Zahedi Dates Import & Trade (2025): Sourcing, Pricing, Compliance & Profit Playbook
This hands-on, expert guide answers live questions buyers ask on Google—“What is a good wholesale price for Zahedi?”, “Which licenses and HS codes apply?”, “How do I specify quality and packaging?”, and “What margins can I expect?” Follow the SOPs, checklists, and sample P&Ls to build a resilient Zahedi dates business—import, wholesale, or D2C—while aligning with hygiene and labelling standards.
- What are Zahedi dates? A semi-dry variety (golden-amber, nutty, mildly sweet) prized for structure, long shelf life, and value pricing.
- Indicative wholesale band (India): ₹80–₹90/kg for clean A-grade bulk cartons; retail/D2C prices trend higher with brand, grade, and pack.
- HS code: Dates are commonly shipped under HS 0804.10 (fresh or dried). Confirm with your broker for your market and product form.
- Licences (India): IEC for import; FSSAI licence; GST as applicable; GS1 barcodes for modern trade; trademark recommended.
- QA spec highlights: size uniformity, minimal defects/sugar bloom, clean aroma, moisture appropriate to semi-dry class, hygienic sorting.
- Packaging: Bulk with food-grade liners; retail vacuum/MAP pouches (500 g–1 kg) with compliant labels and lot traceability.
Zahedi at a Glance: Semi-Dry, Structured, Everyday Profitable
Also spelled Zahidi/Zehedi, Zahedi dates offer a firm, chewy bite with buttery, nutty notes. The golden-amber skin signals proper curing and careful handling. Semi-dry texture makes the variety forgiving in transport and retail shelving, while consistent sizing supports well-presented retail pouches and attractive margins. Buyers choose Zahedi for stability, versatility, and value pricing.
Global Supply, Seasonality & Demand
Zahedi is cultivated across West Asia, with significant volumes from Iran and neighbouring regions. The variety’s semi-dry nature supports longer distribution windows and fewer temperature-related risks than soft dates. Demand rises during Ramadan and festive gifting seasons, but year-round snacking, bakery use, and value mixes maintain steady movement. In India, wholesale nodes such as APMC hubs drive price discovery, while eCommerce and quick-commerce expand reach into tier-2/3 cities.
Seasonality
Expect fresh-season arrivals to firm up availability. Quality consistency improves as curing stabilises; plan procurement to avoid heat spikes.
Demand drivers
Clean-label snacking, refined-sugar reduction in home bakes, and competitive pricing versus premium soft dates (e.g., Medjool).
Tip: Stagger incoming lots across weeks to balance freshness, cash flow, and price volatility.
Compliance & HS Codes (Importer Basics)
For most markets, dates ship under the dates heading; HS 0804.10 commonly covers dates (fresh or dried). Always verify the correct classification, documentation, and any preferential tariff eligibility with your customs broker for the product’s origin and form.
Importer checklist (India)
- IEC (DGFT) for import formalities.
- FSSAI licence for food business operations.
- Label compliance: veg mark, net qty, MRP, batch/lot, Mfg/Best Before, importer details.
- Certificates as required: origin, phytosanitary, fumigation/health attestations where applicable.
- GST registration as applicable; GS1 barcodes for modern trade listings.
Documentation hygiene
- Consistent lot codes from supplier through retail label.
- Clear pack dates and carton counts in packing lists.
- Destination labelling rules pre-approved before print.
- Dispute window and inspection terms captured in POs.
Note: Regulations evolve. Treat the above as directional and confirm with your broker/authority before shipping.
Sourcing Models & Supplier Vetting
Direct import
Buy from origin exporters/co-ops against written specs. Pros: price control, private label flexibility. Cons: MOQs, lead times, working capital.
Local importers/APMC
Faster replenishment and easier QC. Pros: lower MOQs, quick swaps on non-conformities. Cons: thinner price arbitrage than direct.
Vetting checklist
- Request recent photos/videos of actual lots and carton markings.
- Match size charts and allowable defect tolerances (written).
- Trial run with pilot 10–20 kg before scale-up.
- Align on packaging (liners, carton ply) and label fields.
- Define dispute remedies (price adjust/rework/replace) in the PO.
Quality Specs, Grading & Acceptance
Visual & sensory
- Golden-amber skin, minimal breaks, no visible mold.
- Semi-dry yet pliant; not rock-hard or syrupy-sticky.
- Clean, nutty-sweet aroma; avoid musty/chemical notes.
Spec anchors
- Size & uniformity (premiums for larger, even lots).
- Defect limits (scars, insect damage—low tolerance).
- Moisture band appropriate to semi-dry class.
Acceptance testing (simple SOP)
- Random sample 500 g per lot; document appearance/texture/aroma.
- Check carton integrity, liner quality, and label legibility.
- Retain golden sample per PO for later reference.
Reject triggers: fermentation notes, widespread sugar bloom, off-colour bands, excessive fines/debris.
2025 Price Intelligence & Negotiation
As a working band, many Indian buyers report ₹80–₹90/kg for A-grade bulk cartons of Zahedi when supply is steady. Retail and D2C pricing varies by brand equity, pack format, and channel fees. Lock written quotes and align on included packaging and transport responsibilities.
Packaging, Labelling & Private Label
Bulk
- Sturdy corrugated cartons (10/20/30 kg) with food-grade liners.
- Exterior labels: variety, grade, net weight, lot/pack date, importer.
Retail
- Vacuum/MAP pouches (500 g–1 kg) for shelf life and display.
- Compliant labels: veg mark, nutrition, MRP, best-before, consumer care.
- GS1 barcodes for modern trade; QR for lot traceability/story.
Design tip: Clean-label layouts with storage guidance and serving ideas improve conversion.
Logistics, Storage & Cold Chain
- Transport: Semi-dry variety tolerates ambient better than soft dates; still avoid high-heat exposure.
- Storage: Cool, dry, shaded rooms; keep away from odour-heavy goods.
- Extended holds: Refrigeration for months; freeze for longer; thaw in chiller to prevent condensation.
- Inventory: FEFO rotation; temp logs for bulk stores; periodic visual checks.
Unit Economics: Sample P&L
Retail 1 kg Pouch (Zahedi)
| Raw (A-grade, landed) | ₹85 |
| Pouch + label + carton | ₹12 |
| Wastage/QC (2%) | ₹2 |
| Labour & utilities | ₹10 |
| COGS | ₹109 |
| MRP | ₹149–₹169 |
| Gross margin (pre-channel fee) | ₹40–₹60 |
Optimise margin via bulk buys, efficient packing lines, and higher D2C mix.
Wholesale 10 kg Carton
Buy ₹85/kg → sell ₹110–₹120/kg depending on route and demand.
- Packing/handling ≈ ₹6–₹10/kg
- Spread ≈ ₹15–₹25/kg (pre-freight)
Reality check: Channel fees, returns, and promotions compress contribution—track true unit economics weekly.
Sales Channels & 30-Day Launch Plan
Offline
- APMC/wholesale pilots (10–20 kg) to validate quality and velocity.
- Modern trade: 3 hero SKUs, demos/tasting days, shelf-ready cartons.
- Corporate gifting: simple sleeves; bundle with nuts.
Online
- D2C: mobile-first PDPs, COD + prepaid, WhatsApp support.
- Marketplaces: optimise titles, bullets, A+ visuals, coupons.
- Quick-commerce: 500 g & 1 kg fast-movers near festival peaks.
Launch calendar
- Week 1: lock suppliers/specs, labels proofed, IEC/FSSAI checks, 3 SKU BOMs.
- Week 2: pilot lots inbound, photoshoot, D2C mini-site live, marketplace listings.
- Week 3: retail sampling in two clusters, reels on QC/packing, influencer seeding.
- Week 4: price/pack optimisation, push gift sleeves, launch coupon with reviews.
Risk Control & Dispute Playbook
- Seasonality: pre-book for Ramadan; buffer safety stock for monsoon logistics.
- Quality drift: hourly line checks; retain golden samples; photo evidence at dispatch/receipt.
- Customs delays: accurate docs; proactive broker coordination; clear consignee details.
- Disputes: share inspection photos + temp data; apply the PO’s remedy ladder (adjust/rework/replace).
SEO & Brand Growth (Long-Tail Keywords)
Positioning
“Semi-dry Zahedi: structured bite, clean sweetness, better shelf life.” Add origin notes and storage guidance on pack and PDPs.
Long-tail ideas
- zahedi dates wholesale price india 2025
- how to import zahedi dates hs 0804.10
- best packaging for semi-dry dates retail pouches
- fssai labelling requirements for dates
- zahedi vs medjool which is better for baking
Content
“How we grade Zahedi,” “QC day in the warehouse,” “Storage myths,” “Festival gift SKUs”—keep posts practical and visual.
Collect reviews with photos; social proof materially lifts conversion in marketplaces and D2C.
FAQs
What is a good wholesale price for Zahedi in India?
As a working band in steady supply, ₹80–₹90/kg for clean A-grade bulk cartons. Confirm locally—prices shift with season, grade, and route.
Which HS code applies to dates?
Dates are commonly classified under HS 0804.10 (fresh or dried). Validate with your broker for your exact product and market.
What documents and licences do I need (India)?
IEC (importer), FSSAI licence, compliant labels, and certificates such as origin/phytosanitary if required; GST as applicable; GS1 barcodes for modern trade.
How do I specify quality to suppliers?
Write a spec with size ranges, defect tolerances, moisture band, packaging/liner details, and label fields. Retain a golden sample per PO.
What pack formats work best?
Bulk 10/20/30 kg with liners for B2B; retail vacuum/MAP pouches (500 g–1 kg) with clear storage guidance and lot/QR traceability.
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