Description
At VG Limited, we supply premium-quality Tanzanian Hass avocados – grown in Tanzania’s fertile highlands at optimal altitudes. Known for their creamy texture, rich nutty flavor, high oil content, and excellent shelf life, our Hass avocados are ideal for international retail, wholesale distributors, food service, and processing markets.
What Makes Tanzanian Hass Avocados Exceptional?
Tanzania’s diverse climate – ranging from the highlands of Kilimanjaro and Mbeya to the lake zones of Kagera – creates ideal growing conditions for Hass avocados. The combination of volcanic soils, adequate rainfall, and high altitudes produces avocados with exceptional dry matter content (21%+ for Hass variety) and superior flavor profiles .
About 85% of Tanzania’s avocado exports go to European markets including France, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, with growing demand from the Middle East and Asia .
Product Specifications
Based on the Tanzania Standard for Fresh Avocados (TZS 1704: 2015) , our avocados meet rigorous quality requirements for export markets :
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Variety | Hass |
| Origin | Tanzania |
| Dry Matter Content | ≥ 21% (minimum maturity requirement) |
| Weight | 80g – 350g+ (depending on size code) |
| Size Codes | 12 – 32 (see size chart below) |
| Skin Color | Dark green to purplish-black when ripe |
| Texture | Pebbled/sandpaper-like skin, creamy flesh |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, nutty, buttery |
| Oil Content | 18% – 24% |
Hass Avocado Size Grading
| Size Code | Approx. Weight (g) | Units per 4kg Carton |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 311g – 350g+ | 12 – 13 |
| 14 | 256g – 310g | 13 – 15 |
| 16 | 221g – 255g | 16 – 18 |
| 18 | 191g – 220g | 18 – 20 |
| 20 | 170g – 190g | 21 – 23 |
| 22 | 151g – 169g | 24 – 26 |
| 24 | 136g – 150g | 27 – 29 |
| 26 | 120g – 135g | 30 – 33 |
| 28 | 108g – 119g | 34 – 37 |
| 30 | 98g – 107g | 38 – 41 |
| 32 | 84g – 97g | 42 – 48 |
Quality Requirements
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✅ Grade 1 – Premium export quality, uniform size and color
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✅ No physical damage – free from cuts, bruises, or scars
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✅ No pest or disease damage – including anthracnose and fruit flies
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✅ Proper maturity – minimum 21% dry matter for Hass
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✅ No internal discoloration or vascular browning
Product Features
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Superior dry matter content – 21%+ ensures rich, creamy texture and consistent ripening
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High oil content – 18–24% produces buttery flavor and smooth mouthfeel
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Long shelf life – proper cold chain management extends shelf life to 21–28 days
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Excellent shipping variety – Hass avocados are ideal for sea freight due to thicker skin
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Traceable origins – direct from registered farms in Tanzania’s premium growing regions
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GlobalGAP certified – available upon request
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Organic options – available from select farming cooperatives
Packaging for International Export
Standard Packaging Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Packaging | Die-cut corrugated carton boxes |
| Standard Carton Sizes | 4 kg (most common for sea freight) / 10 kg |
| Palletization | 250 – 276 cartons per pallet |
| Pallets per 40ft Container | 20 pallets |
| Total Net Weight (40ft) | 22.08 MT (approx.) |
Carton Size & Size Code Pairing
Based on European importer specifications :
| Carton Size | Recommended Size Codes |
|---|---|
| 4 kg cartons | 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 |
| 10 kg cartons | 26, 28, 30, 32 (smaller sizes) |
Box Labeling Requirements
Each carton shall be legibly and indelibly marked with:
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✅ Product name (“Hass Avocado – Tanzania Origin”)
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✅ Variety (Hass)
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✅ Size code and count
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✅ Net weight (kg)
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✅ Grower/exporter name and address
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✅ Batch/traceability code
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✅ Harvest date and pack date
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✅ “Keep Refrigerated” / “Store at 5°C – 7°C”
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✅ Country of origin (Tanzania)
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✅ GlobalGAP or other certification marks (if applicable)
Cold Chain & Shipping Container Specifications
Maintaining the cold chain is critical for Hass avocado exports. Our packing and shipping process follows strict temperature-controlled protocols.
Pre-Shipment Cold Chain Process
| Stage | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Packhouse | 15°C | During packing |
| Palletizing & Cooling | 10°C | Gradual cooling |
| Forced Cold Tunnel | 4°C – 6°C | Rapid pulldown (critical step) |
| Cold Storage | 5°C – 7°C | Until dispatch |
| Container Transit | 5°C – 7°C | Throughout voyage |
Container Specifications
Incoterms available: FOB Dar es Salaam Port / CIF any major global port
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Reefer (Refrigerated) – 40ft RH (High Cube) |
| Temperature Setting | 5°C – 7°C (optimal for Hass avocados) |
| Relative Humidity | 85% – 90% |
| Fresh Air Exchange | 15–30 cubic meters per hour (to remove ethylene) |
| Container Pre-cooling | Required before loading |
Container Loading Capacity
| Container Type | Pallet Quantity | Cartons per Pallet | Total Cartons | Net Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft Reefer | 10 pallets | 250 – 276 | 2,500 – 2,760 | 10 – 11 MT |
| 40 ft Reefer | 20 pallets | 250 – 276 | 5,000 – 5,520 | 20 – 22 MT |
Container Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Reefer (Refrigerated) – 40ft RH |
| Temperature | Set at 5°C – 7°C (pulp temperature) |
| Air Circulation | Even distribution around pallets (gap required) |
| Ventilation | 15–30 m³/hour for ethylene removal |
| Stacking | Maximum 2 cartons high on pallets |
| Pallet Type | Standard 1200 x 1000 mm or 1200 x 1200 mm |
Critical Temperature Management Notes
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Fruit pulp temperature must be brought to 5°C – 7°C before loading into container
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Forced cold treatment (4°C – 6°C) before dispatch ensures rapid cooling
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Do not load warm fruit – this causes condensation, chilling injury, and decay
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Monitor throughout transit – temperature fluctuations cause uneven ripening
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Avoid temperatures below 4°C – chilling injury results in greyish discoloration and poor ripening
Chilling Injury Prevention
| Temperature | Effect on Hass Avocados |
|---|---|
| Below 4°C | Chilling injury – greyish flesh, poor ripening |
| 4°C – 6°C | Marginal – short duration only |
| 5°C – 7°C | Optimal range |
| Above 9°C | Accelerates ripening, reduces shelf life |
| Above 13°C | Rapid ripening – unsuitable for sea freight |
Port of Loading & Transit
| Port of Loading | Destination | Approx. Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Europe (Rotterdam) | 25–28 days |
| Dar es Salaam | Middle East (Jebel Ali) | 12–15 days |
| Dar es Salaam | India (Mumbai/Nhava Sheva) | 12–14 days |
| Kilimanjaro Airport | Europe (air freight) | 1–2 days |
Note: For small shipments, air freight via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is available .
Shipping Documents Included
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Commercial Invoice & Packing List
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Bill of Lading (for sea freight) / Airway Bill (for air freight)
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Phytosanitary Certificate (Tanzania Plant Health Authority)
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Certificate of Origin (Tanzania Chamber of Commerce)
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Cold Chain Monitoring Report (temperature data logger)
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Certificate of Analysis (dry matter content, size grading)
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Fumigation Certificate (if required)
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Optional: GlobalGAP Certificate
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Optional: Organic Certificate
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Optional: SGS inspection report
Why Choose VG Limited for Tanzanian Hass Avocados?
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Premium growing regions – direct sourcing from Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Mbeya highlands
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Grade 1 quality – meets Tanzania Standard TZS 1704: 2015
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Proper maturity – minimum 21% dry matter content for Hass variety
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Cold chain integrity – packhouse to port temperature management
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Flexible MOQ – 1 pallet (approx. 250 cartons) for air freight; 1 container for sea freight
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Full compliance with EU, Middle East, and Asian import standards
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Reliable logistics from Dar es Salaam port and Kilimanjaro Airport
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Samples available upon request to verify product quality
