Cyprus depends a lot on avocado imports to satisfy ever growing demand. Its Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters is suitable for limited avocado production. The average rainfall ranges from 400mm to 1000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 5°C and as high as 33°C. Summers especially along the coast are long and present the challenge of lack of abundant rain leading to little harvest from avocado trees.
Majority of avocados sold in Cyprus are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Cyprus also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Cyprus Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Cyprus were valued at around 4 million US Dollars in 2023. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 88%. The sharpest climb was from 2019 to 2020 when the import value rose from about 2 million US Dollars to around 3 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Cyprus between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Cyprus per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Cyprus can be between 2 Euro (2.12 US Dollars) and 3 Euro (3.18 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as high as 3.36 Euro (3.56 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Cypriots 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 Cyprus 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. Cyprus imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from mid-May up to mid-October. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Cyprus
Cyprus 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 Cyprus 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 Cyprus are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Cyprus Customs and Excise Department. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food Safety Council (FSC). The government of Cyprus sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. Bilingual language, which includes Greek, 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 Cyprus must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. FSC 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.