• Share this on:

Entering the European market for dried garlic

Last updated:
Takes 28 minutes to read

Even though many buyers consider dried garlic a commodity, suppliers have a few options to differentiate their product in terms of quality from relatively low-priced Chinese garlic. There are several alternative dried garlic countries of origin: Egypt and India, but also Serbia and Uzbekistan. The food industry is the leading segment for dried garlic in Europe. While consumers and food service providers such as restaurants mostly prefer fresh garlic over dried garlic, food manufacturers highly appreciate the long shelf life and ease of application of dried garlic.

1. What requirements and certifications must dried garlic meet to be allowed on the European market?

Dried garlic must comply with the general requirements for spices and herbs, including mandatory and additional buyer requirements. Buyer requirements range from general quality requirements to certification for specific market segments, such as organic and halal.

What are the mandatory requirements?

When exporting to Europe, you have to comply with the legally binding requirements of the EU. The most crucial requirements are related to food safety, and the basis for EU legislation is laid down in the General Food Law. This regulation relates mainly to traceability, hygiene and control. Compliance with this legislation ensures that the spice is safe to eat. Related to this are the legal limits for food contaminants.

Official border control for dried garlic imported into the European Union

Official food controls include regular inspections that can be carried out at import or any further stages in the European value chain. In case of non-compliance with European food legislation, individual cases are reported through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). A particular country's repeated non-compliance with European food legislation might result in a requirement for extra laboratory tests for shipments from specified countries.

Contaminant control in dried garlic

The European Regulation on contaminants sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in food products. This regulation is frequently updated. Apart from the limits set for general foodstuffs, there are several contaminant limits for specific products, but only for fresh garlic and not for dried garlic.

The most common requirements regarding contaminants in garlic relate to the presence of pesticide residues, mycotoxins, heavy metals, microbiological organisms and food additives. There are several notifications of issues with garlic in the RASFF database, although very few of the more than 40 notifications relate to dried garlic. The notifications vary, but most relate to undeclared allergens in garlic powder.

Levels of the following contaminants must be kept as low as can reasonably be achieved following recommended working practices:

  • Pesticides: The European Union regularly publishes a list of approved pesticides applicable to fresh garlic (code 0220010) that are authorised for use in the European Union. This list is frequently updated. Products containing more pesticide residues than allowed will be withdrawn from the European market. Excessive pesticide residues are not very frequent in the dried garlic trade.
  • Mycotoxins: limits for mycotoxins are set by EC Regulation 1881/2006. For garlic, maximum levels for mycotoxins are set for aflatoxin (between 5.0 μg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 10 μg/kg for the total aflatoxin content B1, B2, G1 and G2) and for ochratoxin A (maximum of 15 μg/kg). For dried garlic in the herbal infusions category A, maximum limits for mycotoxins are specified in the European pharmacopoeia. The maximum level of aflatoxins is the same as for food, at 5 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 10 µg/kg for the total aflatoxin content. The maximum limit for ochratoxin A is 15 µg/kg.
  • Food additives and adulteration: spices and spice blends are rejected for containing undeclared, unauthorised materials or excessive levels of extraneous materials, which is all matter from the specific plant other than the desired part.
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): contamination with PAHs stems from infection with smoke, usually through bad drying practices.
  • Heavy metals: The maximum level for lead (in mg/kg) is set at 0.050 for garlic.
  • Microbiological contamination: Salmonella must be absent in garlic for the European market. A validated steam-sterilisation step, typically saturated steam at ≥ 100 °C for several minutes, achieves the required log-reduction and ensures compliance.

Food additives

Buyers and European authorities can reject products if they contain undeclared, unauthorised or excessive amounts of extraneous materials. Specific legislation for additives (like colours and thickeners) and flavourings lists which E-numbers and substances are allowed for use. Authorised additives are listed in Annex II of the Food Additives Regulation.

In general, European traders and consumers prefer spices that are additive-free.

Tips:

  • Refer to CBI’s study on buyer requirements for spices and herbs or consult the specific requirements for dried garlic on the European Commission website Access2Markets for a complete overview of requirements.
  • Check the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) database for examples of dried garlic withdrawn from the market and the reasons behind these withdrawals.
  • Discuss with your potential buyers whether they want steam sterilisation. If your buyer requires steam sterilisation, look for local sterilisation companies that can provide this service for you. Sterilisation at your own facility is very expensive. Investments in the necessary equipment can cost up to €1 million.
  • Comply with food safety requirements during drying, storage, processing (such as sieving, mixing, grinding or crushing), packaging and transport. This will help prevent contamination with mycotoxins and other contaminants. Not even steam sterilisation can fully remove these substances.

Labelling

Clear labelling of your garlic is important for both bulk and pre-packed consumer products. European labelling legislation applies to pre-packed consumer products. This regulation (EU No 1169/2011) relates to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs, as well as providing information on nutritional content. The information must be in the language of the country you are selling to. You can also use multi-language labels if you sell your product in more than one country. Regulation (EU) 341/03 sets out guidelines on the labelling of foodstuffs using Protected Geographical Indications (PGI).

For bulk garlic, your product label must include: 

  • Product name;
  • Details of the manufacturer (name and address);
  • Name of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) (only when registered with the EU);
  • Batch number;
  • Date of manufacture;
  • Expiry date;
  • Weight of contents;
  • Other information required by the exporting and importing countries, e.g. producer and/or packer code, as well as extra information for tracing purposes.

What additional requirements do buyers often have?

European buyers may have additional legal requirements. These concerns include quality requirements for dried garlic, food safety certification, packaging requirements, and social and environmental sustainability.

Quality Minima

The European Spice Association represents the interests of the European spices industry and has established non-legal minimum quality requirements for spices, including dried garlic, in their Quality Minima Document. While these requirements are not legally binding, and non-compliance will not result in rejections by border controls, compliance is expected by most European buyers and often enforced through purchasing contracts, which include product specifications.

Table 1: Minimum quality requirements for dried garlic

Chemical/physical parameterValue
Ash (% weight for weight max)6.0
Acid insoluble ash (% weight for weight max)0.5
Moisture (% weight for weight max)6.5 (due to the hygroscopic nature of these products, lower moisture content may be required)
Volatile oil ml/100g minNot defined
Water activityA key parameter that affects microbiological growth. ESA recommends a target value of max. 0.65 (aw).
MicrobiologyThe product must be free from micro-organisms at levels which may represent a hazard to health. Specific requirements are to be agreed between buyer and seller.
AdulterationMust be free from adulteration.
InfestationShould be free in practical terms from live and/or dead insects, insect fragments and rodent contamination visible to the naked eye.
Extraneous matter (all matter from the specific plant other than the desired part)Spices max. 1% by weight.
Sensory propertiesMust be free from off-odour or off-flavour.

Source: European Spice Association

The ESA has not developed cleanliness specifications. As a result, European buyers often use the specifications for cleanliness stated by the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA).

Taste

The taste of dried garlic depends on variety, growing conditions and processing methods. Buyers usually have preferences for a certain taste profile. For example, some buyers want a strong dried garlic, whereas others prefer a mild dried garlic. For the latter buyers, dried garlic from which garlic oil was extracted may be attractive, while buyers that prefer strong garlic will not accept this. For this reason, buyers will often require a sample to taste the product before placing an order.

Colour

Most buyers, and particularly dried garlic powder buyers, prefer a white colour. As food manufacturers use dried garlic as an ingredient to be mixed with other ingredients, they prefer it to affect the colour of the final product as little as possible. This gives them more control over the colour of the final product by using other colouring foodstuffs or additives.

Sizes

Dried garlic can be offered to buyers in flakes, granules or powder. Many importers in Europe prefer to purchase dried garlic in flakes or granules. One of their concerns with powdered garlic and other spices is adulteration. Flakes and granules allow for easier detection of potential adulterants. Another concern is that the friction of the pulverisation process can affect the properties of the product when inferior equipment is used. Lastly, many European importers have the capacity to make powders, and prefer to control this process and add value themselves.

Many buyers require a specific particle size. Inconsistent particle size is a major buyer concern, as it affects the product’s suitability for certain applications. To achieve consistency in particle size, you must use high-quality equipment and apply strict sorting and grading.

Packaging

Dried garlic is mostly exported in bulk. The powder or flakes are packed in new, clean and dry multi-wall laminated bags made of food-grade material such as polypropylene. Do not use polythene bags, as they result in loss of flavour. The size of the packaging can range from 1 to 25 kg and must be agreed with the buyer. 

Requirements for consumer-packaged garlic are more demanding than for dried garlic in bulk. The most common types of consumer packaging for spices are:

  • Glass bottles with metal or plastic caps. These bottles often have additional features to dispense or grind garlic. This packaging is popular among consumers looking for convenience;
  • Printed plastic pouches. Polyester and polypropylene laminate are especially popular in this type of packaging, as they are lightweight and hygienic, can be heat-sealed and are easily available;
  • Printed tinplate containers, which may include a dispensing system;
  • Plastic and composite containers. These often contain ground or cut garlic. This packaging includes a seal that shows whether the packaging has been tampered with;
  • Lined cartons, which usually contain small quantities of whole garlic cloves.

Consumer packaging usually ranges from 5 to 100 grams. Packaging needs to be functional (to protect the product from infestation, spoilage and quality loss) and of high quality to enhance the sales appeal of the product. The design and feel of the product are just as important as the quality of the packaging material.

Additional food safety requirements

Only very few garlic buyers require suppliers to implement an advanced food safety management system recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative – like the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), British Retail Consortium (BRCGS), International Featured Standards (IFS Food) and Safe Quality Food programme (SQF) –­ and obtain a certificate from an accredited certifier.

Implementation and certification of these standards costs at least tens of thousands of euros and is only recommended for medium- and large-scale processors targeting large European retail chains. For those processors, such a certificate shows professionalism. Smaller buyers in niche markets for dried garlic are likely to have less strict food safety requirements.

Sustainability compliance

Social and environmental sustainability are important topics for European buyers. Large European spice and herb companies have all set goals to source sustainably sourced spices and herbs and improve transparency throughout their supply chains. As a result, suppliers must often adhere to the buyer’s Code of Conduct.

Since 2022, the European Spice Association (ESA) has developed a Code of Conduct for responsible sourcing. Many European spices and herbs companies are members of the ESA. As such, you will likely encounter this guideline when dealing with European buyers.

Tips:

  • Choose a food safety management system approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative if you aim to excel in food safety management or need to build trust with buyers.
  • Ask your buyer for their specific packaging requirements.
  • Add website links and QR codes to your packaging to provide more information about the product.
  • Visit the European Commission website for additional information on food labelling legislation. Note that this requirement only applies to final products sold directly to consumers.

What are the requirements for niche markets?

Some small markets in Europe have additional requirements, often in the form of certification. The most relevant one is organic certification.

Organic certification

To market dried garlic as organic in the EU, it must be cultivated using organic production methods that adhere to EU organic regulations. Growing and processing facilities must also undergo audits by an accredited certification body.

Figure 1: Organic-certified dried garlic in a German mainstream supermarket

Figure 1 Organic-certified dried garlic in a German mainstream supermarket

Source: Globally Cool, February 2025

Ethnic certification

Islamic dietary laws (Halal) and Jewish dietary laws (Kosher) stipulate specific dietary restrictions. If you focus on these niche markets, consider implementing Halal or Kosher certification schemes.

Tips:

2. Through which channels can you get dried garlic on the European market?

Dried garlic is sold through different channels to reach the food industry, food retail, food service, and other industries where companies use dried garlic in food applications. Dried garlic usually reaches the European market through importers and wholesalers.

How is the end market segmented?

End-market segments for dried garlic include the food industry, food retail and food service. The food industry accounts for around 50-80% of global demand for dried garlic. Consumers account for the other 20-50%. For industrial users, the long shelf life of dried garlic and ease of application are strong arguments for using dried garlic instead of fresh garlic. Major industrial users of dried garlic include manufacturers of spice mixtures, soups and sauces, ready-to-eat meals, savoury snacks and meat products.

Figure 2: End-market segments for dried garlic in Europe

Figure 2: End-market segments for dried garlic in Europe

Source: Globally Cool, June 2025

Besides the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry also uses small amounts of garlic. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognises garlic powder and extracts of garlic as a traditional herbal medicine. The herbal monograph for garlic contains two uses: adjuvant for the prevention of atherosclerosis, and relief of symptoms of the common cold. Garlic contains the substance allicin, which is generally regarded as one of the key substances in herbal medicine. 

Food industry

Large industrial users mostly source dried garlic directly from producers. These users include Unilever, known for brands like Knorr, and Nestlé, known for brands like Maggi. These companies need relatively large volumes, which allows them to skip intermediaries with a bulk-breaking function. Smaller industrial users with smaller volume needs often use importing wholesalers in Europe to source dried garlic, as the import of small amounts of dried garlic is relatively expensive and adds a lot of cost to the final product for consumers.

Food retail

Large retail chains like Tesco and Sainsbury’s in the United Kingdom, EDEKA and Lidl in Germany, and Carrefour in France, dominate the retail market segment for dried garlic in Europe, and especially the low-end segment. Besides physical shops, they increasingly have web shops where consumers can order products online and have them home-delivered.

Retail chains are increasingly selling products, including dried garlic, under their own private labels. They source almost all their dried garlic from large importers like British Pepper & Spice and Bart Ingredients in the United Kingdom, Fuchs Group and Kräuter Mix in Germany, Verstegen Spices & Sauces and Euroma in the Netherlands, Ducros (McCormick France) and Espig (Cepasco) in France, and Carmencita and Sabater Spices in Spain.

Smaller independent retailers such as delicatessen and food service providers (hotels, restaurants and catering) like Metro Chef are other retail channels. They mostly serve the high-end retail segment. By offering unique and exclusive products, they avoid direct competition with retail chains on price.

Food service

The food service sector buys dried garlic for restaurants, hotels, caterers and canteens. Most orders pass through specialist wholesalers such as Sligro Food Group, TransgourmetMetro Cash & CarryBidfoodMakroBrakes and Hanos. These firms source dried garlic either directly from exporters or, more often, via large bulk importers.

Professional kitchens need packs that sit between retail jars and industrial sacks. For flakes, granules or powder, tubs or bags of 250 grams to 3 kg offer chefs the right balance of easy storage, portion control and shelf life. Note that similar portion sizes of up to 3 kg are also typically used for garlic applied in the feed industry.

Through which channels does dried garlic end up on the end market?

There are several ways in which dried garlic reaches the European market. Figure 4 shows that the most important channels are importers/wholesalers and processors/packers.

Figure 3: Market channels for dried garlic to Europe

Figure 3: Market channels for dried garlic to Europe

Source: Globally Cool, June 2025

Importers/wholesalers and processors/packers

Importing wholesalers – like NedspiceJost Bauer and Colin Ingredients – source large amounts of garlic and break these bulk imports into smaller amounts for smaller industrial users. Although many exporters from developing countries aim to supply European industrial users directly to obtain higher margins, this bulk-breaking function can contribute to an increase in trade volumes, and eventually higher profits.

Some importers/wholesalers in Europe market themselves more as spice processors/packers, but they also import dried garlic. Such companies include British Pepper & Spice in the United Kingdom, Fuchs Group in Germany, Verstegen Spices & Sauces in the Netherlands, and Carmencita in Spain.

What is the most interesting channel for you?

Importing wholesalers are the most interesting channel for most dried garlic exporters. They provide access to all segments in Europe and are interested in a wide variety of dried garlic products. They are usually more open to new suppliers than industrial users and retailers, so they are relatively easy to find. Examples of these importers are Verstegen and Schwartz.

As the main function and added value of importing wholesalers is the import and bulk-breaking of large amounts of spices, their purchasing processes are well-organised and efficient. At the same time, they have a large network of suppliers worldwide and can switch relatively easily to other suppliers, which gives them a lot of negotiating power. They are up-to-date on current price levels in the global market and provide little room for margins, unless you can prove that your product is unique and is worth a price premium.

Tips: 

  • See the CBI studies on natural ingredients for health products for more information on the health ingredients market.
  • Benefit from the experience, knowledge and bulk-breaking function of specialised European importers instead of approaching retailers or industrial users directly.
  • Look for importing wholesalers in the member lists of national spice associations in Europe. Go to the member section of the European Spice Association (ESA) for an overview of associations.
  • Consider an alternative market entry through agents if your sales capacity is limited. These intermediaries search for buyers on your behalf. Once an agent introduces you to a customer, you are normally bound to work through that agent. European law protects their sales network, so direct trading with the buyer is no longer an option. One website where you can find agents is that of the Federation of German Commercial Agents and Distributors (CDH).

3. What competition do you face on the European dried garlic market?

Competition for dried garlic is strong. The market is dominated by Chinese suppliers, who deliver large quantities at a low price. Nonetheless, many European companies aim to diversify their sources to limit the risk of supply problems in a single source country. Some suppliers express concerns that China will need more of its dried garlic for domestic consumption in the long-term, leaving less dried garlic available for exports. For this reason, many buyers of Chinese dried garlic are still interested in offers from other sources.

Which countries are you competing with?

China supplies an estimated 80% of the global market for dried garlic. The large scale of their garlic production, particularly in Jinxian County in the Shandong province, results in economies of scale and allows Chinese suppliers to offer low prices. China is the largest supplier of dried garlic to Europe, making supply from other countries pale in comparison. For that reason, China’s volumes are not displayed in Figure 4. Instead, the volume of a smaller but fast-growing supplying country, Serbia, is included.

Source: Eurostat Comext and ITC Trade Map (June 2025)

Alternatives to Chinese dried garlic are dried garlic from Europe’s main production country, Spain, and from various countries outside Europe, including Egypt, India, Uzbekistan and Serbia. These countries are further described below. 

China: the world’s largest garlic producer also supplies a large share of the dried garlic market

China plays a leading role in all garlic markets, including fresh and dried garlic. The country’s dried garlic industry is concentrated in Jinxian County, Shandong Province, where vast cultivation areas and low production costs allow exporters to offer highly competitive prices. China is by far the largest supplier of dried garlic to Europe, with an export volume of over 63 thousand tonnes in 2024 and 6.6% annual growth since 2020.

Despite low prices, not all European buyers are interested in Chinese products. Some of them mistrust Chinese suppliers due to poor transparency in supply chains and rumours of poor quality management systems. Still, the quality of dried garlic entering Europe is generally considered to be good. Chinese garlic flakes are often preferred because they are larger, more colourful and less pungent.

Looking ahead, rising domestic demand in China may reduce export availability in the future, encouraging European buyers to seek alternative suppliers. This shift creates opportunities for countries like Egypt, India, Uzbekistan and Serbia to expand their presence in the European market.

Egypt: a significant competitor in the European dried garlic market

Egypt can compete on price with China and benefits from proximity to the European market. However, volumes of Egyptian dried garlic are far smaller, and there are no indications that the quality of Egyptian dried garlic is higher.

Egypt has become Europe’s second-largest non-EU source. Volumes went up from 5,870 tonnes in 2020 to 6,980 tonnes in 2024; a 4.4% CAGR. Export volume stayed remarkably even, moving near 6,700 tonnes in both 2022 and 2023 before a modest increase in 2024. Egypt’s steady supply and geographical proximity ensure it remains a good alternative when Chinese prices spike. Germany is Egypt’s number one destination, taking around one-third of the volume, although demand dipped in 2023 before bouncing back to 2,180 tonnes in 2024. Poland is a stable second market, but shows a slight decline.

The real growth drivers for Egypt’s exports are smaller markets: Slovenia skyrocketed from 122 tonnes to 826 tonnes, and Spain grew to 240 tonnes from almost nothing in 2020, both attracted by Egypt’s competitive prices. The United Kingdom also doubled its purchases to over 590 tonnes. Medium-sized and growing markets in Europe also include France, Austria and the Netherlands.

India: almost doubling dried garlic exports to Europe

Indian exports almost doubled, climbing from 2,280 tonnes in 2020 to 4,640 tonnes in 2024, a growth of 19% per year. Volumes have risen every year except 2022. India’s cutters supply uniform granules and powders that European blenders need for spice mixes. Progress suggests exporters are managing aflatoxin and pesticide risks better. If compliance stays strong, India could challenge Egypt within 5-8 years for the second position in extra-EU supply.

The United Kingdom is India’s prime destination at about 1,800 tonnes, up 22% per year. Poland has become the star climber, soaring from 180 to 640 tonnes. Germany and Spain rose steadily to 560 tonnes and 460 tonnes respectively. Portugal jumped from 40 to 190 tonnes, and Romania and Bulgaria both went to 110 and 100 tonnes respectively after almost nothing in 2020. 

One important reason for India’s growing dried garlic exports is the global shortage caused by reduced garlic production in China. As a result of this shortage, demand for Indian garlic has significantly increased globally, including in Europe. European buyers have started to appreciate Indian garlic flakes and granules due to their good quality, and have gradually paid higher prices. Two states dominate India’s garlic production: Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan account for almost 80% of Indian production.

Figure 5: Indian garlic powder available in a British online shop

Figure 5: Indian garlic powder available in a British online shop

Source: Globally Cool, June 2025

Uzbekistan: strong growth but hindered by higher road freight rates

Uzbek exports grew from 820 tonnes in 2020 to 1,360 tonnes in 2022, then dropped to 970 tonnes in 2024. The overall 4.2% CAGR masks a recent weakness, mostly linked to higher road freight rates. Uzbekistan has found a niche market in Europe by offering mid-priced, low-moisture slicesGermany accounts for over two-thirds of Uzbek exports at about 690 tonnes, after peaking in 2022. The United Kingdom is a fast-growing market, from nothing in 2020 and 2021 to 160 tonnes in 2024, thanks to buyers looking beyond China and India. Poland (60 tonnes), the Czech Republic and Belgium (20 tonnes) are smaller destinations.

Serbia: peaking exports to Europe every year

Serbia surged from just 20 tonnes in 2020 to 660 tonnes in 2024, showing a remarkable 156% CAGR. Each year set a record, with volumes more than doubling since 2022. Almost all of Serbia’s dried garlic goes to the United Kingdom, with only a small volume going to Switzerland. Serbia’s success can be explained by its position in the mid-priced segment with low-moisture slices, but growth now relies on winning more customers in countries beyond the United Kingdom.

Which companies are you competing with?

New entrants to the market will face competition from already successful dried garlic exporters, especially due to their established long-term relationships with buyers. Entering the market as a newcomer requires you to have extensive knowledge of your product assortment, stable quality and volumes, and good communication skills to start building your own relationships with buyers.

Chinese companies offer economies of scale

Most of the world’s dried garlic suppliers come from China. Chinese exporters have invested in large-scale and efficient production, for example, Jining Land Trading Co. and Jining Fenduni Foodstuff Co. Olam, the world’s largest dried garlic producer, also has a factory in China. In this video of their factory, you can get an impression of the size of their production and the technology they apply.

Egypt: varied players in garlic trade

Egyptian exporters of dried garlic cover different niches and scales. UD Crops is focused on the dehydration of different vegetables. It uses modern drying lines and meets EU quality standards. The company supplies garlic flakes, powder and granules in bulk.

Egy Fresh Farm is a garlic specialist. The company grows local varieties and controls the crop from field to pack. The firm offers full traceability and organic options. It ships both peeled garlic and dried products to Europe.

Norica Food and Rich Spices are herb-and-spice houses with garlic in their range. They blend and pack many dried herbs and spices, including dried garlic. Both have flexible order sizes and private-label services. 

Indian companies are a mix of generalists and specialists

India has both large generalist exporters and niche specialists. Mahesh Agro Food Industries is a major spice and herb supplier. It runs big drying plants and ships garlic flakes, powders and granules in large volumes.

Bagora Dehydrates focuses mainly on garlic. It air-dries garlic into mesh sizes 8–16, 10–0 and 16–26. Products come in 12.5 kg bulk bags or 1 kg retail packs. Bagora also offers roasted garlic, standard granules (–80 +40), fine powder (#60), 3/8 dices and chopped or minced garlic.

Serbian companies offer a broad range of dried vegetables

ACM INT is a leading Serbian supplier of dried vegetables, including garlic. They use modern drying technology, such as fluid-bed and drum dryers. This lets them process many products on the same lines and keep costs low.

Their large annual capacity means they can handle large orders with a fast turnaround. They meet EU food safety standards and hold ISO 22000 certification.

Uzbekistan: full range of dried and fresh suppliers

Companies from Uzbekistan also offer a broad range of (dried and sometimes fresh) vegetables and fruits, including dried garlic. Nateco Impex is a young Uzbek exporter founded in 2017. It began exporting in 2018 and now ships fresh and dried fruits and vegetables to many markets. The firm offers a wide range of dried produce. Its lineup includes garlic in various forms, including flaked, chopped, minced, powdered and granulated garlic.

Nateco uses modern dehydration lines in Namangan. These lines handle different crops all year round, keeping capacity high and lowering unit costs. Nateco serves customers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Which products are you competing with?

In Europe, dehydrated garlic competes with several products:

  • Fresh whole bulbs and ready-peeled cloves offer a ‘natural’ look or minimal processing;
  • Frozen chopped garlic and chilled purées offer caterers longer fridge life and labour savings, while refrigerated garlic-in-oil pastes give strong taste and instant dosing for retail and food service;
  • Garlic oil is extracted from garlic and is an alternative to dried garlic for some food manufacturers that are looking for a garlic flavour in wet products like snack coatings, sauces and dressings. Compared to garlic oil, flakes are easier to handle and have the advantage of being a visible ingredient for consumers;
  • At the ingredient level, garlic powder and granules compete with onion, shallot and leek powders that deliver similar sulphur notes at a lower cost, and with garlic oleoresin or natural flavourings that pack more punch per kilo in snack coatings;
  • In terms of origin, Egyptian, Indian and Chinese dried flakes compete with locally produced and sliced Spanish or French garlic.

Tips:

  • If you are a new producer, demonstrate to your potential buyer that you can offer a continuous supply of good-quality dried garlic that complies with food safety requirements.
  • Develop long-term partnerships with your buyer. Always comply with buyer requirements and keep your promises. This will give you a competitive advantage and more knowledge and stability on the European market.
  • Actively promote your company on your website and at trade fairs. Quality competitions also offer good opportunities to share your dried garlic with a wider audience. For instance, refer to the Sofi Awards, Superior Taste Award and the Great Taste Awards.
  • Position your dried garlic carefully by price, cleanliness, cut size or origin story.

4. What are the prices of dried garlic on the European market?

While dried garlic was imported in bulk at prices between €2,500 and €3,500 per tonne CIF (Cost Insurance Freight) in 2024, the price of dried garlic on supermarket shelves could be as high as €140/kg and beyond. The difference between import prices and shelf prices is considerable, but it covers all costs associated with transport, storage, processing, packaging, distribution, sales and marketing. Before 2020, prices for dried garlic depended strongly on the size and quality of harvests in China. Since 2022, logistics costs have played a bigger role.

Import prices in Germany, Europe’s second-largest market, show that average prices increased from €3,100 per tonne in 2020 to €3,900 per tonne in 2024. Prices went up especially in 2022 (to €3,700 per tonne) due to the fast-growing costs of transport and energy that year. Since 2023, prices have been stable again.

CIF prices of dried garlic from China to Germany show a similar pattern, with a huge jump in 2022 to €3,100 per tonne, then dropping slightly in 2023 (€2,900 per tonne), before bouncing back to €3,100 per tonne. CIF prices of Egyptian garlic did not see the same sharp increase in 2022, but increased to a higher level in 2023. Uzbekistan’s dried garlic prices were even more impacted by the higher costs of energy and logistics in 2022 than those of China, which explains Uzbekistan’s drop in volume after 2023.

Price breakdown

Figure 6 is a rough indication of what a price breakdown for garlic powder sold in European supermarkets, at the imaginary but realistic price of €70 per kg, looks like. It assumes that the dried garlic is imported at €3,900 per tonne. Although margins may appear high, they must cover a wide range of costs, including processing and packaging, inventory management, food safety certifications, taxes, sales and marketing activities, transportation and distribution.

Source: Globally Cool, June 2025

As garlic powder is made of waste material from the production of flakes and granules, prices for flakes and granules are approximately 5-20% higher. Organic dried garlic fetches a premium of around 30% compared to conventional dried garlic.

Tip:

Globally Cool carried out this study on behalf of CBI.

Please review our market information disclaimer.

  • Share this on:

Search

Enter search terms to find market research

Do you have questions about this research?

Ask your question

The taste profile of dried garlic from different suppliers varies a lot. Especially when the oil is extracted from the garlic, the residual garlic has much less taste. Such dried garlic is offered on the market for low prices, but is not good enough for users that require a strong taste. Those users will pay more for dried garlic with a strong taste.

Hay Thissen, Hela

Hay Thissen, Hela