Qatar is one of the fastest growing avocado markets in the Middle East region. Its population is swelling at a rate of about 1.8% per year. The country’s citizens are largely urban and coastal with their daily life being really modern.
Consumers in Qatar are changing their tastes and preferences by including avocado in their diet. More of them are becoming health conscious and getting to know how the avocado can help improve their well-being. As a result, the country has to rely on imports to cater to its local demand. Furthermore, higher volumes are expected in the years to come as Qatar continues to invest in its capacity to import more avocado.
Qatar Avocado Imports
In light of the fact that avocado production in Qatar is non-existent, avocado imports are present in the domestic market for a better part of the year. In 2023, Qatar shipped in just above 3,700 tonnes of avocado. It is an increase of 6% from the previous year.
Over the past nine years, avocado imports in Qatar have enjoyed growth year after year. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2015 to 2016 at 63%. The peak volume was in the year 2023 at 3,706 tonnes.
Here is the import volume of avocados in Qatar between 2013 and 2023.
Importing Avocados in Qatar
Here is a step by step guide on how to import avocados in Qatar:
Avocado Supplying Countries to Qatar
The avocado import market in Qatar is dominated by Uganda. Kenya is the second largest supplier after occupying the top spot between 2013 and 2016. The Qatar avocado market is characterized by a diversity of sources.
The other key avocado exporting countries to Qatar are:
- Peru
- South Africa
- The United States (US)
- Mexico
- Lebanon
It also imports avocado in small volumes from countries like:
- Philippines
- Chile
- Morocco
Qatar brings avocado from abroad through its main commercial sea port. Avocados get into the country as sea freight by way of the Hamad Port. The sea port has a large container terminal.
The other way avocados enter Qatar is through its main airport. Avocados get into the country as air freight by way of the Hamad International Airport. The airport has a cargo terminal.
How to Know Reliable Avocado Suppliers in Qatar
Avocado importers in Qatar 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
- Health and phytosanitary Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
Sourcing Avocados from Kenya
Here are some advantages Kenya has in supplying avocados to Qatar:
- 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 consistent avocado production year after year.
Average Transit Time of Importing Avocados in Qatar
| COUNTRY | AIR FREIGHT | SEA FREIGHT |
| Kenya | 4 hours 40 minutes | 12 days |
| Peru | 18 hours 30 minutes | |
| US | 15 hours 45 minutes | 38 days |
Here is one of the top avocado exporters 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.