the other ones.
Future developments
Also in Albania the future development will see the further commercialisation of livestock
farming and meat processing.
.
The cattle farming will improve because it fits to the Albanian landscape with pastures; the
future looks good if import prices for deep frozen meat will go up or import will cease at all
due to uncertain origin of products and if slaughterhouses will improve and offer reliable
services for the processing industry.
The small ruminants might also improve as well also because the Albanian landscape with
pastures fits even better for sheep and goats. Main target will remain the fresh meat market
and to keep almost self sufficiency should be feasible; additionally export markets may open
as soon as the NFA will perform their duties.
The Albanian market is not ideal for pork meat as 70 % of the population are Muslims.
However pig production might develop moderately with a slow increase in the number of pigs
being produced for market, especially if the fodder costs will get cheaper. The production will
include the whole production cycle including mother sows, piglets production and fattening.
Meat Sector Study, page 48