Armenia is heavily reliant on avocado imports to meet local demand. Its continental climate with cold winters and hot summers can’t support commercial avocado production. The average rainfall ranges from 200mm to 600mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -3°C and as high as 27°C. Avocado orchards can’t do well in the country because most of the low-lying areas are arid while the mountainous areas experience snowy winters.
Majority of avocados sold in Armenia are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Armenia also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Armenia Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Armenia were valued at almost 1.9 million US Dollars in 2023. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 36%. The sharpest climb was from 2021 to 2022 when the import value rose from about 630,000 US Dollars to around 1.4 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Armenia between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Armenia per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Armenia can be between 1,000 Armenian Dram (2.52 US Dollars) and 1,500 Armenian Dram (3.79 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as stayed at 1,350 Armenian Dram (3.41 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Armenians can buy imported avocados for most of the year because they are sourced from a few nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Armenia can also find either good discounts or higher prices depending on the time of shopping. Being a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Armenia imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Armenia
Armenia is gradually turning into a high-value avocado market. The country takes in major commercial varieties such as Hass and Fuerte. But it also brings in minor commercial green skin varieties. Many avocado consumers in Armenia prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
The logistical costs that come with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices. The type, quality and size of avocado is the other factor behind its selling price. Avocados exported to Armenia are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Service of Armenia. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food Safety Inspection Body. The government of Armenia sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy. Bilingual language, which includes both Armenian and Russian, is required on the label. Labels must include the following information:
- Name and address of producer
- Brand or trademark
- Country of origin
- Type of avocado and grade
- Storage instructions and temperature requirements
- Gross weight and number of avocados per carton
- Shelf life
- Harvest year and packing date
Avocados imported in Armenia must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. The Food Safety Inspection Body is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.
Importing Avocado from Kenya
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.