Greece is heavily dependent on avocado imports to satisfy local demand. The Mediterranean climate found along the coasts and in the islands is only suitable for small-scale avocado production. But the rest of the country is covered by a moderate continental climate with cold winters and mild summers where avocados can’t grow.
Majority of avocados sold in Greece are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki and Patra. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Greece also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Greece Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Greece were valued at nearly 19 million US Dollars in 2023. Compared to the previous year, it is a slight increase of 3%. The sharpest climb was from 2018 to 2019 when the import value rose from about 6 million US Dollars to around 9 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Greece between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Greece per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Greece 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 2.08 Euros (US2.12 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Greeks can buy imported avocados for most part 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 Greece 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. Greece imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to mid-September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries.
Avocado in Greece
Greece is slowly changing into 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 Greece prefer green skin types of avocado 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. The dark skin Hass avocado is gaining in market share little by little. Avocados exported to Greece are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Service of Greece. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Hellenic Food Safety Authority (EFET). The government of Greece sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Development and Investment. 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 Greece must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. EFET is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.