Lithuania heavily imports avocado to meet its local demand. This is because of its semi-continental climate with very cold winters and warm, rainy summers. There is no commercial avocado production in Lithuania as average rainfall is about 750mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 0°C and as high as 23°C.
Avocados in Lithuania are sold in bulk in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The biggest consumer market in the country is found in the cities of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale centers and street vendors around Lithuania also trade in a smaller number of avocados.
Lithuania Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Lithuania were valued at just above 16 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is a slight increase of 2%. The sharpest climb was from 2016 to 2017 when the import value rose from about 7 million US Dollars to around 10 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Lithuania between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Lithuania per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Lithuania can be between 2 Euros (US2.15 dollars) and 3 Euros (US3.23 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has stayed at about 2.3 Euros (US2.47 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Lithuanians can buy imported avocados all year round because they are sourced from several nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Lithuania can also find either good discounts or higher prices depending on the time of shopping. As a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Lithuania imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from March up to August. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Lithuania
Lithuania can be seen as 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 Lithuania prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
But consumers can expect to pay more for Hass avocados than the other varieties. Large avocados 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 Lithuania, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Lithuania are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Department of Lithuania. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS). The government of Lithuania sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Bilingual language required on the label must include Lithuanian. 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 Lithuania must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. SFVS is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.