Thailand relies heavily on avocado imports for domestic consumption. Its tropical climate influenced by seasonal monsoon winds is good for avocado orchards. Despite that, avocado production which mainly occurs in the northern areas is still relatively new. The average rainfall ranges from 1,000mm to 1,500mm per year and temperatures can be as low as 15°C and as high as 35°C.
Majority of avocados sold in Thailand are found in supermarkets. The biggest number of consumers in the country is found in the cities of Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Mueang Nonthaburi. Smaller retail outlets, wholesale outlets and fresh produce markets around Thailand also trade in smaller quantities of avocados.
Thailand Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Thailand were valued at close to 7 million US Dollars in 2023. Compared to the previous year, it is a decrease of 20%. The sharpest climb was from 2019 to 2020 when the import value rose from about 6 million US Dollars to around 10 million US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Thailand between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Thailand
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Thailand can be between 180 Thai Baht (5.20 US Dollars) and 190 Thai Baht (5.49 US Dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as high as 200 Thai Baht (5.78 US Dollars) in the recent past.
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary from seller to seller. Thai people can buy imported avocados for most of the year because they are sourced from a few nations. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado consumers in Thailand 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. Thailand imports a bulk of avocado during their summer months from March up to June. It brings in small amounts of avocado the rest of the year from other countries with some supply.
Avocado in Thailand
Thailand is slowly turning into a high-value avocado market. The country takes in major commercial varieties such as Hass and Fuerte. But it also brings in minor commercial green skin varieties. Many avocado consumers in Thailand prefer Hass avocados that are small in size because of their lower cost.
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 Thailand are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Thai Customs Department. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The government of Thailand sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Commerce. Bilingual language, which includes Thai, 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 Thailand must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex. FDA is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.
Avocado Thailand
Basically, in Thailand there are three distribution channels for consumer goods:
- Exporter to Thai importer to Thai retailer to Thai consumer
- Exporter to Thai importer to Thai wholesaler to Thai retailer to Thai consumer
- Exporter to Thai retailer to Thai consumer
Since avocados are perishable in nature, they usually go through the first channel. This is because the importer doubles up as a wholesaler thereby making it the fastest. Over 20,000 modern retail outlets are spread across Thailand according to the United States Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Bangkok. Apparently, convenience stores make up a majority followed by supermarkets.
Modern trade in Thailand is definitely on the rise. As a result, consumers in the country are increasingly embracing e-commerce. They can buy imported avocados online. At the same time, traditional food retail channels like wet markets are still frequented by Thais.
Just like the rest of the world, classification of avocado imports in Thailand is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) code. Likewise, Kenya follows the same HS code system. Consequently, it is easier for Thai importers to bring in avocados from Kenya.
Generally, the value of avocado imports is based on their cost, insurance and freight (CIF). Custom procedures for avocados arriving in Thailand is similar to other goods. Thailand has adopted the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2017 which is in accordance with HS 2017.
Thailand Avocado
Being a major avocado producing country, Kenya can supply Thailand with fruit of excellent quality. Thai consumers can be sure Kenyan avocados are safe to eat. This is in view of the fact that Kenya has adopted food safety regulations that are harmonized with the Codex Alimentarius or ‘Food Code’. Furthermore, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) ensures all avocado exports comply with Codex standards.
Apart from Millennials, Thailand’s elderly population is growing rapidly. The country is already considered an ‘ageing’ society because 10% of the population is aged 60 and over. These demographics mean there is a ready market for avocados. Not only can they afford them but they are also health-conscious.
Avocados offer the perfect balance of taste and health. This is why eating the fruit is becoming a common part of people’s diet in Thailand. Behind the trend is an increasing health awareness among Thais who hope to avoid diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Today, they find it easier on account of imported avocados.
Importing Avocado from Kenya
Here is a top avocado exporter in Kenya.
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of avocados and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of Kenyan avocados. We source avocados from our company farm and partner farms.
We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.
We use a modern grading machine to achieve desired avocado weight. The fruit is also graded to eliminate any with physical quality defects.
We pack avocado fruit for both air and sea freights. All of our avocado packing is approved by FDA and is certified by HACCP Quality Assurance.