Hong Kong is a major avocado importing country in the Southeast Asia region. The island nation has limited arable land that is mainly used for production of vegetables. Although Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate, it can’t produce avocados on a commercial scale because over 90% of the country is covered by urban settlements.
Avocados in Hong Kong are sold in bulk in wholesale markets. The biggest domestic market in the country is the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market. It has both wholesale and retail sections. Supermarkets and informal traders like fruit vendors and green grocers around Hong Kong trade in smaller volumes of avocado.
Hong Kong Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Hong Kong were valued at just above 67 million US Dollars in 2023. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 9%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 19 million US Dollars to around 40 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Hong Kong between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Hong Kong per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Hong Kong can be between HKD20 (US2.55 dollars) and HKD22 (US2.80 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as HKD19 (US2.42 dollars).
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Consumers can expect to buy one avocado at about HKD11 and a bundle of three avocados at HKD28 at one of the retailers. While the price of a bundle of four to six Hass avocados is from HKD60-HKD90. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado, as a seasonal fruit, has its prices adjusted based on supply. Hong Kong imports huge volumes of avocado in March up to September when they are in season. It brings in small volumes of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Hong Kong
Hong Kong can be seen as a high-value avocado market. The country takes in commercial varieties like Hass. But it also brings in non-commercial green skin varieties. Many avocado consumers in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Hong Kong are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Department of Health. The government of Hong Kong sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (AFCD).
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Department of Trade and Industry. 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 Hong Kong must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. AFCD is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.