TIRANA, ALBANIA – USA Rice teamed up with a local importer here this week to organize a reception educating retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice professionals on the high-quality features of U.S. Calrose rice.
The event was well attended with more than 50 participants who had the opportunity to taste five different variations of risotto dishes prepared by famous local chef, Fundim Gjepali. They were also briefed on the superior quality and exacting food safety standards of U.S.-origin rice.
“It was a real pleasure to team up with Ferra & Co. to organize this event in Tirana and we look forward to continuing our work with them,” said Eszter Somogyi, USA Rice director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, who attended the event. “Their U.S. Calrose rice brand prominently identifies U.S.-origin on their packaging and is now available in local supermarkets all over the country. Albania imported 3,500 MT of U.S. rice in 2024 with a value of $3.3 million, and we hope that this momentum continues in the current year.”
Albania is located in southeastern Europe and is not part of the European Union. The country has a population of about 2.7 million and while rice is a basic staple food and part of the local diet, the country does not grow rice.
“The local cuisine is an exciting melting pot of Turkish and Mediterranean influences, incorporating different types of rice,” said Somogyi. “When cooking favorite rice dishes for their families, high-end consumers here appreciate California Calrose for its excellent cooking characteristics, food safety, and adaptability.”