Luxembourg’s reliance on avocado imports is because of its moderately continental climate. It experiences cold winters and mild summers which prevent avocado production. The average rainfall is about 900mm per year and temperatures can be as low as –1°C and as high as 24°C.
A bulk of avocados sold in Luxembourg are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette and Dudelange. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Luxembourg also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Luxembourg Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Luxembourg were valued at almost 7 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 8%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 2 million US Dollars to around 3 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Luxembourg between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Luxembourg per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Luxembourg can be between 5 Euros (US5.11 dollars) and 6 Euros (US6.14 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 4.5 Euros (US4.60 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Luxembourgers can buy imported avocados for most 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 Luxembourg 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. Luxembourg imports a bulk of avocado during its summer months from June up to mid-September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Luxembourg
Luxembourg can be considered 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 Luxembourg 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 Luxembourg are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Luxembourg Customs and Excise Agency. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Administration of Technical Agricultural Services (ASTA). The government of Luxembourg sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy. Bilingual language, which includes Luxembourgish, German or French, 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 Luxembourg must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. ASTA is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.