Azerbaijan depends greatly on avocado imports to satisfy ever growing demand. Its slightly continental climate with cold winters and hot summers is not favorable for commercial avocado production. The average rainfall ranges from 200mm to 1200mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 0°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 Azerbaijan are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Baku, Ganja and Sumqayit. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Azerbaijan also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Azerbaijan Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Azerbaijan were valued at almost 650,000 US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 61%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 490 US Dollars to around 48,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Azerbaijan between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Azerbaijan per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Azerbaijan can be between 3 Azerbaijani Manat (1.76 US Dollars) and 4 Azerbaijani Manat (2.35 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 2.48 Azerbaijani Manat (1.46 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Azerbaijanis 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 Azerbaijan 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. Azerbaijan imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to August. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food Safety Agency (AQTA) The government of Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijani, 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 Azerbaijan must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. AQTA 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.