Contrary to past predictions, the avocado has soared in popularity around the world. Driven by increased awareness of its health benefits, the fruit has become a favorite for many people including food lovers. Once known as a luxury food for select countries, avocados are now making their way to Nepal. The country has been stepping up its efforts to bring in avocado from abroad.
Since Nepal is one of the fastest urbanizing countries in South Asia, their dietary habits are changing at the same pace. Avocados are in strong demand in towns and small cities especially the capital, Kathmandu, which boasts the largest share of urban consumers. More citizens of the south Asian nation are being drawn into healthy eating patterns. Moreover, they have started consuming avocado on a regular basis.
Nepal Avocado Imports
Seeing as avocado production in Nepal barely exists, avocado imports are found in the domestic market for most part of the year. In 2022, Nepal shipped in nearly 310 tons of avocado. It is an increase of over 100% from the previous year.
In just a few years, avocado imports in Nepal have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2017 to 2018 at over 500%. The peak volume was in the year 2022 at 307 tons.
Here is the import volume of avocados in Nepal between 2014 and 2022.
Importing Avocados in Nepal
Here is a step by step guide on how to import avocados in Nepal:
Avocado Supplying Countries to Nepal
Avocados from Uganda dominate the import market in Nepal. Given that Kenya is the top avocado exporting country in Africa, it is the most recent supplier. After exporting avocados worth 15,610 US Dollars in the year 2021, Kenya has the potential to increase its market share. The Nepalese avocado market is made up of a diversity of sources.
The other key avocado exporting countries to Nepal are:
- Mexico
- India
- Thailand
Nepal brings avocado from abroad through its main airport. Avocados get into the country as air freight by way of the Tribhuvan International Airport. The airport has a cargo terminal and cold storage rooms to keep avocados fresh as they were when harvested.
One of the main commercial sea ports in India provides access for majority of shipments to Nepal. This is because it is a landlocked country. Avocados reach India as sea freight by way of the Port of Kolkata. This sea port can accommodate large cargo ships and has stations with electrical outlets for refrigerated containers.
How to Know Reliable Avocado Suppliers in Nepal
Avocado importers in Nepal 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 Nepal. Trade relations between the two countries make it possible for Nepali consumers to enjoy them. Custom duties are imposed all imports and have to be paid before the customs clearance of goods.
Here are some advantages Kenya has in supplying avocados to Nepal:
- 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 Nepal
| COUNTRY | AIR FREIGHT | SEA FREIGHT |
| Kenya | 8 hours 10 minutes | 17 days |
| Mexico | 18 hours 50 minutes | 60 days |
| South Africa | 11 hours 10 minutes | 24 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.