Avocados are well-known and enjoyed in many parts of the world. They are gaining popularity throughout Uganda as food markets and retailers expand the avocado section. Chefs are learning different ways of how to use avocado and this is enticing more people to become avocado consumers.
The culinary world has become obsessed with avocado and has created some really fascinating dishes using the green fruit. From fruit salad and dessert, to it being the most popular ingredient as a side dish, avocado has come a long way. The avocado is an easy sell because it’s delicious, versatile and healthy.
Avocado Export Price
Although Uganda is scaling up avocado production, avocado price in Uganda has not yet lowered. Ugandan avocados in markets across Europe and the Middle East, are sold at higher prices than those in local markets.
Here are the total prices in export for avocados from Uganda between 2013 and 2020:
Avocado exporters in Uganda currently buy at US0.13 dollars (about UGX450-UGX500) per fruit and US0.6 dollars-US0.8 dollars (about UGX2,000-UGX2,800) per kg.
The price of Ugandan avocados in the European markets is US2 dollars (about UGX7,000) per kg. Avocados from Uganda in the Middle East markets are selling at between UGX10,000 and UGX15,000 per kg.
Avocado Price per kg
Due to their growing popularity and seasonality, avocado prices in Uganda are often unstable. Between April and May, the wholesale price of a sack of avocados in Uganda is UGX50,000. The average retail price of avocados is from UGX500-UGX1,000 per kg.
During the off-peak season a sack of avocados costs UGX80,000. This price hike occurs when the avocado season in Central Region ends and avocados have to be transported from Kasese and Kabarole Districts in Western Region. The average retail price of avocados is from UGX1,000-UGX1,600 per kg.
Factors Affecting Avocado Price in Uganda
In recent years, avocado prices have played around the higher side. One of the major reasons is demand. When they are less expensive, more people buy avocados but when their prices spike then fewer people buy them. Some of the other factors affecting avocado price in Uganda are:
- The seasonality pattern of avocados
- Transportation costs from the farm to the market
- Low yields due to poor agricultural practices
- High wastage due to poor harvesting practices and post-harvest handling
- Presence of middlemen who control the market prices for their own gain
Uganda Avocado
Even with the expected price changes of Ugandan avocados, consumers should eat more avocados. This is because eating avocado may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of three or more risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers have concluded that consumption of the creamy fruit can influence HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol.) That’s not all. Eating avocados has antidiabetic, antiobesity and cardio protective effects. Eating an avocado every day can help you fight metabolic syndrome.
The avocado is also a good source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Avocados can help reduce belly fat, which is the most dangerous type of fat to carry. Even though they are high in healthy fat compared to other fruits, it’s hard to go overboard and eat too much.
At first, avocados in Uganda were mostly rare. High prices of Hass have steadily dropped as the years have passed by. More farmers have become avocado growers and production has scaled up.
Besides using avocado as a side dish to your meals, you can also whip it into smoothies, add it to omelets and salads and with a little seasoning, use it as a topping for sandwiches, soups, fish or chicken.