Slovakia heavily depends on avocado imports to satisfy local demand. Its moderately continental climate with cold winters and warm summers prevents the country from producing avocado. The average rainfall is about 580mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 0°C and as high as 28°C.
Avocados in Slovakia are mainly sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Majority of consumers in the country are found in the cities of Bratislava, Kosice and Presov. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets, groceries and street vendors around Slovakia also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Slovakia Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Slovakia were worth about 9 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 35%. The sharpest climb was from 2013 to 2014 when the import value rose from about 2 million US Dollars to around 3 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Slovakia between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Slovakia per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Slovakia can be between 2 Euros (US2.10 dollars) and 3 Euros (US3.15 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has stayed at about 2 Euros in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Slovaks can buy imported avocados most of the year 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 Slovakia can also find either good discounts or higher prices depending on the time of shopping. Since it is a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Slovakia imports a bulk of avocado during its summer months from May up to mid-September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Slovakia
Slovakia 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 Slovakia 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 Slovakia, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Slovakia are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Offices of Slovakia. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Ministry of Health. The government of Slovakia sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy. Bilingual language, which includes Slovak, 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 Slovakia must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.