Nepal is largely dependent on avocado imports to meet local demand. Its sub-tropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers is favorable for limited avocado production. The average rainfall ranges from 1000mm to 2000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -10°C and as high as 30°C. While a temperate climate, which covers most areas along the low mountains, is not good for avocado orchards because of cold winters and long, hot summers.
Majority of avocados sold in Nepal are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Patan. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Nepal also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Nepal Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Nepal were valued at almost 350,000 US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of over 100%. The sharpest climb was from 2021 to 2022 when the import value rose from about 330,890 US Dollars to around 690,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Nepal between 2014 and 2022.
Avocado Price in Nepal per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Nepal can be between 200 Nepalese Rupee (1.51 US Dollars) and 300 Nepalese Rupee (2.27 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as high as 310 Nepalese Rupee (2.34 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Nepalese people 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 Nepal 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. Nepal imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from May up to August. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Nepal
Nepal 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 Nepal 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 Nepal are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Department of Customs of Nepal. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC). The government of Nepal sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. Bilingual language, which includes Nepali, 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 Nepal must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. DFTQC is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.
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.