Avocados have become the focus of markets around the world in the tropical fruits category. Moreover, the avocado is taking center stage in Thailand. A growing urban population in the country has led to a steep rise in the demand for avocados. Around 52% of the citizenry live in towns and cities with almost all of them concentrated around the capital, Bangkok.
Just like her neighbors in south East Asia, Thailand is turning her attention to increasing avocado consumption. The sheer number of millennials has helped shape the country’s appetite for the fruit. They are the second largest age group adding up to roughly 11.4 million, according to the Statista Research Department. Consequently, they are adopting healthy consumption habits like eating avocados.
Thailand Avocado Imports
Considering avocado production in Thailand is still too low, avocado imports are found in the domestic market for most part of the year. In 2023, Thailand shipped in around 1,500 tonnes of avocado. It is a decrease of 7% from the previous year.
Over the past decade, avocado imports in Thailand have enjoyed year on year growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2019 to 2020 at 56%. The peak volume was in the year 2021 at 2,083 tonnes.
Here is the import volume of avocados in Thailand between 2012 and 2023.
Importing Avocados in Thailand
Here is a step by step guide on how to import avocados in Thailand:
Avocado Supplying Countries to Thailand
The avocado import market in Thailand is dominated by New Zealand. Kenya is the top avocado exporting country in Africa. It has the potential to increase its market share once its gains access. The Thai avocado market is made up of a diversity of sources.
The other key avocado exporting countries to Thailand are:
- Peru
- Mexico
- Australia
- Vietnam
- Singapore
It also imports avocado in small volumes from countries like:
- The United States (US)
- Malaysia
- The United Kingdom (UK)
Thailand brings avocado from abroad through its main airport. Avocados get into the country as air freight by way of the Suvarnabhumi 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 Thailand is through its main commercial sea port. Avocados get into the country as sea freight by way of the Bangkok Port. The sea port can accommodate large cargo ships and has stations for refrigerated containers.
How to Know Reliable Avocado Suppliers in Thailand
Avocado importers in Thailand 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 Thailand. Trade relations between the two countries make it possible for Thai consumers to enjoy them. Moreover, transshipment likely leads to delays during offloading and loading at the intermediate port. Custom duties are imposed and collected on all imports including fresh produce imports like avocado.
Here are some advantages Kenya has in supplying avocados to Thailand:
- 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 Thailand
| COUNTRY | AIR FREIGHT | SEA FREIGHT |
| Kenya | 9 hours 30 minutes | 22 days |
| Peru | 25 hours | 65 days |
| Mexico | 20 hours 10 minutes | 66 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.