Garlic is a staple in virtually every cuisine, which makes it a steady, repeatable import line. India produces large volumes of pungent, flavour-forward garlic, and cold storage means you can source much of the year rather than just at harvest. The key is to nail down bulb size and quality so your customers get exactly what they expect.
White vs. pink garlic
- White garlic: The most widely traded — clean appearance, strong pungency, versatile.
- Pink garlic: A pinkish skin tone, favoured in certain markets for its look and flavour.
Bulb size and grading
Garlic is graded by bulb diameter — typically 25–35 mm, 35–45 mm and 45 mm+. Larger bulbs are easier to peel and command premium pricing for retail; smaller bulbs suit processing and food service. Always confirm the size band, and ask whether the lot is single-size or mixed.
What makes good export garlic
Look for compact, hard bulbs with tight cloves and intact skins. Loose or sprouting bulbs are a sign of poor curing or age.
- Pungency & aroma: A defining feature of Indian garlic.
- Dryness: Properly cured skins for better shelf life.
- Compact cloves: Tight bulbs that won't crumble in transit.
- Clean appearance: Minimal soil, no mould or sprouting.
Packing and shipping
Garlic is usually packed in 5 or 10 kg mesh bags or cartons for retail. Like onions, it benefits from good ventilation; reefer containers are used for longer routes and warmer climates. Discuss humidity control to prevent mould during sea transit.
Pricing tips
Garlic prices move with the season and crop size. To get the best value: order around peak supply when possible, be flexible on bulb size if your end use allows, and build a relationship with one reliable exporter rather than chasing the lowest one-off quote — consistency saves money over a year.
Buyer's quick checklist
- Choose white or pink, and bulb size band
- Confirm curing, dryness and clove tightness
- Decide packing (mesh bag vs. carton)
- Plan ventilation/reefer for the route
- Lock Incoterms, payment and inspection terms
Documentation
You'll need a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate. See our full documentation guide.
Source garlic with Overseas
Overseas supplies high-pungency Indian garlic in your preferred type, size and packing, cold-storage-backed for year-round availability. Share your requirement for a quote and sample within one business day.