Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the Best Wholesale Dates Prices in Mumbai 2025
Mumbai is India’s largest hub for date trading, with the Vashi APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) Market emerging as the top destination for bulk date buyers. If you’re a retailer, brand owner, foodservice buyer or repacker searching for the best dates shop in Mumbai or the “best dates wholesale shop near me,” this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the entire process – from understanding the market and picking varieties to negotiating deals and staying updated on daily rates – so you can lock in unbeatable bulk-date prices. By following these steps, you’ll confidently secure premium dates (Medjool, Ajwa, Mazafati, Sukkari, etc.) at the lowest possible wholesale rates in Mumbai and beyond.
1. Understand the Mumbai Dates Market
Mumbai’s APMC Vashi dates market is a bustling wholesale hub supplying dates nationwide. Also known as the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, APMC Vashi (in Navi Mumbai) is renowned for its regulated trading environment: stringent quality inspections and transparent pricing rules give buyers confidence. Over 150 vendors converge here daily, importing premium dates from Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Tunisia and beyond. The high volumes at Vashi create economies of scale, which translates into sharp wholesale rates you won’t find at smaller retail shops. In fact, as one industry guide notes, “the APMC Dates Market in Vashi stands out as a premier destination” for high-quality dates at highly competitive prices. (For context, the APMC date market operates Monday–Saturday, ~10 am–8 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.)
By knowing where to shop (Vashi) and when to go (weekday mornings/afternoons), you’re already on your way to best deals. Always arrive with a specific order size and variety list in mind. The huge selection at Vashi includes not only luxury dates (like Medjool, Ajwa and Mazafati) but also budget-friendly types (such as Zahidi, Mabroom and Khudri). This breadth of options lets you cater to any customer segment – from gourmet stores to everyday groceries.
2. Identify Top Date Varieties and Demand
The key to securing the best price is knowing which varieties you need and how they’re valued. Mumbai’s wholesale market stocks dozens of date types, but these are the big four to focus on:
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Medjool Dates: Often called the “king of dates,” Medjools are large, soft and caramel-like in flavor. They command a premium price but also attract gourmet customers. Quality Medjools imported from Morocco or California are prized for snacking and desserts.
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Ajwa Dates: Dark, tender Ajwa dates (from Saudi Arabia) are rich in tradition and health benefits. They are slightly firmer than Medjool but still high-end. Ajwa wholesale rates in Mumbai run higher than most due to demand.
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Mazafati Dates: Native to Iran’s Bam region, Mazafatis are soft, moist and very sweet. They offer luxury appeal at a somewhat lower cost than Medjool/Ajwa. Wholesale bulk packs of Mazafati (5–6 kg boxes) can drop to around ₹200–210 per kg during harvest season.
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Sukkari Dates: These golden Saudi dates (also called “Qassim” dates) have a honeyed sweetness and are more budget-friendly. Sukkaris usually cost well under the premium variety prices – often in the ₹300–600/kg range at wholesale – making them a high-volume seller.
Other varieties like Zahidi, Mabroom, Khudri, Fard, etc. round out the market. In practice, you’ll want at least one luxury variety and one value variety in your order mix. For example, pairing Medjool and Mazafati (for higher-margin sales) with Sukkari and Zahidi (for mass-market demand) covers most customer preferences. Research which dates sell best in your region and season. For Ramadan/Eid gift packs, Ajwa and Medjool often fly off shelves, whereas in off-season months, Sukkari or Zahidi boxes are reliable sellers.
3. Research Current Wholesale Price Ranges
Before negotiating, know the benchmark rates at Mumbai’s wholesale markets. Real 2024–2025 price surveys and local intel give us ballpark figures. In Vashi APMC for May–June 2025, typical wholesale price ranges were roughly:
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Medjool (large): ₹500–800 per kg
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Ajwa: ₹800–1200 per kg
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Sukkari: ₹300–600 per kg
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Zahidi: ₹150–400 per kg
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Mazafati (5–6kg box): ~₹200–210 per kg
Since markets fluctuate, treat these as guidelines. Also keep in mind packaging: retailers often sell dates in retail packs (e.g. 500g/1kg) at higher per-kg prices, while your bulk purchase bypasses that markup. Many suppliers offer both large loose sacks and export-grade cartons. If you buy in larger cartons or sack quantities (5–10 kg or more), the per-kg rate can often dip toward the lower end of these ranges.
Tip: Always ask for the current day’s APMC price list. Many traders update their quotes hourly. For example, the Daily APMC Report (via the Mumbai APMC website or phone groups) will list up-to-date arrival quantities and rates. Better still, join a WhatsApp pricing group or chat with suppliers – we’ll explain how below.
4. Plan Bulk Purchases for Bigger Savings
Buy in bulk – it’s the golden rule. Simply put, the more you buy, the lower the unit price. As one trading guide advises, “order 500 kg or more for better rates”. If your storage and turnover allow, commit to seasonal stock (e.g. a few months’ supply) during harvest peaks. Large orders give you negotiating leverage because suppliers save on handling and often offer quantity discounts.
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Timing is everything. Date prices often spike during high-demand seasons (Ramadan, Eid, Diwali). Plan ahead and buy in the off-season whenever possible. Right after Eid, or in summer, markets slow and many sellers slash rates to clear inventory. A rule of thumb: avoid buying close to Ramadan/Eid; instead, stock up weeks before or shortly after the festival rush.
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Place repeat orders. If you develop a good rapport with a supplier, commit to a regular buying schedule. Suppliers prefer reliable customers, so they may pass along better pricing or keep you in mind for exclusive deals. For example, some dealers lock-in prices via a 3–6 month contract, guaranteeing you steady rates and delivery.
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Bundle varieties. When negotiating, consider giving the supplier a larger share of your business (e.g. “I’ll take 300 kg Medjool and 300 kg Ajwa”). Trading bundles of mixed varieties often unlocks a small extra discount, compared to buying all of one type.
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Leverage promotions. Watch for special offers. Traders sometimes run promotions on certain date types (e.g. “Buy 100 kg Sukkari at festival rates”). Signing up for dealers’ WhatsApp alerts (or dates.business updates) can get you these time-limited deals.
By planning volume and timing, you avoid costly last-minute purchases. As the APMC Vashi guide notes, “larger quantities translate to bigger savings”. In practice, aim to order at least one full pallet (250–500 kg) or container-load if you have the capacity. Even double-digit orders yield lower rates than a mere 50 kg.
5. Choose the Right Wholesale Supplier
Not all suppliers are equal. Picking a reliable, certified dealer ensures you get quality dates and fair pricing. Key criteria include:
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Reputation: Do they have a known track record? Established wholesale names like Hurzuk Enterprise LLP (Navi Mumbai) are trusted because they’ve serviced hundreds of retailers with consistency. Check reviews or ask around industry forums for feedback.
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Certifications: Ensure the supplier has proper FSSAI registration and import licenses. This is crucial if you’re buying imported varieties like Mazafati, Ajwa or Medjool. Reliable traders will freely show these documents.
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Packaging & Storage: Good wholesalers offer both retail-ready packs (for resale) and loose bulk packaging. Confirm they have temperature-controlled cold storage (especially for fresh dates like Mazafati). Hurzuk Enterprise, for instance, touts cutting-edge cold storage at Turbhe MIDC to keep fruit fresh.
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Sampling: Always request a sample box before placing a huge order. A professional supplier should welcome you inspecting or tasting the stock. This prevents surprises about grade or dryness later.
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Transparency: Clear communication and transparent pricing terms are a must. Avoid suppliers who evade questions about origin or try to hide pack details. A good partner will share our philosophy: direct sourcing and honest pricing.
If you want a dependable option, Hurzuk Enterprise LLP is one example of a top Mumbai dates supplier. They emphasize premium quality and cutting out middlemen to give clients wholesale rates. In general, pick a supplier that specializes in dates (not a general dry-fruit seller) – this focus usually means better expertise and inventory turnover.
6. Negotiate Smartly for Best Prices
The wholesale date market is competitive. Smart negotiation can significantly reduce your costs:
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Bulk Leverage: Reiterate the volume you’re buying. As noted, asking for a 500+ kg order often sweetens the deal. If possible, negotiate a phased order (e.g. “I’ll commit to two 250 kg shipments if you meet this price”).
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Use Off-Season Timing: Buying outside peak festivals means sellers are keener to close deals. Politely remind them of upcoming seasonal lulls and ask if that can be reflected in a lower rate.
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Fixed-Rate Contracts: For repeated business, propose a contract with pre-agreed rates for 3–6 months. This stabilizes costs against inflation or currency shifts, benefiting both you and the supplier.
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Payment Terms: If you can pay by cheque or digital advance, leverage that. Cash deals sometimes allow a modest discount (suppliers avoid banking hassles). Conversely, negotiate credit terms if cash flow is tight (e.g. 50% now, balance on delivery).
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Friendships and Festivities: Don’t underestimate relationship-building. Bring sweets or gifts during Eid or festivals, or simply wish the seller well. A friendly rapport often leads them to offer better insider prices.
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Leverage Competing Quotes: If one dealer’s quote isn’t acceptable, politely mention other rates you’ve heard (without naming the source). Sometimes this prompts them to improve their offer to not lose your business.
In short, show that you’re an informed and serious buyer. With strategies like these in place, you’ll maximize your margin. Just like one wholesale guide suggests, “Repeat orders… get priority pricing,” so make sure to follow through on commitments. Remember, negotiation is give-and-take: you ask for a lower rate, the seller may ask for a larger or faster order.
7. Store and Sell Strategically
After buying, how you store and market the dates can also impact your effective cost:
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Proper Storage: Keep your dates in cool, dry conditions to maintain shelf life. Use airtight food-grade containers or vacuum packs. If you have cold storage, reserve the premium varieties (Medjool, Mazafati) there to prevent spoilage. Even refrigerating these dates can extend freshness by weeks.
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Slow Sell Minimizes Loss: Avoid holding dates until they dry out or ferment. Move product within 2–3 months of purchase. For very slow-moving variety, consider small pre-orders to reduce unsold inventory.
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Create Gift Packs: Repack bulk dates into attractive gift boxes or festival packs. During Ramadan/Eid, customers expect nicely boxed Ajwa or Medjool. This can significantly raise your selling price per kg. (Tip: Buyers love mixed assortments – e.g. a “Ramadan Special” box with half Medjool, half Sukkari. Presenting value bundles can help margins).
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Online & Retail Sales: List your dates on e-commerce (Amazon, Flipkart) or your own website to reach more customers. Emphasize bulk pricing or “wholesale exclusives” (e.g. 5 kg pack pricing). Highlight quality certifications and the fact they’re fresh from Vashi.
Think of distribution as part of your “buying costs.” Efficiently turning over stock and reaching end customers quickly means you can reinvest sooner. Also, collaborating with local retailers (kirana stores, cafes, manufacturers) to sell your dates on consignment or in small batches will expand your volume and justify the bulk buying you did.
8. Stay Connected and Informed
The wholesale dates scene is always moving. To never miss a good opportunity or a sudden price dip, stay plugged in:
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Join Our WhatsApp Community: We maintain an active WhatsApp broadcast group for Mumbai date rates. By joining, you’ll receive daily APMC Vashi price updates and exclusive deal alerts. Simply message us at +91 88796 66906 (or click here) to join. This way you get bulletins like “AZIFA Mabroom dropping to ₹120/kg today” or fresh-import alerts.
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Follow Industry Sources: Keep tabs on websites like Dates.business and dates industry news. As one article notes, these sources often post updates on crop outlooks and new shipments. For example, tracking when Iran’s latest Ramadan harvest arrives can give you advance notice of price falls.
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Monitor APMC Reports: The Mumbai APMC often publishes daily rate sheets (online PDF or printouts at the market). Check these regularly for trends. If you see the price of Sukkari or Ajwa suddenly rising, you’ll know demand is heating up (time to stock up or raise your retail prices).
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Networking: Attend relevant trade fairs or food expos (dates suppliers often exhibit there) to meet new wholesalers. Join local food and grocery associations – sometimes importers announce deals to members first. Even a quick phone call to established wholesalers can alert you to small-batch deals (e.g. someone clearing end-of-season stock at a discount).
By staying engaged, you’ll often find that deals come to you. This is how the best buyers work – not waiting in the dark. One savvy tip is to track market sentiment: if reports say “Iran cuts export” or “Saudi abolishes a date subsidy,” you’ll know what to expect for prices and can plan purchases accordingly.
9. Wholesale Date Prices Summary
To wrap up, here’s a quick reference of 2025 wholesale date prices (approximate per kg, Mumbai markets):
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Medjool (premium): ~₹500–800/kg (small-size lots around ₹700/kg)
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Ajwa: ~₹800–1200/kg (often ~₹900 in bulk)
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Mazafati (5–6kg carton): ~₹200–210/kg (as low as ₹180–250 off-season)
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Sukkari: ~₹300–600/kg (depending on grade; roughly ₹350+ currently)
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Zahidi / Others: ~₹150–400/kg (value varieties)
Keep in mind these are wholesale guidelines. Your actual price will depend on order size, season, supplier, and negotiation. For the very best rates, we recommend contacting us directly for a custom quote. Our team can give you today’s exact Vashi APMC prices, which change daily. For convenience, note that APMC market quotes on dates are updated every morning – by evening, you can have your order locked in at those rates.
Conclusion – Partner with Mumbai’s Date Experts
Securing the lowest wholesale date prices in Mumbai is a strategic process: choose the right market (APMC Vashi), pick in-demand varieties, compare prices, buy big at the right time, and work with trusted suppliers. By following this step-by-step guide – and leveraging our expertise – you’ll maximize your margins and satisfaction.
As India’s premier dates wholesale supplier in Mumbai, Hurzuk Enterprise LLP (Dates.Business) is here to help every step of the way. We have over a decade of experience bringing the freshest Medjool, Ajwa, Mazafati and other quality dates from cold storage directly to retailers and repackers. Contact us today for live APMC market rates: simply message us on WhatsApp at +91 88796 66906 or visit our website to get started. You can also visit our stall at APMC Vashi Market to see the inventory for yourself – no other dates shop in Mumbai offers the same combination of variety, quality and price.
In short: buy smart, buy bulk, and buy direct. With these insider tips and a reliable partner at your side, you’ll secure the best wholesale dates prices in Mumbai 2025 – and every year to come.
Sources: Based on industry data and market guides (APMC Vashi price surveys, expert tips, and Hurzuk Enterprise LLP market reports). For the latest figures, contact us or check Mumbai APMC’s daily price postings.
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