Slovenia’s high dependence on avocado imports is due to its climate. Its continental type of climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers prevent it from growing avocado commercially. The southern European nation has an average rainfall of about 1,000mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 1°C and as high as 22°C.
Avocados in Slovenia are sold in bulk in supermarkets and hypermarkets. The largest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Ljubljana, Maribor and Celje. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Slovenia also trade in a smaller quantities of avocados.
Slovenia Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Slovenia were valued at almost 9 million US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 42%. The sharpest climb was from 2012 to 2013 when the import value rose from about 2 million US Dollars to around 3 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Slovenia between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Slovenia per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Slovenia can be between 3 Euros (US3.16 dollars) and 4 Euros (US4.22 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as low as 2.83 Euros (US2.98 dollars) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Slovenians can buy imported avocados for a better 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 Slovenia 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. Slovenia imports majority of avocado during their 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 Slovenia
Slovenia is gradually becoming 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 Slovenia prefer green skin types of avocado because of their lower cost.
The logistical costs that come with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices. The closer the exporting country is to Slovenia, the cheaper the price for the consumer. The dark skin Hass avocado is gaining in market share little by little even if it costs more than the other varieties. Avocados exported to Slovenia are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Financial Administration of Slovenia. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Administration. The government of Slovenia sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food (MAFF).
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Economy Development and Technology. Bilingual language, which includes Slovenian, 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 Slovenia must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. MAFF is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.