LocationsUNDP Albania
Ornela Tabaku, the driving force behind Tabaku Factory, a family-run business she manages with her husband, Lulzim.
UNDP Albania
Let me tell you something: I love pickles—especially the crisp, tangy, mouthwatering kind like cornichons. But I never expected to find the best ones in a small factory near Lushnja. That’s where I met Ornela Tabaku, the driving force behind Tabaku Factory, a family-run business she manages with her husband, Lulzim.
Ornela, once a bank employee and later her restaurant manager, now leads this growing enterprise. Their journey isn’t just about jars and labels—it’s about legacy, local empowerment, and business growth made possible through tailored support and coaching.
“Pickles are our heritage,” Ornela says proudly. “Our grandparents preserved food this way. Today, it’s more than tradition—it’s our livelihood.”
Lulzim adds, “We always had the recipes, but we lacked the knowledge to scale. We didn’t know how to reach markets beyond Lushnja.”
That changed when they were selected as one of the local businesses in Lushnja to benefit from UNDP’s “Growing with Your Business” (GyB) methodology—a six-month transformation journey. Implemented in partnership with the municipality and part of a broader joint UN project funded by the Government of Sweden and led by UNDP, this methodology is redefining what growth looks like for small rural enterprises.
Thanks to the GyB methodology, the Tabaku factory is growing beyond its local roots and steadily making its mark in Albania’s agro-processing sector. With personalized support now in full swing, the family-run business is on a growth trajectory like never before.
Thanks to the project, they receive over 80 hours of one-on-one technical support, breaking down every barrier that once held them back. A $3,500 grant will also enable them to invest in a new packaging machine, a game-changer that’s set to double their production capacity.
Ornela and Lulzim during the consultations with the project’s business consultant, Alketa Skendaj
UNDP Albania
But the impact doesn’t stop at equipment. Ornela, Lulzim, and other employees are now receiving training in sustainability, food safety, and business management, equipping them with the skills needed to meet growing market demands. Thanks to project support, including participation in B2B events and trade fairs like the prestigious Macfrut Fair in Italy, Tabaku is stepping confidently onto the international stage.
Lulzim adds, “The UNDP-provided consultant helped us build confidence and, in a way, got us out of our shell to explore new business opportunities.”
So, what has all this meant for Tabaku? The results speak for themselves. Sales have jumped by 25%, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices has improved by 50%, raising the bar for quality and safety. New business opportunities are also taking shape—contracts have been signed, including one with a major wholesale company, while negotiations with large resorts and restaurants are well underway. A new food storage area has been set up to ensure the safety of raw materials and fresh produce. And with a refreshed commercial identity—complete with a sleek new logo, modern product labels, and a more confident market presence—Tabaku is stepping into a new era of growth.
This isn’t just growth—it’s a full-scale transformation.
During a visit of UNDP Albania Resident Representative, at the businesses supported through “Growing with Your Business” methodology in Lushnja.
UNDP Albania
Sustainability Is the Secret Ingredient
This isn’t just a profit story—it’s a purpose story.
“Thanks to the guidance provided by UNDP, we compost all our food waste now,” Lulzim says. “And we invested in upgrading the water system. We’re not just growing—we’re doing it responsibly.”
By sourcing produce from local farmers, Tabaku is also uplifting the local economy, creating a ripple effect of growth across nearby villages. Their expansion—doubling the factory’s storage space—is just the beginning.
“Ornela was a standout from the start,” says Alketa Skendaj, the project’s business consultant. “She was open, curious, and disciplined. She implemented every standard of product safety. This is the business everyone mentions when we ask, what does success look like?”
And Tabaku is not alone. Across Lushnja, 11 other agro-processors are also benefiting from the Growing with Your Business (GyB) methodology. With its hands-on approach, the program is equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive, helping them sharpen their financial management skills, boost their online presence, and strengthen their marketing strategies. It's also guiding them to meet food safety and workplace standards while opening doors to new funding opportunities and markets.
Tabaku now has a refreshed commercial identity—complete with a sleek new logo, modern product labels, and a more confident market presence.
UNDP Albania
Even more impressive? Many of these businesses are now reinvesting their profits, a clear sign of the trust and value they place in the process.
This isn’t just another training; it’s a transformation. UNDP’s GyB methodology, refined across 12+ countries and over 15 years, adapts to where each business is today, helping them grow sustainably, competitively, and with confidence.
The core focus of the project? Quick wins. Market growth. Competitive edge. Sustainability.
Whether it’s a jam maker or a cornichon producer, GyB meets entrepreneurs where they are—and helps them leap forward.
Back in the Tabaku factory, as we sample their latest creation—a tart cucumber jam with a hint of chili—Ornela’s eyes shine with quiet determination.
“This was our dream. But now, it’s our business. Our identity. Our impact.”
With a lot of heart and the right kind of support, Tabaku isn’t just preserving vegetables; it’s preserving a legacy and forging ahead.
Randi Davis, UNDP Albania Resident Representative, during a visit at the Tabaku Factory
UNDP Albania
“By investing in small rural enterprises through our Growing with Your Business methodology, we’re not just boosting local economies—we’re empowering families, fostering resilience, and creating scalable models of growth that benefit entire communities. These businesses are the backbone of progress, turning tradition into innovation, and we’re proud to help them thrive while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, says Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania.
"Growing with Your Business" is part of the “Business Partnerships and Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals” project—funded by the Government of Sweden and implemented by UNDP as lead agency in partnership with FAO, ILO, and UNIDO. The methodology uses a six-month cycle to deliver tailored guidance, training, and resources to help businesses succeed.
