The Czech Republic is heavily dependent on avocado imports to meet its local demand. Avocados can’t grow in the country due to the moderately continental climate of cold winters and warm summers. Rainfall is at an average of about 500mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 0°C and as high as 26°C.
Avocados in the Czech Republic are sold in bulk in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The largest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Prague, Brno and Ostrava. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets, groceries and street vendors around the Czech Republic also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Czech Republic Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in the Czech Republic were valued nearly 26 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 13%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 7 million US Dollars to around 11 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in the Czech Republic between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Czech Republic per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in the Czech Republic can be between 75 CZK (US3.15 dollars) and 85 CZK (US3.57 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 70 CZK (US2.94 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Czechs can buy imported avocados most 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 the Czech Republic 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. The Czech Republic imports huge amounts of avocado during its summer months from mid-May up to mid-September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic 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 the Czech Republic 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 closer the exporting country is to the Czech Republic, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to the Czech Republic are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Administration of the Czech Republic. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Ministry of Agriculture (eAGRI). The government of the Czech Republic sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA).
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Agriculture. Bilingual language, which includes Czech, 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 the Czech Republic must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. eAGRI is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.