Viva Fresh Kosovo has secured a €25 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EU-backed ENEF II fund to expand into the Albanian market through the acquisition of SPAR Albania. This is the largest loan ever granted by the EBRD to a Kosovar company. The aim is to develop a network of modern stores in Albania, building on the model already established by Viva Fresh in Kosovo, a leader in modern retail.
The agreement was signed at the BERD Annual General Meeting 2025 and represents an important step in the sustainable growth strategy of the Kosovar chain. The funds will be used to open new stores and renovate existing ones, aiming to improve efficiency, environmental sustainability and the shopping experience of Albanian consumers.
“We strongly believe in the potential of the Albanian market for the development of modern retail,” said Viva Fresh CEO Xhevdet Rexhepi. Satisfaction also from BERD, which through its director Zsuzsanna Hargitai underlined how the project will bring added value to the local distribution landscape, contributing to raising the standards of the sector. The involvement of ENEF II also marks its first co-financing operation with BERD in Albania.
