Ukraine is a net importer of avocados. Most of the country experiences temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. With average rainfall at about 600mm per year and the temperatures ranging from -20°C to 22°C, commercial avocado production is not possible.
Majority of avocados sold in Ukraine are found in supermarkets. The biggest consumer market in the country is found in the cities of Kyiv, Dnipro and Odessa. Smaller retail outlets and street vendors around Ukraine also trade in fewer volumes of avocados.
Ukraine Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Ukraine were valued at almost 37 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 30%. The sharpest climb was from 2017 to 2018 when the import value rose from about 5 million US Dollars to around 11 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Ukraine between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Ukraine per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Ukraine can be between 70 Ukrainian hryvnia (US2.37 dollars) and 80 Ukrainian hryvnia (US2.71 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 67 Ukrainian hryvnia (US2.27 dollars).
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Ukrainians can buy imported avocados all year round because they are sourced from nations with different harvest seasons. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
As a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Ukraine imports a bulk of avocado in March up to August when they are in season. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Ukraine
Ukraine can be considered a high-value avocado market. The country takes in commercial varieties such as Hass and Fuerte. But it also brings in non-commercial green skin varieties. Many avocado consumers in Ukraine prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
Consumers can expect to pay more for Hass avocados than the other varieties. Imported avocados that are large in size are still sold in the local market. Such kind of avocados are usually part of the trade and make up a small part of the regular shipments.
The logistical costs that come with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices. The closer the exporting country is to Ukraine, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Ukraine are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the State Customs Service of Ukraine. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the State Service on Food Safety and Consumers Protection (SSUFSCP). The government of Ukraine sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy. Bilingual language, including Ukrainian, is required on the label. Labels must include the following information:
- Name and address of producer
- Brand or trademark
- Country of origin
- Type of avocado and grade
- Storage instructions and temperature requirements
- Gross weight and number of avocados per carton
- Shelf life
- Harvest year and packing date
Avocados imported in Ukraine must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. SSUFSCP is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.