Montenegro depends greatly on avocado imports to satisfy local demand. A moderate continental climate in the inland areas and a Mediterranean climate along the coast prevents the nation from growing avocados. The average rainfall is over 1,000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 5°C and as high as 28°C.
Supermarkets in Montenegro sell a greater quantity of avocados. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Podgorica, Niksic and Herceg Novi. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Montenegro also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Montenegro Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Montenegro were valued at nearly 470,000 US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 58%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 40,000 US Dollars to around 70,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Montenegro between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Montenegro per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Montenegro can be between 3 Euros (US3.18 dollars) and 4 Euros (US4.24 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 2.76 Euros (US2.92 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Montenegrins can buy imported avocados for a better part of the year because they are sourced from several nations in different hemispheres. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Montenegro 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. Montenegro imports majority of avocado during their summer months from June up to September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Montenegro
Montenegro 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 Montenegro 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. 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 Montenegro, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Montenegro are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Administration of Montenegro. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs. The government of Montenegro 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 Economic Development. Bilingual language, which includes Montenegrin, 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 Montenegro must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.