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APMC Dates Market 2025: Bulk & Wholesale Price Guide

APMC Dates Market 2025: Best Wholesale Prices Guide

APMC Dates Market 2025: Your Guide to the Best Wholesale Dates Prices
Step-by-step playbook for buyers at APMC Vashi, Navi Mumbai — India’s largest dates hub.

APMC Dates Market 2025: Best Wholesale Prices Guide

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Quick answers (what most buyers ask)

  • Where do I get the best rates? Start at the APMC Dates Market, Vashi. Walk 3–5 stalls before you bid; compare grade, size, moisture and pack type—then negotiate on volume.
  • Best time to buy? Prices usually soften after major festivals (Ramadan, Diwali) and when fresh import lots land. Track lots weekly and pre-book for peak demand.
  • Do I need a license to buy? Retailers/wholesalers generally buy via registered traders inside APMC. For direct participation or yard-space, check local APMC registration rules.
  • Do I need cold chain? Mazafati and soft Sukkari benefit from 0–5 °C cold storage. Semi-dry Zahidi/Deglet Noor can move ambient but prefer cool, dark storage.
  • What’s a good margin? With correct grade and packaging, 25–50% gross margin is common during peak months. Lock specs in writing to protect that margin.
Grade sets price: Size, defects, moisture & pack finish move ASP more than variety name.
Cold chain pays: Soft dates keep texture (and price) when chill integrity is proven.
Timing matters: Buy post-festival, pre-lot arrivals, or via forward contracts.
Spec in writing: Lock size, tolerance, carton, and replacement terms before payment.

Why APMC Vashi dominates India’s dates trade

APMC Vashi (Sector 19, Navi Mumbai) is India’s largest and most trusted hub for dates. Its proximity to Nhava Sheva (JNPT) means fresh import lots flow into the market almost daily. Auctions and negotiated sales happen in a regulated environment, so you discover the “real” price for each grade in real time.

Key facts

  • Hours: Mon–Sat, ~10 AM to 8 PM (closed Sundays and major local holidays).
  • Variety range: 50+ SKUs — premium Medjool, Ajwa, Sukkari; value Zahidi, Fard, Deglet Noor; moist Mazafati (Kimia); plus Safawi, Mabroom.
  • Facilities: Cold rooms, QC tables, loading bays, warehouse blocks.
  • Payments: Cash is common; UPI/NEFT increasingly accepted. Always collect a stamped invoice.
  • Buyer tip: Spend your first visit mapping stalls: premium soft dates often cluster together; semi-dry value lots cluster elsewhere.
Pro move: Walk two loops: first for grades & taste checks; second for price & volumes. Shortlist three stalls, then start bidding.

2025 wholesale price bands by variety (₹/kg)

Important: Ranges are indicative for standard trade packs. Your final rate depends on size (jumbo/large/medium), defect tolerance, moisture/softness, carton/pack, MOQ, and destination lane.
Variety (Grade) Wholesale Range 2025 Typical Retail MRP Best Use Storage
Medjool (Jumbo/Large) ₹1,100 – ₹1,800 ₹1,999 – ₹3,499/kg Luxury gifting, dessert menus Cool & dry; chill for long hold
Ajwa (Premium) ₹700 – ₹1,200 ₹1,399 – ₹2,699/kg Daily snacking, festive demand Cool, dry storage
Sukkari (Classic/Jumbo) ₹300 – ₹600 ₹499 – ₹999/kg Sweet snacking, nut pairings Best chilled for texture
Mazafati (Kimia) (Moist) ₹200 – ₹250 ₹349 – ₹749/kg Shakes, desserts, retail pouches 0–5 °C cold chain
Zahidi (Value, semi-dry) ₹60 – ₹100 ₹169 – ₹299/kg B2B repack, bars & bakery Ambient (cool/dark)
Safawi / Mabroom (Dark, moist) ₹380 – ₹650 ₹699 – ₹1,299/kg Gift boxes, blends Cool; chill extends life
Deglet Noor (Semi-dry) ₹400 – ₹600 ₹599 – ₹1,099/kg Culinary, chopping, mixes Ambient (cool/dark)

Last review: . For firm quotes, lock spec + photos + pack + lane in writing.

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Step-by-step buying playbook (10 steps)

1) Define your spec before you ask for price

Write your spec like a checklist: variety, grade/size, defect tolerance, moisture/softness, pack type (vacuum, pouch, box), carton weight, MOQ, labeling, and the delivery city. When you quote a clear spec, traders answer faster and discount deeper.

2) Shortlist certified suppliers

Ask for FSSAI, HALAL and ISO certificates and a recent import lot list. Prefer yards with cold storage for soft dates. If you’re new, buy through established APMC traders with visible inventory turnover and references.

3) Inspect quality the right way

  • Semi-dry (Zahidi/Deglet Noor): uniform color, intact skin, low surface sugar, firm bite.
  • Soft (Sukkari/Mazafati/Medjool): glossy skin, plump flesh, no leakage, pleasant caramel aroma.
  • Samples: taste 5–10 pieces, not just one. Photograph the sample next to the carton label.
QC tip: For large orders, lab-test moisture & brix on the first lot. It costs little and prevents claims later.

4) Understand APMC pricing dynamics

Morning walk-throughs reveal which varieties arrived overnight. Fresh import waves often bring a short-term dip; festival weeks lift soft-date prices. Track currency (USD/INR) and ocean freight — both move CIF and, downstream, yard prices.

5) Negotiate with volume and reliability

Most stalls sharpen rates above 1,000 kg. Promise weekly pickups and stick to them. Consider a 3–6 month framework rate for your core SKUs with a review clause if exchange or freight swings beyond an agreed band.

6) Choose packaging that sells (and protects)

Retail margins grow with packaging. Vacuum or MAP packs preserve softness; rigid gift boxes with sleeves lift perceived value in festive windows. For B2B, bulk liners/drums lower cost per kilo and speed loading.

7) Pay smart

Cash is common, but UPI/NEFT is safer and leaves a trail. For high values, split payments across milestones: booking advance → QC pass → dispatch. Always take a stamped invoice and gate pass.

8) Protect the cold chain

Mazafati and soft Sukkari thrive at 0–5 °C. Log temperatures on load-in and delivery. Use “first-in, first-out” rotation, keep cartons off the floor, and avoid condensation by tempering cartons before opening.

9) Plan the purchase calendar

Buyers who pre-book for Ramadan/Diwali avoid spikes. After peaks, reload value SKUs as prices ease. Set a standing reminder to review lots weekly and refresh shelf-life trackers on soft stock.

10) Put terms on paper

For every order: attach the spec sheet, photos, lab numbers (if any), replacement/return terms for temperature abuse or hidden defects, and delivery lane (city, reefer/ambient). Clarity keeps friendships and margins.

Import & logistics strategy (ports, duties, incoterms)

When your volumes rise, imports can save cost — if you plan the chain end-to-end. Here’s a rapid primer for India-bound dates.

Major ports

  • Nhava Sheva (JNPT, Mumbai): Fastest turn for APMC Vashi; ideal for Saudi/UAE/Morocco/Tunisia routes.
  • Mundra (Gujarat): Efficient for Iran/Iraq/GCC shipments and North-West India distribution.
  • Chennai: Serves South India; good for Tamil Nadu/Andhra/Karnataka networks.

Incoterms & freight picks

  • FOB vs CIF: With scale and a trusted forwarder, FOB + your own freight can be cheaper than CIF.
  • Ocean vs air: Ocean lowers cost but lengthens transit; air is for premium/urgent soft dates.
  • Reefer setpoints: Load soft dates 0–5 °C; record setpoint & pulp temperature at both ends.

Duties, compliance & labels

  • HSN & GST: Confirm the latest HSN for dates & applicable GST slab with your CHA/accountant.
  • FSSAI: Ensure importer license, FBO, and label compliance (veg mark, MRP, pkd/exp, lot, origin).
  • Packing list: Include net/gross weight, carton count, and batch codes matching outer labels.
Illustrative landed-cost checklist
  1. Supplier base price (FOB/CIF)
  2. Ocean/air freight + insurance
  3. Customs duty & GST
  4. Port/handling/CHA charges
  5. Inland freight (reefer/ambient)
  6. Cold storage/warehouse
  7. Packaging, labeling, wastage buffer

Run this sheet per lot; small misses add up across containers.

Retail SKUs, packaging & festive merchandising

Good dates sell themselves; great packaging sells faster and for more. Match SKU to the customer and the season.

  • Everyday value: 250–500 g pouches of Kimia/Zahidi for grocery shelves and e-commerce.
  • Gifting: Medjool/Ajwa in rigid boxes (400–800 g). Add sleeves and tasting cards.
  • Recipe-ready: Chopped Deglet Noor in stand-up pouches for bakers and home cooks.
Festive pro tip: Bundle nuts (almonds/pistachios) with Sukkari or Medjool. Cross-merchandising increases average order value without much extra handling.

Common mistakes & red flags

  • Buying by variety name alone. Always specify size, defects, moisture and pack finish.
  • Skipping cold chain for soft dates. Texture loss → returns → margin loss.
  • Paying 100% upfront without replacement terms.
  • Ignoring currency/freight moves when pricing long-tenor contracts.
  • Under-estimating packaging’s impact on realized retail price.

FAQ: APMC Vashi & wholesale dates

Is APMC Vashi the best place to start for wholesale dates?

Yes. You meet multiple importers in one yard, see fresh lots, and discover transparent price bands quickly. It’s the benchmark many Indian buyers use.

What documents do I need to buy?

For yard purchases through traders: business ID/GST and standard invoicing details. For your own APMC registration or space, check local committee rules.

When do prices usually drop?

After major festivals and when new import waves land. Keep an eye on USD/INR and ocean rates; both flow into CIF and yard prices.

How do I maintain quality after purchase?

Use clean pallets, avoid stacking damage, rotate FIFO, and control temperature. Temper chilled cartons before opening to prevent condensation.

Which varieties are safest for ambient transport?

Semi-dry types like Zahidi and Deglet Noor. Soft types (Mazafati, Sukkari, Medjool) prefer chill, especially in summer or long lanes.

Contact & WhatsApp price alerts

For current quotes, availability, and lot photos:

Methodology, sources & update policy

Price bands here blend visible APMC quotes, importer feedback, and recent landed-cost factors. Ranges are indicative and reviewed monthly and around festival windows. Your final rate depends on the exact spec, pack, MOQ, and destination lane. When quotes differ, reconfirm size charts, defect tolerance, moisture/softness, pack type, and transport mode (reefer vs ambient).

Editor: Mohammad Abid Hurzuk • Review cadence: event-driven + monthly baseline.

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