Norway heavily imports avocado because of its mostly maritime climate. The mild winters, cool summers in the coastal areas and the cold winters, warm summers in the inland areas is unfavorable for avocado production. The average rainfall is about 1,000mm per year and the temperatures can be as low as 0°C and as high as 20°C.
Majority of avocados sold in Norway are in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Norway also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Norway Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Norway were valued at about 74 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 10%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 26 million US Dollars to around 36 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Norway between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Norway per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Norway can be between 40 Norwegian krone (US3.91 dollars) and 50 Norwegian krone (US4.88 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as about 37 Norwegian krone (US3.61 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Norwegians can buy imported avocados for most 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 Norway 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. Norway imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from June up to August. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Norway
Norway 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 Norway 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 Norway are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Norwegian Customs. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. The government of Norway sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Bilingual language, which includes Norwegian, 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 Norway must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.