Garlic cloves

When sourcing garlic cloves, you must prioritize firmness, color, and size uniformity. High-quality cloves should be plump and firm to the touch, with a creamy white to off-white color (unless sourcing purple-stripe varieties). Avoid cloves with sprouting, soft spots, or dark blemishes, as these indicate aging or fungal infection. For industrial processing, specify the diameter range (e.g., 4.5cm - 6.5cm) to ensure compatibility with peeling machinery.

To ensure market access and consumer safety, suppliers should provide GLOBALG.A.P. certification, which covers good agricultural practices. For processed or peeled cloves, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management) are essential. If exporting to the US, compliance with FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) is mandatory, while EU markets require adherence to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides.

Peeled garlic cloves typically have a shorter shelf life and must be stored in vacuum-sealed packaging or nitrogen-flushed bags at temperatures between 0°C to 2°C to last 3-4 weeks. Dehydrated garlic (flakes or granules) is much more stable, often lasting 12-24 months if kept in a cool, dry place. Ensure the supplier uses optical sorting technology to remove discolored pieces during the peeling process to prevent cross-contamination.

Pure White Garlic (Snow White) is highly sought after for its aesthetic appeal and lacks purple stripes, making it ideal for high-end retail and food service. Normal White Garlic (Red Garlic) has purple tints on the skin and is generally more pungent and cost-effective, preferred by industrial food processors for its stronger flavor profile and higher oil content.

The biggest risk is moisture and temperature fluctuations leading to mold or sprouting. Garlic is a 'living' product that requires constant ventilation and a stable temperature of -3°C to 0°C in reefer containers. Ensure your contract includes a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) by agencies like SGS to verify the moisture content (ideally below 65%) before the container is sealed.

Garlic prices are highly seasonal and sensitive to harvest yields in major regions like China. To secure stable pricing, consider signing annual volume contracts during the harvest peak (typically June-July). Utilize Made-in-China.com's Diamond Members who offer Trade Assurance to protect your down payment against price surges or supply defaults.

You must obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the exporting country's national plant protection organization to prove the cargo is free from pests. Additionally, a Certificate of Origin is vital for determining tariff rates, especially in regions with Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) on garlic. Always verify the HS Code (typically 070320) with your local customs broker before shipment.

Focus on specifying the 'All-in' price, including cold-chain logistics costs. Request batch-specific lab reports for heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium) and pesticide residues. For long-term partnerships, negotiate a staggered payment schedule (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% against BL copy) to maintain leverage over quality consistency.