Romania is largely dependent on avocado imports to meet its local demand. This is due to its temperate-continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. With average rainfall at around 700mm per year and temperatures as low as 0°C and as high as 30°C, avocados can’t grow in the country.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets in Romania sell a greater number of avocados. The biggest consumer market in the country is found in the city of Bucharest. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale centers and street vendors around Romania also trade in a smaller number of avocados.
Romania Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Romania were valued at about 33 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 24%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 1.7 million US Dollars to around 3.3 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Romania between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Romania per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Romania can be between 12 Romanian leu (US2.61 dollars) and 13 Romanian leu (US2.83 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 10.61 Romanian leu (US2.31 dollars).
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Romanians can buy imported avocados all year round because they are sourced from several nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados. Avocado consumers in Romania 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. Romania imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from March up to August. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Romania
Romania 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 Romania 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 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 Romania, the cheaper the price for the consumer. Avocados exported to Romania are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the General Customs Directorate from Romania. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA). The government of Romania 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 National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC). Bilingual language that includes Romanian, 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 Romania must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. MARD is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.