Latvia depends largely on avocado imports to satisfy local demand. Its temperate climate along the coastal areas and a continental climate in the interior areas are unfavorable for avocado production. While winters are cold and snowy, summers are mild and rainy. The average rainfall is around 700mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -1°C and as high as 20°C.
Majority of avocados sold in Latvia are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Riga, Daugavpils and Liepaja. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Latvia also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Latvia Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Latvia were valued at just above 12 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is a slight increase of 6%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 3 million US Dollars to around 4 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Latvia between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Latvia per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Latvia can be between 2 Euro (2.10 US Dollars) and 3 Euro (3.16 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has stayed at 2.6 Euro (2.74 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Latvians can buy imported avocados for most of the year because they are sourced from a few nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Latvia can also find either good discounts or higher prices depending on the time of shopping. Being a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Hungary imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to August. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Latvia
Latvia is gradually turning into a high-value avocado market. The country takes in major commercial varieties such as Hass and Fuerte. But it also brings in minor commercial green skin varieties. Many avocado consumers in Latvia prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
The logistical costs that come with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices. The type, quality and size of avocado is the other factor behind its selling price. Avocados exported to Latvia are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the State Revenue Service of Latvia. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food and Veterinary Service. The government of Latvia 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 Economics. Bilingual language, which includes Latvian, 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 Latvia must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. The Food and Veterinary Service is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.
Importing Avocado from Kenya
Here is a top avocado exporter in Kenya.
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of avocados and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of Kenyan avocados. We source avocados from our company farm and partner farms.
We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.
We use a modern grading machine to achieve desired avocado weight. The fruit is also graded to eliminate any with physical quality defects.
We pack avocado fruit for both air and sea freights. All of our avocado packing is approved by FDA and is certified by HACCP Quality Assurance.