Avocados are among the top five tropical fruits being imported by countries in the European Union (EU). Their import value has even surpassed mangoes and pineapples from the year 2016. The yellow-fleshed fruit with a distinctive nutty flavor is catching on in the European market. This is why Ethiopia is developing from traditional exports such as coffee and cut flowers to include avocados.
EU member states are crucial markets for the blossoming avocado sector in Ethiopia. They have one of the largest consumer base with a population of nearly 500 million. Furthermore, most EU countries are developed markets which means a majority of their citizens earn high incomes. Hence, a growing demand for exotic fresh produce like avocado.
Avocado Market in Europe
In 2023, the EU shipped in nearly 760,000 tonnes of avocado. It is an increase of 12% from the previous year. Although the avocado market in Europe is dominated by Peru, Ethiopia is quickly boosting its market share.
Here is the import volume of avocados from Ethiopia in Europe between 2015 and 2023
Avocados from Ethiopia are fetching good prices in the European market. Over the last seven years, their import value has risen sharply. Ethiopia avocado exports were worth 4,120 US Dollars in 2015 and reached nearly 160,000 US Dollars in 2021.
The more Ethiopia ships out avocado to EU countries, the higher it gets from export earnings. The sharpest climb was from 2020 to 2021 at when the import value rose from 11,960 US Dollars to 156,390 US Dollars. The peak value was in the year 2021 when it was almost 160,000 US Dollars.
Avocado in Europe
EU countries are dependent on avocado imports to meet local demand. They enter the region either as sea freight or air freight. Besides sea and air, avocado consignments also reach a few European nations by road. Consequently, all these means of transport ensure avocados are available for consumers in Europe.
France is the biggest importer of Ethiopian avocados in the EU. In 2023, it imported 20 tonnes which accounted for 99% of the total exports. The Netherlands is the other European nation that imports Ethiopian avocados in bulk.
Avocado Ethiopia
Although avocado production in Ethiopia is relatively new, it is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. The south western parts of the country experience a temperate climate due to their high altitude of above 1,500 a.s.l. The average rainfall is over 1,000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 15°C and as high as 25°C.
There are now more than 2,000 smallholder farmers growing avocado according to the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA). Following a joint program between the Ministry of Agriculture, USAID Ethiopia and MASHAV, they have gained access to foreign markets. As a result, these small scale farmers are Global G.A.P. certified to grow Hass avocados.
Export Avocado to Europe
Ethiopian avocados are fairly priced. Transit time from Ethiopia to European nations is shorter than from South American countries. Therefore, they attract new customers once they enter the EU.
Here is a top foreign exporter of Ethiopia avocado
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 leading exporter of 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.