17 Nov
Myanmar has successfully delivered avocado to the UK’s market on trial, according to the press statement issued by the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in London on 14 November.
Amara Variety (local variety), Hass and Buccaneer varieties were placed on the UK’s market in the previous week, under the programme of Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (MFVP).
Freshpro Imports Limited distributed them through the wholesalers of London and Sheffield cities. It has earned good reviews from the consumers.
Myanmar Embassy in London has been exploring the markets for potential Myanmar products in the UK in line with the government’s policy, especially prioritizing the agricultural products and new local products.
Additionally, Myanmar Embassy, in coordination with the British Chamber of Commerce, will hold a webinar on 19 November for Myanmar exporters regarding the agricultural exports to the UK.
At present, Myanmar is exporting the avocado to China and Thailand through the land border. However, there is no guarantee, and the price is relatively low. Therefore, official trade pacts with China and Thailand are required for Myanmar’s avocado exports, said U Lin Thant Aung, secretary of MFVP.
Furthermore, he suggested that the government form a committee including all the stakeholders such as the growers, processors, exporters in the supply chain, intending to facilitate the trading. He also made a further request for the high government officials to suggest Myanmar’s avocado during their foreign visits.
Myanmar currently exports 5,000-10,000 tonnes of local avocado varieties to Thailand and China through the land border. Those varieties fetch between K800 and K1,000 per kg, MFVP stated.
Meanwhile, around 3,000 tonnes are yearly sold in the domestic market. The demand is high when there is an increase in tourist arrivals.
The avocado is primarily grown in Chin Hills, Shan highland, Nawnghkio and PyinOoLwin areas, having around 25,000 acres. There are thousands of Myanmar avocado varieties, and the avocado of foreign origins are also found. Myanmar’s avocado is abundant in October and the harvest season extends up to April. Myanmar prioritizes the fruit quality that meets international market standards for market potentials. Efforts are being undertaken to legally export Myanmar’s avocado to more foreign markets in 2023.
Myanmar Avocado Producers and Exporters Association was established in 2018, with 800 members.
By Nyein Nyein (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
