Bio-Certification Boosts Sales
Albanian Business Profits from Value-Added Improvements

POLIÇAN—The first shipment of Albanian organic essential oils has successfully entered the European Union market, and for Xherdo Company owner, Xhevit Hysenaj, this sale of 2.5 tons of sage, thyme, and laurel oil, marks a new and exciting stage in the development of his business.

In October 2005, Hysenaj’s company which has been working with USAID’s Enterprise Development and Export Market Services (EDEM) project to improve the company’s performance, obtained bio-certification through SKAL International, an organic certification organization based in the Netherlands.

“This certification places my products in a more competitive and profitable position,” said Hysenaj, “The Austrian buyer I had worked with for years, purchased my supply immediately, at the value-added price.”

The Albanian herbs and spices industry is one of the sectors targeted by USAID’s project. Internationally accredited bio-certification of sage, laurel, savory, and thyme increases the value of these exported products by 15-20 percent.

Last summer, EDEM organized the initial inspection by SKAL of two Albanian herb and spice companies. The Xherdo Company and the Albanian Trading Company (ATC), based in Durres, accompanied an inspector on a tour to examine the areas used for export processing. Based on recommendations by SKAL, the companies made additional improvements. In October, both companies received the internationally recognized certificate for organic products.

“Suppliers prefer organic products, and it is profitable for producers to move in this direction,” explains Mr. Jeton Starova, Agro-Business Advisor for the EDEM project. “By processing the plants into oil, Xherdo has already added value to his raw materials. By obtaining organic certification, Xherdo is going one step further. Albanian businesses need to see that by investing in quality production, their products will be more desirable and competitive in every market.”

Hysenaj’s essential oil distillery in Poliçan is now exclusively devoted to the production of organic essential oils. With other distilleries in Skrapar, Berat, Laç, Lezhë, and Peqin, the Poliçan facility represents 40 percent of his entire production capacity. For Hysenaj, the certification of his products is a mark of trust that will enhance the reputation of Albanian products worldwide.

Not resting on his laurels, Hysenaj, in consultation with EDEM, is looking into the feasibility of future business prospects such as opening a cosmetic and shampoo line. Last January, EDEM organized the visit with Hysenaj and the Managing Director of S&D Aroma, a leading supplier of natural and organic essential oils in England, to discuss the potential of supplying natural products from Albania for the cosmetic industry.

Xherdo is just one of several companies working in the herb and spice industry across Albania that USAID has helped develop strategies and capabilities for in order for them to move into more lucrative markets.