Chinese Garlic is a widely used ingredient in kitchens worldwide due to its unique flavour and numerous health benefits. As a result, high-quality garlic is always in high demand. China is the leading producer and exporter of garlic, supplying over 80% of the global market. Therefore, finding the right supplier in China is crucial as it can greatly impact the quality, cost, and consistency of the product.

History

Garlic(Allium sativum L.) has a long history in China, dating back to 2000 BCE. Chinese garlic exports surged between 1992 and 2000, leading to trade disputes with countries such as the United States and South Korea. In 2013, two British individuals were reported to have made millions by smuggling Chinese garlic into the European Union.

China and Its Dominance in the World Garlic Market

According to a report, China is responsible for over 70% of the world’s garlic production. Following China, other significant garlic producers include India (5% of world production) and Bangladesh (1%). As of 2019, China produced 23 million tonnes annually. The country’s favourable environment and well-suited conditions contribute to its high garlic yield. Notably, the provinces of Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu are major contributors to garlic production. As a result, Chinese suppliers can provide fresh garlic bulbs, dried garlic, and powdered garlic.

Fresh Garlic: China garlic export said to be available in normal white and pure white, more commonly referred to as snow white garlic. Consumers prefer Chinese produce in their meals due to their natural taste and the long shelf-life that comes with the product.

Processed Garlic: China also provides garlic in different forms for instance garlic flakes, garlic powder, or garlic granules to ensure that they attend to the different customer needs.

Characteristics of Chinese Garlic:

• Flavour: Chinese garlic is known for its strong, pungent flavour that adds depth to dishes. It provides a distinct and robust taste to various cuisines.
• Aroma: Chinese garlic has a characteristic garlic aroma that is often used to enhance the flavour of food. Its aroma is pungent and adds a rich dimension to dishes when used in cooking.
• Appearance: Chinese garlic bulbs are typically large and firm, with white or purple skin. The bulbs are visually appealing and add aesthetic value to culinary preparations.

Key Chinese Garlic Suppliers

China, as a large country, has numerous garlic suppliers, but only a few are recognized for their quality, reliability, and consistency. Some of the top garlic suppliers from China are major players in both domestic and international markets. These suppliers are renowned for offering fresh, dehydrated, and processed garlic in various forms such as whole, minced, or powdered. Below are some of the leading garlic exporters:

1. Jining Shangzhuo Food Co., Ltd.: Located in the Shandong region, this company specializes in fresh garlic exports and focuses on quality control to ensure each batch meets international market requirements.
2. Qingdao Sinonut International Ltd.: This company is one of the major exporters of both fresh and dehydrated garlic. It is known for its strict quality standards and offers a wide range of garlic products, including peeled, powdered, and sliced garlic.
3. Henan Jinxiang County Garlic Industry Group: Located in Jinxiang County, one of the most famous garlic production areas, this supplier focuses on organic and non-organic garlic with a strong emphasis on sustainability. They have a robust export network to Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.
4. Zhongyun Garlic Industry Co., Ltd.: This leading supplier offers garlic products, including black garlic and dehydrated garlic products. The company is reputed for its use of advanced technologies in processing and packaging, ensuring long shelf life and freshness.

China Garlic Producing And Supplying Areas

• Shandong Province: Shandong is one of the major garlic-producing provinces of the country and is well known for producing high-quality garlic.
• Henan Province: Another significant garlic-producing province is Henan which produces organic garlic. According to the locations, if one is interested in organic or chemical-free garlic then one may consider getting it from Henan.
• Jiangsu Province: Jiangsu has fresh garlic and also products that are derived from garlic such as garlic powder and garlic flakes.

What Garlic Supplier Attributes Should Be Considered

Now, when you trying to find out the best garlic supplier in China, there are some crucial characteristics. These qualities will assist you to be sure that the garlic that you receive has met your expected quality as per the business requirements.

• Quality of Garlic: The first one is the quality of garlic used in cooking the food item. A top supplier will supply garlic that is fresh, clean, and free from blemishes as is the practice in the international market.
• Variety of Products: It is locally available and fresh garlic and other products like minced garlic, garlic paste or powder should also be available from the supplier.
• Reliability and Consistency: The schedules of delivery as well as the quality of garlic offered by the best companies in China are also reliable.
• Compliance with International Standards: Check that the supplier complies with HACCP, ISO, or BRC standards in food safety.

How to Choose the Right Garlic Supplier

When looking for a reliable garlic supplier in China, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Visit the Supplier: Take the time to visit the farm or production facility of the supplier to see how the garlic is grown, harvested, and processed.
• Check Certifications: Always ensure that the supplier has food hygiene and quality assurance certificates.
• Request Samples: Before placing a large order, ask for samples of the garlic to check the quality, taste, and freshness.
• Review Customer Feedback: Look for reviews from other customers who have purchased from the supplier.
• Communication and Service: Choose a supplier who is responsive to your needs, clearly communicates pricing, and has transparent shipping policies.

Challenges to Consider

While buying garlic from China has several benefits, it’s crucial to know some of the drawbacks that you might come across.

• Shipping Costs: Again, whenever ordering in bulk from extended distances, the costs of shipping might prove to be very expensive. Evaluate your supplier’s shipping costs or their export agreements because the right supplier should be able to provide a reasonable shipping rate if they have not already partnered with companies in the target market.
• Quality Control: Ask the supplier to have a strong quality assurance system as this can be a common problem such as damaged products or low quality. To reduce these risks it is advisable to communicate frequently with the supplier and undertake quality checks on the product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, China’s dominance in the garlic industry provides a wide array of options for businesses seeking a dependable garlic supplier. Partnering with a Chinese garlic supplier can ensure a steady supply of high-quality products to meet the increasing demand for this essential kitchen ingredient. It is vital to select a supplier that meets international standards and offers the right type of garlic to suit your business needs. Conducting a thorough analysis is essential in choosing the most suitable producer for your business.