Globally, the avocado is famed for its unique flavor and being nutrient-dense. Meanwhile, the creamy, versatile fruit is making headway with consumers in Georgia. A high urbanization rate in the country is accelerating demand for avocados. Around 60% of the population lives in towns and cities with a big part of it concentrated around the capital, Tbilisi.
Eventually, avocados were bound to reach the shores of Georgia because it lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Presently, avocados are emerging as one of the fruits cherished by people in Georgia. The country’s cuisine is adapting to include avocado thanks to deepening of economic ties with its European neighbors. Evidently, Georgia is set to import a larger proportion of avocados in the years to come.
Georgia Avocado Imports
Considering that avocado production in Georgia is quite new, avocado imports are found in the domestic market for most part of the year. In 2023, Georgia shipped in just above 1700 tons of avocado. It is an increase of 70% from the previous year.
Over the past decade, avocado imports in Georgia have recorded growth year after year. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2012 to 2013 at 87%. The peak volume was in the year 2021 at 1700 tonnes.
Here is the import volume of avocados in Georgia between 2012 and 2023.
Importing Avocados in Georgia
Here is a step by step guide on how to import avocados in Georgia:
Avocado Supplying Countries to Georgia
Avocados that are re-exported from the Netherlands dominate the import market in Georgia. Kenya is the top avocado exporting country in Africa. It has the potential to increase its market share once its gains access. The Georgian avocado market is made up of a diversity of sources.
The other key avocado exporting countries to Georgia are:
- Turkey
- Sri Lanka
- Germany
- Uganda
- Luxembourg
Georgia brings avocado from abroad through its main airport. Avocados get into the country as air freight by way of the Tbilisi International Airport. The airport has a cargo terminal and cold storage rooms to keep avocados fresh as they were when harvested.
The other way avocados enter Georgia is through its main commercial sea port. Avocados get into the country as sea freight by way of the Port of Batumi. The sea port can accommodate large cargo ships and has stations with electrical outlets for refrigerated containers.
How to Know Reliable Avocado Suppliers in Georgia
Avocado importers in Georgia must present the following documents for their shipment to be released by the customs office:
- Import permit
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
Sourcing Avocado from Kenya
Kenyan avocados can be shipped directly to Georgia. Trade relations between the two countries make it possible for Georgian consumers to enjoy them. Moreover, transshipment likely leads to delays during offloading and loading at the intermediate port.
In Georgia, custom duties are imposed on all imports. The custom duty for agricultural products like fruits is paid at the rate of 12%. It is paid before the customs clearance of goods.
Here are some advantages Kenya has in supplying avocados to Georgia:
- It has a longer season that lasts from February to October.
- Production costs are low therefore avocados from Kenya are competitively priced.
- Most of Kenya is covered by a sub-tropical climate which ensures consistency of quality and supply.
Average Transit Time of Importing Avocados in Georgia
| COUNTRY | AIR FREIGHT | SEA FREIGHT |
| Kenya | 6 hours 30 minutes | 21 days |
| Peru | 17 hours 20 minutes | 40 days |
| Colombia | 15 hours 30 minutes | 36 days |
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.