The semi-arid to arid climate of Botswana does not favor growing of avocados even for local consumption. While the under development of irrigation agriculture is another major challenge. These are the reasons why the country is a net importer of avocados.
Domestic avocado trade in Botswana is a mix of formal and informal marketing channels. Formal markets such as wholesalers and supermarkets are the ones who sell most of the avocado. Many of them are foreign-owned and located in urban areas. On the other hand, informal traders like street vendors and green groceries also sell the fruit.
Imports of avocado in Botswana were valued at about 900,000 US Dollars in the year 2023. Even though it’s a slight drop from the previous year, it is the other record high value since 2019. The sharpest climb was from 2019 to 2020 when the import value rose from about 650,000 US Dollars to around 970,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Botswana between 2012 and 2023.
Botswana imported avocados from South Africa worth 964,000 US Dollars in 2020, accounting for 99% of the total imports. In the same year, Botswana brought in avocados valued at 146 US Dollars from its second supplier, Tanzania, accounting for the remaining 1% of the total imports. Avocados from South Africa reach the Botswana market in a few hours compared to those from other countries which makes them a cheaper alternative.
Avocado Price per kg in Botswana
The average price of a kilo of avocados in Botswana can be between 100 Botswana pula and 110 Botswana pula. This is based on the average import price. When there is limited supply, the price of avocado skyrockets.
Bearing in mind that the avocado is a seasonal fruit, its prices are adjusted based on supply. Botswana imports huge quantities of avocado in March up to September when they are in season. It brings in small quantities of avocado from October to February because they are out of season in most of the avocado producing countries in Africa.
Avocado in Botswana
Botswana is slowly becoming 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 like Pinkerton. Many avocado consumers in Botswana prefer green skin types of avocado because of their lower price and large size.
The type, quality and size of avocado determines its selling price. Even though the dark skin Hass avocado costs more, it is gaining in market share. This is especially true among urban dwellers who have a higher disposable income than those living in rural areas. Avocados imported in Botswana are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Kenya can compete favorably with South Africa in supplying avocado to Botswana because it has a longer season that lasts from February to October. One more reason is that the sub-tropical climate covering most of Kenya ensures consistent production year after year. Avocado production in South Africa is more irregular as the sub-tropical climate only covers the north east part.
Botswana is bound to become a top avocado importing country in Africa. The rising economic middle class is a key factor behind higher avocado consumption in the country. Their change in tastes and preferences is leading them to put more avocado in their diet.
Avocado importers in Botswana gain higher profits by selling to supermarkets and wholesalers. In the last decade, there has been a rapid expansion in the number of supermarkets investing in Botswana. They offer stability because importers have to get into supply contracts to do business with them. The duration of the contract varies with each supermarket as some chose to work with a specific importer.