Jordan is very much dependent on avocado imports to meet local demand. Growing avocados commercially in the country isn’t possible due to its mostly Mediterranean climate and a desert climate in other areas. The average rainfall is about 450mm per year and the temperatures can be as low as 4°C and as high as 33°C.
A bulk of avocados sold in Jordan are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Amman, Zarqa and Irbid. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Jordan also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Jordan Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Jordan were valued at about 6 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 80%. The sharpest climb was from 2020 to 2021 when the import value rose from about 3 million US Dollars to around 6 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Jordan between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Jordan per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Jordan can be between 2 Jordanian dinar (US2.82 dollars) and 3 Jordanian dinar (US4.23 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 1.38 Jordanian dinar (US1.94 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Jordanians can buy imported avocados for most 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 Jordan 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. Jordan imports a bulk of avocado during its summer months from June up to September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries.
Avocado in Jordan
Jordan is slowly changing into 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 Jordan 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. Avocados exported to Jordan are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Jordan Customs Department. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Plant Protection and Phytosanitary Directorate (PPD). The government of Jordan sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization. Bilingual language, which includes Arabic, 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 Jordan must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. PPD is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.