North Macedonia depends on avocado imports so as to supply local demand. Its mild continental climate in most areas and a Mediterranean climate in some areas isn’t suitable for growing avocados. This is because average rainfall is about 500mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 0°C and as high as 23°C.
Avocados in North Macedonia are sold majorly by supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Skopje, Bitola and Kumanovo. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around North Macedonia also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
North Macedonia Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in North Macedonia were valued at nearly 500,000 US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 35%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 52,000 US Dollars to around 120,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in North Macedonia between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in North Macedonia per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in North Macedonia can be between 80 MKD (US31.36 dollars) and 90 MKD (US1.53 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as high as 104 MKD (US1.77 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Macedonians 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 North Macedonia 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. North Macedonia imports a bulk of avocado during its 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 North Macedonia
North Macedonia can be considered 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 North Macedonia 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. Large avocados of different types are still sold in the local market. Such kind of avocados are usually part of the trade and make up a small part of the regular shipments.
The logistical costs that come with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices. The closer the exporting country is to North Macedonia, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to North Macedonia are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Customs Administration of North Macedonia. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA). The government of North Macedonia sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy. Bilingual language, which includes Macedonian, 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 North Macedonia must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. FVA is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.