Sweden heavily imports avocado to meet its local demand. This is because of its sub Artic climate in the northern areas and oceanic climate in the southern coasts with cold winters and warm summers. There is no commercial avocado production in the country as average rainfall is about 700mm per year and temperatures can be as low as -2°C and as high as 23°C.
Avocados in Sweden are sold in greater amounts in supermarkets. The biggest consumer market in the country is found in the cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale markets and street vendors around Sweden also trade in smaller amounts of avocados.
Sweden Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Sweden were valued at just above 60 million US Dollars in 2021. Even though it’s a slight drop from the previous year, it is the other record high value since 2015. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 52 million US Dollars to around 63 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Sweden between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price in Sweden per kg
The cost of a kilo of avocados in Sweden can be between 30 Swedish krona (US2.84 dollars) and 40 Swedish krona (US3.79 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has stayed at about 35 Swedish krona (US3.32 dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Swedes can buy imported avocados for most part of the year 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 Sweden 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. Sweden 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 other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Sweden
Sweden 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 Sweden 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 type, quality and size of avocado is the other factor behind its selling price. Avocados exported to Sweden are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Swedish Customs. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Swedish Food Agency. The government of Sweden sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Board of Agriculture.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation. Bilingual language, which includes Swedish, 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 Sweden must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex, EU. The Swedish Food Agency is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.