Wholesale Buyer’s Guide • Dates (Phoenix dactylifera)
Buy Dates in Wholesale (Vashi APMC, 2025): Transparency, Efficiency & Global Reach
Quick answer
Where do I buy dates wholesale in Vashi? From importer-distributors at or near APMC Vashi with sealed cartons, traceable paperwork, and clear labeling.
What varieties are available? Sukkari (soft, honey-sweet), Mazafati (Bam), Ajwa, Medjool, Zahedi (semi-dry), Deglet Noor, and Barhi, subject to season.
Typical packs? Trade cartons (5–10 kg; semi-dry up to 30 kg). Retail programs use 250 g/500 g/1 kg pouches and gift boxes.
Labels (India)? FSSAI license, product name, net qty, lot/batch, pack date, best-before, ingredients (100% dates), storage guidance, importer/packer details.
Do soft dates need refrigeration? Keep away from heat; in warm climates, refrigerate; for long holds, freeze in airtight packs.
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Why Vashi APMC is India’s wholesale dates hub
The APMC Vashi ecosystem anchors India’s dates trade. Importer-distributors aggregate lots across varieties, grades, and origins, so buyers—from neighborhood retailers to national brands—can secure supply without flying to multiple ports. With strong daily throughput, the market provides fresh rotation, wide choice, and competitive deal-making.
- Speed: Same-day inspections and quick pick-ups for local buyers.
- Choice: Premium imports for gifting plus value semi-dry lots for everyday packs.
- Networks: Logistics, packaging vendors, and label printers are nearby, enabling program launches in weeks, not months.
Top benefits of buying dates wholesale
- Cost efficiency: Bulk purchasing lowers landed cost per kilogram, supporting healthy margins.
- Assortment depth: Access to multiple varieties allows you to build a good-better-best portfolio across price tiers.
- Inventory control: Bulk lots reduce restock frequency and enable predictable promotions.
- Faster launches: Ready packaging inputs + available lots speed up new SKU rollouts.
- Program scalability: Move from trial to city-wide distribution with consistent grading and labeling.
Varieties & sourcing (India + imports)
Wholesale buyers typically combine premium imports (for gifting and D2C hero SKUs) with value or semi-dry lots (for volume). Here are common choices:
| Variety | Profile | Use-case |
|---|---|---|
| Sukkari | Soft, honey-sweet; golden to amber | Everyday snacking, gift pouches |
| Mazafati (Bam) | Soft, high moisture; needs cool handling | Refrigerated programs, D2C |
| Ajwa | Dark, premium; festive appeal | Gifting, premium boxes |
| Medjool | Large, caramel notes | Top-tier gifting, gourmet |
| Zahedi/Zahedi (semi-dry) | Firm, longer shelf-life | Value packs, bakery/industrial |
| Deglet Noor | Semi-dry, sliceable | Bars, granola, bakery mixes |
| Barhi | Seasonal; fresh/yellow stage possible | Seasonal niches, specialty retail |
Tip: Blend premium gifting SKUs (Ajwa/Medjool) with core rotation SKUs (Sukkari/Zahedi) to balance margin and velocity.
Packaging formats & retail programs
- Trade cartons: 5–10 kg are common; some semi-dry lots arrive in 30 kg bags/cartons.
- Retail-ready: 250 g/500 g/1 kg pouches with reclosable zips; gift boxes for premium lines.
- Private label: Dielines, matte finishes, provenance notes (e.g., Bam, Iran or Qassim, Saudi Arabia), and QR codes for storage guidance.
Packaging QA: Validate seal strength, oxygen/moisture barrier, and print compliance before mass runs.
Quality assurance & traceability
Trust is built with consistent QC SOPs and transparent documentation. A simple framework:
- Sampling: Open random packs per lot; score appearance, aroma, texture, seed/flesh ratio.
- Defect checks: Watch for surface crystals, syrup pooling, off-odors, torn skins.
- Records: Maintain lot logs (arrival date, supplier, grade, photos, QC notes).
- Traceability: Request invoices mentioning variety, origin, and batch; keep copies with receiving logs.
Service levels: Agree on replacements for QC-failed lots in your purchase order terms.
Cold chain & logistics
Dates are resilient, but soft varieties benefit from cool handling. Keep away from heat and direct sun during transport and display. In warm climates, refrigerate after opening; for longer holds, freeze in airtight packs. For B2B programs, specify:
- Delivery windows and temperature conditions for soft dates.
- Handling instructions at receiving docks and stores.
- FEFO rotation (First-Expiry-First-Out) with shelf-life labels.
Pricing dynamics & seasonality
Wholesale prices move with harvest timing, grade/size, freight, and festive demand. Plan for seasonal peaks—Ramadan, Diwali, and winter gifting—by pre-booking core SKUs and confirming replenishment windows. Align promotions with inbound shipments to reduce stock-outs and last-mile rush premiums.
Compliance & labeling (FSSAI • GST)
- FSSAI labeling: product name, vegetarian logo, net quantity, lot/batch, date of packing, best-before, ingredients (100% dates), storage guidance, importer/packer name & address, and FSSAI license number.
- Barcoding & retail: GS1 EANs for modern trade where applicable.
- Documentation: Keep invoices, origin notes, and QC logs for audits and customer support.
Disclaimer: Regulations evolve. Verify label elements and taxes with official sources or your compliance advisor before printing.
How to place a wholesale order
- Define your mix: Choose varieties, grades, and pack sizes for each channel (retail vs HoReCa vs gifting).
- Request quotes & samples: Share lanes and approximate volumes; ask for sample cartons for QC.
- Confirm labeling: Provide FSSAI license, brand assets, and copy-checked artwork.
- Lock timelines: Agree inbound dates, dispatch cadence, and replacement terms for quality failures.
- Launch: Train staff on storage/merchandising; align promotions with initial shipments.
Export readiness & documentation
Export programs require destination-specific rules. Common requests include certificates of analysis, phytosanitary certificates, and origin notes. Work with forwarders early to finalize packing lists, labeling language, and temperature guidance for soft varieties.
Sustainability & ethical sourcing
Responsible buyers look beyond price. Favor suppliers investing in safe handling, waste minimization, and transparent labor practices. Simple steps—like recyclable pouches and clear storage instructions—lower returns and improve customer trust.
FAQs
What MOQ should I plan for?
Ask your distributor. Many programs start with pilot lots; scale once rotation is proven.
Is Sukkari suitable for gifting?
Yes. Its honey-sweet profile and soft bite work well in 250–500 g pouches and premium boxes.
How soon can I launch a private label?
With ready dielines and confirmed suppliers, pilot runs can begin within weeks. Build in time for label approvals.
Do I need refrigeration at store level?
Not for all varieties. For soft dates and warm shelves, chilled displays protect quality and reduce returns.
What about returns for quality issues?
Set clear PO terms for replacements and keep lot-wise QC records with photos.
Contact & quote (wholesale programs)
Hurzuk Enterprise LLP — Importer & Distributor
📍 APMC Vashi Market, Navi Mumbai • 📞 +91 8879 666 906 • ✉️ hurzuk.abid@gmail.com
🌐 https://www.dates.business/
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