Avocado production in Lebanon is limited due to its climate conditions. It is only the coastal region that is covered by a Mediterranean climate that is suitable for growing avocado. The winters are mild and rainy while the summers are hot and sunny. With rainfall at an average of 700mm-1000mm per annum and temperatures fall between 10°C and 30°C.
A bulk of avocados sold in Lebanon is found in fresh produce markets. The biggest domestic markets in the country are located in the cities of Beirut and Tripoli. Supermarkets and informal traders like fruit vendors and green groceries around Lebanon also trade in a smaller number of avocados.
Lebanon Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Lebanon were valued at around 1.3 million US Dollars in 2023. Even though it’s a slight drop from the previous year, it is the other record high value since 2019. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 200,000 US Dollars to around 640,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Lebanon between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Lebanon per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Lebanon can be between 1,510 Lebanese pound (US1 dollar) and 3,025 Lebanese pound (US2 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has remained above 2,270 Lebanese pound (US1.5 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Imported avocados face little competition from locally grown avocados because of their abundant supply and better quality. 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. Lebanon imports huge volumes of avocado from around March up to September when they are in season. Sometimes it brings in small quantities of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Lebanon
Lebanon is slowly becoming 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 Lebanon prefer green skin types of avocado 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 Lebanon, the cheaper the price for the consumer. The dark skin Hass avocado is gaining in market share little by little even if it costs more. Avocados exported to Lebanon are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Lebanese Customs Administration. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Lebanon Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). The government of Lebanon sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Imported avocados that are small in size make up a small part of the regular shipments. Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy and Trade. Arabic language 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 Lebanon must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex and EU. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.