Albanians used to be among the biggest consumers of bread in the Balkans and Europe, but based on the latest figures of the state Institute of Statistics INSTAT, the consumption of bread in Albania is decreasing from year to year.
In 8 months of 2023, 16% less grain was imported compared to the same period of 2021. Market operators say that one of the factors that has influenced the decline in bread consumption in the country is the mass migration of young people, who are the biggest consumers of pastries in the country.
“Five years ago, 1,100 tons of flour were consumed in the country every day, while today around 900 tons are consumed, that is, almost 200 tons less. The reasons are, firstly, the massive departure of young people from the country, secondly, the consumption rate for bread has decreased, and thirdly, many products have been introduced that have replaced bread for breakfast, such as croissants, pies, sandwiches, etc.
“Nutritionists who put bread under investigation, also have an influence, if we were to put it that way. They say that if you eat 2 slices of bread, you will gain weight. But bread has been and remains a basic food all over the world”, says senior expert Hysen Caka.
He adds that bread has main elements such as iron and also over 12% proteins. “You can take whatever you want, but you cannot do without bread, it is irreplaceable. In the era of communism, the consumption was 550-700 grams of bread per day per capita. While today, the daily rate of consumption is 200-300 grams”, says former director of the State Bread Factory, Caka.
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