Finland’s dependence on avocado imports is due to its climate. Its continental type of climate of long, cold winters and mild summers can’t support commercial avocado production. The average rainfall is around 650mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -5°C and as high as 18°C.
Supermarkets in Finland sell a greater quantity of avocados. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Tampere. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Finland also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Finland Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Finland were valued at just above 19 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 64%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 6 million US Dollars to around 14 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Finland between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Finland per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Finland can be between 3 Euros (US3.05 dollars) and 4 Euros (US4.07 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 2.9 Euros (US2.85 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Finns can buy imported avocados for most part of the year because they are sourced from several nations in different hemispheres. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Finland 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. Finland 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 Finland
Finland can be considered 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 Finland prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
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 type, quality and size of avocado is the other factor behind its selling price. Avocados exported to Finland are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Finnish Customs. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Finnish Food Authority. The government of Finland sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Bilingual language, which includes Finnish and Swedish, 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 Finland must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. The Finnish Food Authority is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.