Agricultural land in Tunisia is limited because the Mediterranean climate only covers the northern coast. While the semi-arid or arid climate covers the inland areas. This harsh climate does not allow Tunisia to grow its own avocados making it a net importer.
Majority of the avocados sold in Tunisia are found in wholesale markets. The biggest domestic market in the country is the Central Market of Tunis. It is located in the downtown part of the capital city, Tunis, and has a large fruits and vegetables section. Supermarkets and informal traders like fruit vendors and green groceries around Tunisia also trade in smaller volumes of avocado.
Tunisia Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Tunisia were valued at nearly 300,000 US Dollars in 2021. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 95%. The sharpest climb was from 2014 to 2015 when the import value rose from about 19,000 US Dollars to around 60,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Tunisia between 2012 and 2021.
Avocado Price per kg in Tunisia
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Tunisia can be between 5 Tunisian dinar (US1.64 dollars) and 6 Tunisian dinar (US1.97 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price can go as low as 3 Tunisian dinar (US0.98 dollars).
Retail prices of avocado per piece vary among different sellers. Imported avocados face little competition because of their better quality and are available in surplus. The logistical costs associated with importing avocados are a major factor in setting their retail prices.
Being a seasonal fruit, avocado prices are adjusted based on supply. Tunisia imports huge volumes of avocado in April up to September when they are in season. It brings in small volumes of avocado the rest of the year from avocado producing countries outside Africa.
Avocado in Tunisia
Tunisia is slowly 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 Tunisia prefer green skin types of avocado because of their lower price.
The type, quality and size of avocado determines its selling price. Medium size, dark skin Hass avocado costs more than medium and large green skin avocados. The rising number of urban dwellers in Tunisia consume more avocado than those living in rural areas because they have a higher disposable income. Avocados exported to Tunisia are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Tunisian Customs. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Ministry of Public Health. The government of Tunisia sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries.
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Arabic language 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
Avocados imported in Tunisia must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex and EU. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.
Avocado importers in Tunisia gain higher profits by selling in wholesale markets. Imported avocados that are small in size are still sold in the local markets. Such kind of avocados make up a small part of the regular shipments.