Poland relies heavily on avocado imports for local consumption. Its continental climate with cold winters and warm summers prevent it from growing avocado. Poland experiences less than abundant rainfall at an average of 600mm per year and temperatures between -1°C and 25°C.
Majority of the avocados sold in Poland are found in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Warsaw and Krakow. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Poland also trade in a smaller quantities of avocados.
Poland Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Poland were valued at almost 94 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 21%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 6 million US Dollars to around 11 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Poland between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Poland per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Poland can be between 13 PLN (US2.92 dollars) and 14 PLN (US3.14 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 11 PLN (US2.47 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Poles can buy imported avocados all year round 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 Poland 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. Poland imports huge amounts of avocado during its summer months from June up to August. Other than that, it brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Poland
Poland can be seen as 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 Poland prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
But consumers can expect to pay more for Hass avocados than the other varieties. Large avocados 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 avocado producing country is to Poland, the cheaper the cost to consumers. Avocados exported to Poland are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Poland Tax and Customs Service. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection (IJHARS). The government of Poland sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. Bilingual language, which includes Polish, 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 Poland must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. MARD is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.