France is heavily reliant on avocado imports to satisfy an ever growing local demand. Its mostly temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers is unfavorable for avocado production. The average rainfall is about 1,000mm per year and the temperatures can be as low as 2°C and as high as 25°C.
A bulk of avocados sold in France are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around France also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
France Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in France were valued at almost 538 million dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 4%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 281 million US Dollars to around 377 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in France between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in France per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in France can be between 3 Euros (US3.06 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 2.80 Euros (US2.85 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. The French can buy imported avocados for most 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 France 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. France imports a bulk of avocado during its 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 France
France can be considered 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 France 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 France are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes of France. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES). The government of France sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-food and Forestry.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economic Diplomacy and Foreign Trade. Bilingual language, which includes French, 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 France must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. ANSES is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.