Bag garlic

When evaluating garlic quality, prioritize firmness, skin integrity, and color. High-quality garlic should have intact, papery white or purple skins without dark spots or mold. Ensure the bulbs are plump and heavy for their size, indicating high moisture content and freshness. For B2B buyers, the diameter of the bulbs (e.g., 4.5cm, 5.0cm, 5.5cm, or 6.0cm+) is a critical specification that dictates market pricing and consumer preference.

To ensure market entry and consumer safety, suppliers must provide GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) certification. Depending on the destination country, you should also require HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 for food safety management. For the U.S. market, compliance with FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) is essential, while EU buyers must ensure MRL (Maximum Residue Limits) for pesticides are strictly within legal bounds.

Pure White Garlic (Snow White) is typically more expensive due to its aesthetic appeal and is preferred in markets like the Middle East and Europe. Normal White Garlic (Red Garlic) has purple streaks and is often favored for its stronger flavor and longer shelf life. Buyers should choose based on their target market's culinary habits and the required storage duration, as Normal White garlic generally resists sprouting longer under ambient conditions.

Garlic requires high breathability to prevent moisture buildup and mold. The industry standard is mesh bags (small retail packs of 3-5 bulbs or bulk bags of 5kg, 10kg, or 20kg). For premium protection, corrugated cartons with ventilation holes are used. Ensure the packaging is UV-resistant if stored in bright areas and that the labeling complies with international standards, including country of origin, net weight, and batch numbers.

The biggest risk is sprouting and mold growth during transit. Garlic must be shipped in reefer containers (refrigerated) maintained at a constant temperature of -3°C to 0°C with a relative humidity of 60-70%. Any fluctuation in temperature can trigger the dormant bulb to grow, significantly reducing its commercial value. Always verify the thermometer logs of the container upon arrival.

Garlic prices are highly seasonal and sensitive to harvest yields in major producing regions like China. To mitigate risk, consider signing forward contracts during the harvest season (typically May-June) or utilizing warehousing services offered by suppliers on Made-in-China.com to lock in prices. Diversifying your supplier base across different provinces can also protect against localized crop failures.

Before placing a bulk order, request a Phytosanitary Certificate and a Certificate of Origin from the supplier. Use Secure Payment services provided by reputable platforms to ensure funds are only released upon proof of shipment. For large-scale orders, hiring a third-party inspection agency (like SGS or Intertek) to perform a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) at the loading port is highly recommended to verify weight, size, and quality.

Garlic is often subject to Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) in certain regions, such as the U.S. and parts of the EU, to protect local farmers. Buyers must check the HS Code (typically 070320) against their country's tariff schedule. Ensure your supplier is not on a restricted list and that they provide all necessary documentation to avoid customs seizures or heavy fines at the port of entry.