Maldives is heavily dependent on avocado imports to meet local demand. Although the South Asian nation is covered by a tropical climate, avocados can’t be grown commercially. Thanks to its close proximity to the equator, Maldives experiences hot and humid weather accompanied by strong winds all year round. Additionally, the islands are flat and prone to tropical cyclones during annual monsoons.
Majority of avocados sold in Maldives are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Male, Fuvahmulah and Hithadhoo. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Maldives also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Maldives Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Maldives were valued at nearly 2 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is more than triple the increase. The sharpest climb was from 2020 to 2021 when the import value rose from just above 200,000 US Dollars to around 1.6 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Maldives between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Maldives per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Maldives can be between 90 Maldivian Rufiyaa (5.86 US Dollars) and 100 Maldivian Rufiyaa (6.51 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 82 Maldivian Rufiyaa (5.34 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Maldivians can buy imported avocados for most of the year because they are sourced from a few nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Maldives 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. Maldives imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from December up to April. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Maldives
Maldives is gradually turning 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 Maldives prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
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 Maldives are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Maldives Customs Service. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food and Drug Authority (MFDA). The government of Maldives sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture.
Importing Avocado from Kenya
Here is a top avocado exporter in Kenya.
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of avocados and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of Kenyan avocados. We source avocados from our company farm and partner farms.
We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.
We use a modern grading machine to achieve desired avocado weight. The fruit is also graded to eliminate any with physical quality defects.
We pack avocado fruit for both air and sea freights. All of our avocado packing is approved by FDA and is certified by HACCP Quality Assurance.