Garlic

When evaluating garlic quality, focus on bulb firmness, size uniformity, and skin integrity. High-quality garlic should have tight, unbroken outer skins and no visible sprouts or dark spots, which indicate aging or mold. For B2B buyers, the diameter of the bulb (e.g., 4.5cm, 5.0cm, 5.5cm, or 6.0cm+) is a primary pricing factor. Additionally, check the moisture content; properly cured garlic should have a dry neck to prevent internal rot during transit.

Normal White Garlic (Red Garlic) has purple or red stripes on the skin and generally offers a stronger, more pungent flavor and a longer shelf life. Pure White Garlic (Snow White Garlic) lacks these stripes and is preferred in markets like the Middle East and Europe for its clean, aesthetic appearance, though it often commands a higher price premium due to stricter selection processes.

To ensure food safety and market access, suppliers should provide Phytosanitary Certificates issued by national plant protection organizations. For high-end retail or EU/US markets, look for GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) certification and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). Ensure the product meets MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) standards for pesticides specific to your destination country.

Garlic is a seasonal crop, typically harvested in May and June in major producing regions like China. Buying 'Fresh Garlic' during the harvest season offers the lowest prices but requires immediate cold chain logistics. From September onwards, buyers transition to 'Cold Storage Garlic', which is more stable but involves additional storage costs reflected in the unit price. Monitoring the new crop arrival is essential for timing large-scale contracts.

The garlic market is notoriously volatile. To mitigate risk, avoid placing 100% upfront payments; instead, use Letter of Credit (L/C) or Trade Assurance through reputable platforms like Made-in-China.com. Consider fixed-price contracts for short-term needs or formula-based pricing for long-term supply to hedge against sudden market spikes.

Garlic must be shipped in Reefer Containers (Refrigerated) to maintain a constant temperature between -3°C and 0°C with a relative humidity of 65% to 70%. Ensure the ventilation is closed during transit to prevent weight loss and sprouting. For long-haul sea freight, verify that the supplier uses breathable mesh bags or ventilated cartons to allow air circulation.

Request a factory/warehouse audit or a real-time video inspection of the processing line. Reliable suppliers on Made-in-China.com often have 'Audited Supplier' status, indicating their business license and production capabilities have been verified by third-party agencies like SGS or Bureau Veritas. Always request a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) to confirm the grade and weight before the balance payment is made.

Many countries impose Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) or strict import quotas on garlic to protect local farmers. For example, the US and EU have specific regulations regarding garlic origins. Always consult with a customs broker to check the HS Code (typically 070320) and applicable tariffs for your specific region to avoid unexpected costs at the port.