Turkey is a net importer of avocados because it can only grow its own on limited land area. Since the country is surrounded by sea on three sides and most of its surface area is mountainous, there are climate differences between inland and coastal regions. In western Turkey and the southern coastal region, there is a Mediterranean climate that is suitable for avocado production. The temperatures range from 9°C to 29°C and rainfall is just above 1,000 mm per annum.
Majority of avocados sold in Turkey are found in fresh produce markets. Wholesale markets and bazaars also sell avocados in the fruits and vegetables section. Supermarkets and informal traders like fruit vendors and green groceries around Turkey trade in smaller volumes of avocado.
Turkey Avocado Imports
Imports of avocado in Turkey were valued at about 9.8 million US Dollars in 2023. Compared to the previous year, it is an increase of 54%. The sharpest climb was from 2015 to 2016 when the import value rose from about 300,000 US Dollars to around 700,000 US Dollars.
Here are the total values in import of avocados in Turkey between 2012 and 2023.
Avocado Price in Turkey per kg
The cost of a kilo of imported avocados in Turkey can be between 11 Turkish lira (US0.71 dollars) and 12 Turkish lira (US0.78 dollars). This is based on the average import price per kg. This wholesale price has gone as high as 15.50 Turkish lira (US1 dollar) in the recent past.
Just like any fruit, retail prices of one avocado vary depending on the seller. Imported avocados face little competition from locally grown avocados because of their abundant supply and better quality. Market timing also determines the price range as late season avocados get a premium over early season avocados.
Avocado, as a seasonal fruit, has its prices adjusted based on supply. Turkey imports huge volumes of avocado in March up to September when they are in season. Sometimes it brings in small quantities of avocado the rest of the year from countries whose season comes later.
Avocado in Turkey
Turkey 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 Turkey 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 Turkey, 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. Avocados exported to Turkey are packed in both 4kg and 10kg cartons.
Avocado imports have to first go through the Turkish Customs Administration. They are then tested using certain food safety protocols set by the Turkey Ministry of Health (MOH). The government of Turkey sets the requirements for importers of horticultural produce like avocado through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).
Cartons of avocado must be labeled according to guidelines determined by the Ministry of Trade. Turkish 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
- Harvest year and packing date
Avocados imported in Turkey must undergo the pesticide maximum residue level (MRL) tests done by government laboratories. They should not exceed acceptable limits according to Codex and EU. MAF is responsible for the control of pesticides residue on avocado imports.