Iceland is reliant on avocado imports to meet local demand. Its temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers can’t support commercial avocado production. The average rainfall is about 1,000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 0°C and as high as 15°C.
Great amounts of avocado in Iceland are sold in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Reykjavik, Kopavogur and Hafnarfjoerdur. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Iceland also trade in a smaller number of avocados.
Iceland Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Iceland were valued at just above 4.4 million US Dollars in 2023. It is an increase of 10% from the previous year. The sharpest climb was from 2016 to 2017 when the import value rose from about 3 million US Dollars to around 5 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Iceland between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Iceland per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Iceland can be between 600 ISK (US4.35 dollars) and 650 ISK (US4.71 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as about 500 ISK (US3.62 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Icelanders 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 Iceland 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. Iceland 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 with some supply.
Avocado in Iceland
Iceland 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 Iceland 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. Avocados of mixed sizes are sold in the domestic market. Such kind of avocados are usually part of the trade.
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 Iceland are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through Iceland Revenue and Customs. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). The government of Iceland sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs. Bilingual language, which includes Icelandic, 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 Iceland must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. MAST is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.