Yemen relies completely on avocado imports for domestic consumption. Its tropical desert climate along the coastal areas and lowlands can’t support commercial avocado production. The average rainfall ranges from 100mm to 200mm per year and temperatures are between 25°C and 30°C. Avocado orchards can’t do well in the country because most parts are arid while smaller areas on the western side receive moderate rainfall due to higher altitude.
Majority of avocados sold in Yemen are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Sanaa, Al Hudaydah and Taiz. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Yemen also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Yemen Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Yemen were valued at almost 100,000 US Dollars in 2019. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 27%. The sharpest climb was from 2014 to 2018 when the import value rose from about 25,000 US Dollars to around 73,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Yemen between 2011 and 2019.
Avocado Price in Yemen per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Yemen can be between 250 Yemeni Rial (1.00 US Dollars) and 500 Yemeni Rial (2.00 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has stayed at 250 Yemeni Rial (1.00 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Yemenis 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 Yemen 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. Yemen imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Yemen
Yemen 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 Yemen prefer green skin type of avocados 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 Yemen are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Yemen Customs Authority. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Ministry of Public Health and Population. The government of Yemen sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Bilingual language, which includes Arabic, 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 Yemen must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. The Plant Protection Department (PPD) 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.