Big garlic

When sourcing big garlic, buyers should prioritize bulb diameter (typically 5.5cm, 6.0cm, or 6.5cm+) and clove integrity. High-quality garlic must have a firm texture, intact outer skin (tunic), and no visible sprouts or dark spots. Ensure the garlic is well-dried to prevent mold during transit, and verify that the root system is cleanly trimmed to meet international phytosanitary standards.

The two primary commercial varieties are Normal White Garlic (Red Garlic) and Pure White Garlic (Snow White). Normal White garlic is generally more cost-effective and has a stronger pungency, while Pure White garlic is preferred for high-end retail markets due to its aesthetic appeal. For industrial processing, look for varieties with a high allicin content and low moisture levels.

Agricultural products require strict documentation. Buyers must ensure the supplier provides a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by official government bodies to prove the cargo is pest-free. Additionally, GlobalG.A.P. certification is essential for ensuring Good Agricultural Practices, and HACCP or ISO 22000 certifications are necessary if the garlic is intended for food processing or direct retail in the EU or North America.

Big garlic is a living organism; therefore, temperature control is critical. For long-term storage, garlic should be kept at -3°C to 0°C with a relative humidity of 60-70%. Ask suppliers about their cold chain capabilities and the harvest year. Fresh crop garlic harvested between June and August offers the longest shelf life (up to 9-12 months in cold storage) compared to old stock.

The biggest risks include market price volatility and quality degradation during shipping. Garlic prices fluctuate daily based on harvest yields and speculation. To mitigate this, use fixed-price contracts or staggered purchasing. To prevent quality issues like sprouting or 'black heart' (internal rot), always insist on Reefer Containers (RF) with active ventilation and temperature monitoring.

Utilize the secured payment services on Made-in-China.com to protect your funds until the shipping documents are verified. Before placing a bulk order, conduct a factory or warehouse audit via a third-party inspection agency (like SGS or Bureau Veritas) to confirm the actual stock volume and drying facilities of the supplier.

Negotiate based on weight loss allowances and size uniformity. It is standard to allow a 3-5% weight loss during long-distance sea freight due to moisture evaporation. Demand a clear specification on the percentage of 'off-size' bulbs allowed in a mesh bag. For large volumes, request customized packaging (e.g., 10kg mesh bags or 10kg cartons) to reduce local repacking costs.

Garlic is typically shipped in 40ft High Cube Reefer containers, which can hold approximately 26-28 metric tons. Ensure the Incoterms (e.g., FOB or CIF) are clearly defined. For customs clearance, verify the import tariff quotas in your specific country, as some regions (like the EU or USA) may have anti-dumping duties or specific seasonal quotas on garlic imports.