As bread prices have increased over 70% in a year and Albanians continue to emigrate en masse, the future of the bakery sector hangs in the balance, making it more likely that large-scale industrialisation is on the cards.
Currently, Albanian bread is produced mainly in bakery shops which produce for their own store or stores, while some produce a limited amount for sale in other shops. There are not large, industrial bread factories like in other European countries. But this could soon change.
Gezim Peshkopia, president of the Association of Doughs and Pastries, said the price situation is becoming even more problematic due to increased electricity, raw materials, and labour. Additionally, the number of available staff is decreasing, and those with skills in the sector are leaving for countries such as Italy and Croatia.
“We are suffering the problem of workers because Albanians do not want to work in their country. We have increased wages and care for workers. I think Albanians are still connected to the psychosis of the 90s to leave the country, while bakeries need specialists, both in bakeries and in pastry,” he told Monitor.
Experts have warned that labour shortages could lead to the industrialisation of bread production, which goes against the Albanian tradition.
“This system would require a new production line, it would require cold rooms, it would require more production costs. In addition, Albania will lose a tradition, that of bread production in artisanal condition,” said Peshkopia.
Meanwhile, in Tirana, another bakery has closed its doors in the Ali Demi neighbourhood of the city. The owner, G.A, said that increased costs mean his profit margin is no longer tenable.
“If I increase my prices, my customers cannot afford it. I am losing money, and throwing away bread. My electricity bill also worries me.”
He is in the process of selling off all the equipment, and then he and his family will leave for Germany.
“I didn’t want to be rich; I just wanted to make enough money to get by. But it’s not possible. We will leave and not come back,” he told Exit.
