Garlic Export

What it is

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous flowering plant belonging to the onion family. It is widely cultivated for its edible bulb, which is composed of cloves. Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world, valued for its pungent flavor, medicinal benefits, and use as a seasoning in virtually every cuisine.

What Export of Garlic is

The export of garlic involves sourcing, processing, packaging, and shipping the crop to international markets. Nigeria is emerging as a producer of garlic, though countries like China, India, and Egypt dominate global trade. Exporters can target niche and diaspora markets where demand for African garlic is increasing.

Specifications

General Specifications

• Product: Garlic

• Varieties: White Garlic, Red Garlic, Purple Garlic

• Form: Whole bulbs, Peeled cloves, Powdered, or Granulated

• Grade: A Grade (premium, well-dried, uniform size)

• Size of Bulbs: 4.5 – 6.0 cm diameter (export grade)

• Moisture Content: ≤ 6% (dried form)

• Impurities: ≤ 1%

• Odor: Characteristic strong garlic aroma, free from foreign smell

• Color: White to light purple (depending on variety)

• Shelf Life:

  • Fresh: 3 – 6 months under cold storage

  • Powdered/Dried: 12 – 24 months in proper packaging

Export Packaging

• Fresh Garlic:

  • Mesh bags (5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg)

  • Cartons (10 kg, 20 kg)

• Powdered/Dried Garlic:

  • Polyethylene bags, sealed in cartons or paper sacks (25 kg, 50 kg)

• Custom Packaging: Available based on buyer requirement

Export Form

1. Fresh Garlic Bulbs – cleaned and graded

2. Dried Garlic – sun-dried or mechanically dried

3. Garlic Powder – ground and sieved to fine particles

4. Garlic Granules/Flakes – cut and dried pieces

Uses

• Culinary: Seasoning, spice blends, sauces, soups, and stews

• Pharmaceuticals: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cardiovascular health supplements

• Cosmetics: Used in hair and skin treatments due to antibacterial properties

• Food Processing: Ingredient in ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and spice mixes

HS Code

• 07032000 – Garlic, fresh or chilled

• 07129090 – Dried Garlic, whole, sliced, or powdered

Top Export Destinations

• Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain

• North America: USA, Canada

• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar

• Asia: India, Japan, South Korea

Market Value

• Global garlic trade exceeds $3 billion annually

• China supplies ~80% of global garlic, but niche buyers are seeking alternatives for quality and organic garlic

• African garlic exporters have growing opportunities in diaspora markets

Tip for Exporters: Proper drying, grading, and packaging are crucial to compete with established markets like China and India. Offering organic-certified garlic can fetch premium prices in Europe and North America.