When it comes to buy garlic in bulk, Shandong, China is the most prominent region worldwide. As the largest garlic-producing and exporting province, Shandong offers competitive pricing, superior quality, and well-established export channels. This article explores why Shandong is the best choice for bulk garlic buyers, the different garlic varieties available, how to find reliable suppliers, essential export certifications, and a comparison with other garlic-producing regions globally.
1. Why Choose Shandong for Garlic Sourcing?
Shandong’s Advantages in Vegetable Exports
Shandong is China’s top agricultural province, playing a key role in global vegetable exports. Its advantages include:
✅ Ideal Climate & Soil Conditions – Shandong’s fertile soil and favorable climate ensure garlic with high allicin content, strong aroma, and a longer shelf life.
✅ Well-Developed Export Infrastructure – The province has advanced cold chain logistics, major seaports (Qingdao, Rizhao, Yantai), and efficient export processing.
✅ Strict Quality Control & Certifications – Shandong garlic suppliers comply with GAP, HACCP, ISO, and GLOBALG.A.P. standards, meeting international food safety regulations.
✅ Mass Production Capacity – Shandong produces over 70% of China’s total garlic output, ensuring a stable supply throughout the year.
Top Export Destinations & Export Volume
Shandong exports garlic to over 160 countries, including:
Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam)
Europe (Netherlands, Germany, Russia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile)
Middle East & Africa (UAE, Egypt, South Africa)
North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
📊 China’s Garlic Exports (2023):
Total Garlic Exports: 2.1 million tons
Shandong’s Contribution: Over 1.5 million tons (70% of China’s total exports)
Export Growth Rate: 📈 10% YoY increase due to rising global demand
2. Why Choose Shandong Garlic?
Shandong is home to a wide range of garlic varieties, catering to different markets. The main types include:
🔹 Fresh Garlic
Pure white garlic (also called snow white garlic) – Popular in Europe & Middle East due to its smooth, bright appearance.
Normal white garlic (also called purple skin garlic) – Preferred in Asia & South America for its stronger taste and spicier flavor.
🔹 Processed Garlic
Peeled garlic cloves – Ready-to-use for restaurants & food industries.
Garlic powder & granules – Used in seasonings, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
Garlic paste & oil – Common in food manufacturing.
🔹 Organic Garlic
Shandong has expanded into organic garlic production, meeting the rising demand in Western markets.
3. Essential Certifications for Garlic Export
When purchasing garlic from Shandong, checking for export certifications is crucial to ensure quality and compliance with international regulations. The main certifications include:
🔹 Food Safety Certifications
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) – Ensures the garlic is processed under strict food safety standards.
ISO 22000 – International food safety management system certification.
BRC (British Retail Consortium) Certification – Required for selling garlic in UK and European supermarkets.
🔹 Agricultural Certifications
GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) – Ensures sustainable farming and pesticide control.
GLOBALG.A.P. Certification – Required for exporting garlic to Europe and premium markets.
Organic Certification – For organic garlic, complying with EU, USDA, or JAS organic standards.
🔹 Export & Trade Certifications
CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) – Mandatory for all garlic exports from China.
Phytosanitary Certificate – Confirms that the garlic meets the health and safety standards of the destination country.
CO (Certificate of Origin) – Verifies that the garlic is produced in China, necessary for import duties and customs clearance.
🚀 Choosing a supplier with these certifications ensures high-quality garlic, smooth customs clearance, and regulatory compliance.
4. How to Choose a Reliable Garlic Supplier in Shandong?
Selecting the right supplier ensures high-quality products, competitive pricing, and smooth export processes. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Export Experience & Certifications – Ensure suppliers have export licenses, quality certifications (GAP, HACCP, ISO), and experience handling international shipments.
✅ Competitive Pricing & Payment Terms – Reliable suppliers offer transparent pricing, stable contracts, and flexible payment options (L/C, T/T, D/P).
✅ One-Stop Export Solutions – Top suppliers provide:
Garlic sourcing & quality grading
Cold storage & packaging customization
Logistics & customs clearance
After-sales service & long-term cooperation
🛒 Recommended Shandong Garlic Markets & Suppliers:
Jinxiang Garlic Market (Jining City) – The world’s largest garlic trading hub.
Qingdao Export Hubs – Home to leading garlic processing factories.
5. How Competitive is Shandong Garlic Pricing?
Shandong garlic is known for its cost-effectiveness due to:
Mass production scale – Lower production costs & stable supply.
Efficient logistics – Proximity to major ports reduces transportation costs.
Government export incentives – Support for vegetable exports ensures price stability.
📌 Current Garlic Prices (March 2025):
Fresh Normal White Garlic: $0.80 – $1.10 per kg (FOB Qingdao)
Fresh Pure White Garlic: $1.00 – $1.30 per kg (FOB Qingdao)
Peeled Garlic Cloves: $1.50 – $1.80 per kg
Garlic Powder: $2.20 – $2.80 per kg
🔍 Shandong garlic prices are ~30% lower than many competing regions, making it one of the most competitive sources worldwide.
6. How Does Shandong Compare with Other Global Garlic Producers?
🔹 Other Major Garlic Producers:
| Region | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| China (Shandong) | 🌍 Largest exporter, low cost, high yield, reliable supply | 🚢 Long shipping time for distant markets |
| Spain | 🇪🇸 Premium quality, EU-certified | 💰 Higher price, limited supply |
| Argentina | 🇦🇷 Strong market in South America, seasonal advantage | 🔄 Smaller production scale |
| India | 🇮🇳 Spicy, small-size garlic (good for powders) | ❌ Inconsistent quality, limited export scale |
| Egypt | 🇪🇬 Fast shipping to Europe & Middle East | 📉 Less variety, seasonal shortages |
🌟 Conclusion: Shandong offers the best balance of price, quality, and stable supply, making it the top choice for bulk garlic buyers.
Conclusion: Why Choose Shandong for Bulk Garlic Procurement?
✅ World’s largest garlic supplier with stable export volume
✅ Diverse garlic varieties – Fresh, processed, and organic options available
✅ Comprehensive export certifications – Meets global food safety standards
✅ Competitive pricing – 30% cheaper than other major producers
✅ Reliable supplier network – One-stop sourcing, logistics & quality control
🚀 Ready to import bulk garlic? Consider sourcing from Shandong, China, for quality, price, and long-term reliability!