Belarus heavily imports avocado to meet local demand. It is due to its continental climate with cold winters and relatively warm summers. There is no commercial avocado production in Belarus as average rainfall is about 700mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -6°C and as high as 24°C.
Avocados in Belarus are sold in bulk in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The biggest consumer market in the country is found in the cities of Minsk, Homyel and Mahilyow. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale centers and street vendors around Belarus also trade in a smaller number of avocados.
Belarus Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Belarus were valued at just above 6 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 10%. The sharpest climb was from 2018 to 2019 when the import value rose from about 3 million US Dollars to around 6 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Belarus between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Belarus per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Belarus can be between 7 BYN (US2.07 dollars) and 8 BYN (US2.37 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as about 6 BYN (US1.78 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Belarusians can buy imported avocados for most part of the year because they are sourced from several nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Belarus can also find either good discounts or higher prices depending on the time of shopping. As a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Belarus 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 countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Belarus
Belarus can be seen as a high-value avocado market. The country takes in commercial varieties such as Hass and Fuerte. But it also brings in non-commercial green skin varieties. Many avocado consumers in Belarus prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
But consumers can expect to pay more for Hass avocados than the other varieties. Large avocados are still sold in the local market. Such kind of avocados are usually part of the trade and make up a small part of the regular shipments.
The logistical costs that come with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices. The closer the exporting country is to Belarus, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Belarus are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the State Customs Committee of Belarus. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Ministry of Healthcare. The government of Belarus sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy. Bilingual language, which includes Belarusian, 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 Belarus must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.