Ireland is heavily dependent on avocado imports for domestic consumption. Its temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and warm summers is not suitable for commercial avocado production. The average rainfall is about 1,000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 7°C and as high as 20°C.
A bulk of avocados sold in Ireland are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Luimneach. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Ireland also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Ireland Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Ireland were valued at almost 22 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 17%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 12 million US Dollars to around 19 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Ireland between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Ireland per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Ireland can be between 3 Euros (US3.06 dollars) and 4 Euros (US4.08 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as about 2.60 Euros (US2.66 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. The Irish 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 Ireland 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. Ireland imports most of its 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 Ireland
Ireland 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 Ireland 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 Ireland are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through Revenue Commissioners of Ireland. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The government of Ireland sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Bilingual language, which includes Irish, 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 Ireland must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. FSAI is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.