These fruits combine high sales prices with growing consumer demand.

1. Mangoes from Brazil, Peru and Thailand

Why mangoes yield top margins:
Mangoes are among the most profitable overseas fruits for Eastern European retailers. Their exotic appearance justifies premium prices, while importing through Rotterdam is efficient and reliable.

Origin and seasons:

• Brazil: September to February – excellent quality, ideal for November
• Peru: November to March – perfect timing for the current market
  
  
• Thailand: March to June – alternative for the rest of the year

Margin analysis:

• Purchase price in Rotterdam: stable due to established import routes
• End-market sales price: 40-60% higher than purchase price
• Average gross margin: 42-55%
• High turnover rate due to popularity

Our expertise:
Mangoes require specific temperature control and ripeness management. We select fruits with optimal ripeness for your transport time to Ukraine, Kazakhstan, or Moldova. Too ripe means spoilage, too hard means complaints. Our experience guarantees perfect balance.

Documentation:
Phytosanitary certificates of origin are crucial for overseas products. We arrange all Model 1 and Model 20 documents, plus EU inspections that are mandatory for products from Latin America and Asia.

2. Pineapples from Costa Rica and Ghana

Marktkansen Opportunities:
Pineapples offer one of the most stable margins in the overseas fruit segment. Their long shelf life and robust packaging minimize losses during transport to Eastern Europe.

Main Source Countries:

• Costa Rica: Largest supplier, consistently high quality, MD2 variety (extra sweet)
• Ghana: Emerging origin, competitive prices, Smooth Cayenne variety

Margin analysis:

• Low loss during transport (only 2-3%)
• Stable demand year-round
• Average gross margin: 35-45%
• Potential for volume discounts for large orders

Why via Rotterdam:
Rotterdam is Europe’s main port for pineapples from Central and South America. Containers are unloaded daily, meaning we always have fresh supplies. Our quality control in the warehouse prevents overripe or damaged fruit from damaging your reputation.

Complete peace of mind:
We handle all CMR documents and phytosanitary certificates for retail chains in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. Your shipment crosses borders without delay because all paperwork is in perfect order.

3. Avocados from Mexico, Peru and South Africa

Premium positioning:
Avocados from overseas destinations offer higher margins than European greenhouse avocados. Consumers in urban areas of Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Moldova pay premium prices for quality from traditional growing countries.

Seasonal Planning:

• Mexico: Available year-round, largest global supplier.
• Peru: March to September, excellent Hass variety.
• South Africa: March to October, premium quality.

Margin Analysis November 2025:

• Peruvian and South African avocados now optimally available.
• Mexican supply stable and reliable.
• Average gross margin: 38-48%.
• Higher margins with smaller packages (per piece vs. per kilo).

Critical Success Factor:
Avocados are sensitive to transport conditions. Incorrect temperatures destroy your investment. Our team has 15+ years of experience importing avocados and knows exactly what degree of ripeness is required for transport to Kazakhstan (5-7 days), Ukraine (3-4 days), or Moldova (2-3 days).

Certification and Inspection:
Avocados from Mexico and Peru undergo strict EU inspections. We coordinate all inspections and ensure that phytosanitary documents are perfect for your destination, including specific requirements for the Eurasian Customs Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus).

4. Grapefruits from South Africa and Israel

Underestimated Profit Opportunity:
While many buyers focus on oranges, grapefruits from overseas origins offer exceptional margins. Red and pink varieties, in particular, perform exceptionally well in premium city supermarkets.

Origin and advantages:

• South Africa: May to November, currently at its peak, excellent quality
• Israel: October to April, reliable supplier for Europe

Margin analysis:

• Limited competition due to specialized position
• Long shelf life: 3-4 weeks after arrival
• Average gross margin: 36-44%
• Possibility for organic certification (additional margin)

Health benefits as a selling point:
Grapefruits benefit from the growing health trend in Eastern Europe. Your marketing can focus on vitamin C, antioxidants, and weight management – ​​popular themes in Ukraine, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.

Logistical advantages:
Citrus fruits from South Africa and Israel are robust and well-packaged. Minimal loss during transport means that your gross purchase price is virtually your net cost. We select only Class 1 quality in Rotterdam.

5. Papayas from Brazil and India

Emerging opportunity:
Papaya is an emerging category in Eastern European supermarkets. Early adopters benefit from high margins before the market becomes saturated. Urban consumers in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are curious about new flavors.

Best countries of origin:

• Brazil: Formosa variety, large fruits, sweet
• India: Red papaya, smaller fruits, intense flavor

Margin analysis:

• Premium price due to novelty and exotic character
• Limited competition in most markets
• Average gross margin: 45-55%
• Potential for educational marketing (how to eat, health benefits)

Challenge and solution:
Papayas are delicate and require expert handling. Many importers avoid this product, which explains the high margins. Ariana Garden has specialized experience with papaya imports. We select fruits with perfect ripeness, inspect for pressure points, and guarantee the cold chain from unloading to loading for your transport.

Market launch support:
For retailers who want to introduce papaya, we advise on presentation, pricing, and customer communication. Our experience with Eastern European markets helps you maximize this opportunity.

Why ship overseas fruit via Rotterdam?

Strategic advantage:
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and the natural hub for overseas fruit imports. Containers arrive daily from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This concentration offers you:

1. Fresh supply and choice:
   Unlike smaller ports, Rotterdam has a continuous supply. We can select from multiple containers and suppliers to guarantee the best quality for your brand.
2. Efficient quality control:
   Our warehouse near Rotterdam allows us to inspect every pallet. This is essential for overseas products – one container with problems can ruin your entire month.
3. Documentation expertise:
   Overseas fruit requires complex documentation:
   • Phytosanitaire certificaten van oorsprong
   • EU inspections by Dutch authorities
   • CMR documents for transport
   • Model 1 and Model 20 certificates for the destination country
   • Additional documents for the Eurasian Customs Union
4. Language advantage:
   Our team communicates in Russian and Romanian. For retailers from Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, this means direct communication without misunderstandings.

We take care of everything completely. No surprises at the border, no delays, no fines.