Moldova is largely dependent on avocado imports to satisfy local demand. Its moderately continental climate of cold, snowy winters and warm, rainy summers can’t support commercial avocado production. This is because average rainfall is about 600mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -2°C and as high as 27°C.
Majority of the avocados in Moldova are sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Chisinau, Balti and Tiraspol. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Moldova also trade in a smaller number of avocados.
Moldova Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Moldova were worth nearly 4 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 26%. The sharpest climb was from 2016 to 2017 when the import value rose from about 500,000 US Dollars to around 900,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Moldova between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Moldova per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Moldova can be between 70 MDL (US3.65 dollars) and 80 MDL (US4.17 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 60 MDL (US3.13 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Moldovans can buy imported avocados for a better 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 Moldova can also find either good discounts or higher prices depending on the time of shopping. As a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Moldova imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to September. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Moldova
Moldova 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 Moldova 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 Moldova, 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 than the other varieties. Avocados exported to Moldova are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Service of Moldova. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA). The government of Moldova sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure. Bilingual language, which includes Moldovan, 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 Moldova must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. ANSA is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.