Garlic price

When evaluating garlic quality, focus on bulb diameter (typically 4.5cm to 6.5cm+), firmness, and skin integrity. High-quality garlic should have a tight, multi-layered skin with no signs of sprouting or mold. For dehydrated garlic (flakes/powder), the moisture content must be below 6% to prevent clumping and ensure a long shelf life.

Buyers must ensure suppliers provide Phytosanitary Certificates to prove the shipment is pest-free. For food safety, look for HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 certifications. If targeting the EU or US markets, compliance with GlobalGAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and FDA registration is often required to clear customs.

Prices fluctuate based on the variety: Pure White Garlic usually commands a premium over Normal White (Red/Purple) Garlic due to its aesthetic appeal. Seasonality is critical; prices are lowest during the harvest peak (June-July in China). Sourcing during the off-season requires cold storage (typically -3°C), which adds to the warehousing and electricity costs reflected in the final quote.

For processed garlic, specify the SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) levels, which should be less than 30ppm for most international standards. Additionally, verify the microbiological limits (Total Plate Count, E. coli, and Salmonella) through third-party lab reports (SGS or TUV) to ensure the product is safe for food manufacturing.

The garlic market is highly speculative. To manage risk, avoid long-term fixed-price contracts during market peaks. Instead, use spot-price purchasing or staggered shipments. Always verify the supplier's real-time stock levels via video inspection to ensure they actually hold the inventory they are quoting.

For fresh garlic, use Reefer Containers (Refrigerated) set at -3°C to 0°C with a ventilation setting of 15-25 CBM/h. Ensure the garlic is packed in mesh bags or ventilated cartons to allow airflow. For dehydrated garlic, standard dry containers are sufficient, provided desiccants are used to manage humidity during sea transit.

For new suppliers, prioritize Letter of Credit (L/C) or Escrow services provided by reputable platforms like Made-in-China.com. A common industry standard is a 30% deposit via T/T with the 70% balance payable against the Bill of Lading (B/L) copy after the Phytosanitary and Quality inspections are passed.

The inspection should cover weight bridge verification (to ensure net weight matches the contract), random bisection of bulbs to check for internal browning or insects, and moisture testing. Ensure the packaging labels comply with the destination country's language and regulatory requirements (e.g., country of origin, net weight, and grade).