Premium Iranian Kalute (Kalooteh) Dates in 5 kg Boxes: Global Sourcing, Storage, Pricing & Wholesale Guide
Author: Mohammad Abid Hurzuk | Published:
Table of Contents
- What Are Kalute (Kalooteh) Dates?
- Why Buyers Prefer Kalute for 5 kg Boxes
- Who Should Buy 5 kg Boxes? Use Cases
- Quality Checklist & Grades
- Pricing Factors & Landed Cost Formula
- Packaging, Logistics & Compliance
- Storage, Shelf Life & Food Safety
- Nutrition Snapshot (Per 100 g)
- How to Source from Hurzuk Enterprise LLP
- Retail Playbook: Merchandising & Marketing
- FAQs
- About the Author
1) What Are Kalute (Kalooteh) Dates?
Kalute (also spelled Kalooteh, Kaloteh, Kaluteh) are a premium semi-dry Iranian date variety known for a rich, caramel-like sweetness, a soft–chewy bite, and dependable shelf stability. They are primarily cultivated in Kerman province—notably Jiroft and surrounding districts—making them a buyer favorite for export markets that demand consistent quality. For bulk buyers and food brands, the semi-dry category translates into easier handling, reduced stickiness, and better transport resilience compared with ultra-soft varieties.
Buyers often compare Kalute with Mazafati (softer, higher moisture) and Zahidi/Sayer (drier, firmer). Kalute sits comfortably in-between—offering lush sweetness without the fragility of very fresh, high-moisture dates. Typical moisture for Kalute is cited within the ~14–22% range, which supports both pleasant mouthfeel and longer shelf life under proper storage.
Harvest windows generally start around early September in Kerman’s southern zones; precise timings vary by microclimate and annual weather. This timing enables Q4 stocking and global pre-Ramadan builds.
2) Why Buyers Prefer Kalute for 5 kg Boxes
- Flavor consumers love: natural sweetness with gentle caramel notes.
- Texture that ships well: soft-chewy without collapsing, ideal for retail and foodservice.
- Export-friendly: semi-dry profile reduces quality loss in transit.
- Formats buyers need: Kalute dates wholesale price is most accessible in 5 kg boxes—easy to palletize, count, and allocate.
- Recipe-ready: desserts, energy bars, smoothies, cheese boards, and savory glazes.
3) Who Should Buy 5 kg Boxes? Use Cases
- Retailers & eCommerce: Repack into 250 g–1 kg consumer packs; offer buy Iranian dates in bulk value bundles and gift tins.
- Foodservice (HoReCa): Standardize desserts and no-added-sugar sweetening; ideal for bakeries and cafés.
- Brands & Co-packers: Source for private label Kalute dates, energy bites, and nutrition bars.
- Corporate & festive gifting: Premium boxes for Ramadan, Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year hampers.
Seasonality note: Global demand spikes ahead of Ramadan 2025 dates, so secure allocations 6–12 weeks prior to the start of the holy month.
4) Quality Checklist & Grades
Use this practical, inspection-ready checklist when buying Kalute dates 5 kg box lots:
- Appearance: uniform light-to-deep brown; minimal scarring; no crystallized sugar bloom.
- Texture: soft–chewy, not mushy; no excessive dryness or hardening.
- Cleanliness: free from foreign matter, pits (if pitted), and insect fragments.
- Moisture band: semi-dry profile (commonly referenced around 14–22%).
- Size & count: consistent grading (e.g., Large/Medium) with piece count per kg clear on labels.
- Packaging integrity: strong cartons, food-grade liners, intact seals, readable batch codes.
- Documentation: phytosanitary, certificate of origin, lab tests (micro, moisture), and COAs.
Quick Acceptance Sampling (Buyer’s Desk Method)
- Randomly open 3–5 cartons per pallet; sample 500–800 g from each for a pooled check.
- Test softness, taste, off-odors; note sugar bloom; weigh pits if “pitted.”
- Photograph labels, inner bags, and samples; retain counter-samples sealed.
5) Pricing Factors & Landed Cost Formula
Kalute pricing fluctuates by grade, harvest yield, exchange rates, and shipping. Expect premiums for top size, low defect counts, and retail-ready branding. Freight and packaging (double wall cartons, food-grade liners) can swing costs noticeably on long routes.
Landed Cost (simplified):
Landed Cost per kg = (Ex-works price + Inland + Export docs + Ocean/Air freight + Insurance) / Net kg
+ Import duty + Customs/brokerage + Local delivery
HS Codes to Know (for Declarations)
- HS 080410: dates fresh or dried (parent heading used globally).
- Country-specific subheadings may differentiate with/without pits and pack sizes (e.g., “over 4.6 kg”).
Tip: Check your destination’s tariff schedule for the exact 8/10-digit line that matches pack size/pitting, such as HS 08041040 (jurisdiction-dependent). Always confirm with your customs broker.
6) Packaging, Logistics & Compliance
- Pack style: 5 kg food-grade inner + outer corrugated carton; request moisture barrier liners where humidity risk is high.
- Palletization: Keep cartons tight and strap-secure; add corner boards. Record pallet height and gross weight.
- Temperature: Ship cool and dry; avoid direct sun or heat during transshipments.
- Labeling: product name (Kalute/Kalooteh), grade, net weight, batch/lot, pack date, best-before, origin, and allergen statement (if co-packed).
- Compliance: destination-country labeling language, nutrition facts (if retail), and import permits where required.
7) Storage, Shelf Life & Food Safety
As a semi-dry date, Kalute stores well if you control air, light, heat, and humidity. Keep in airtight packaging in a cool, dark place. For longer holding, refrigerate; for very long holding, freeze at 0°F (−18°C) in sealed packs to maintain quality. Always rotate stock using FIFO (first in, first out).
- Ambient: short-term only; avoid hot stockrooms.
- Refrigerated: extends freshness for months; limit temperature cycling after opening.
- Frozen: quality preserved long-term at 0°F (−18°C) in airtight packs; thaw under refrigeration.
Signs of quality loss: off-odors, excessive crystallization, sliminess, mold, or pests—discard affected packs and inspect the lot.
8) Nutrition Snapshot (Per 100 g)
Dates are naturally nutrient-dense. Typical per-100 g values for commonly referenced date profiles are approximately:
- Energy: ~277 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~75 g (mostly natural sugars)
- Fiber: ~7 g
- Protein: ~1.8–2 g
- Potassium: ~650–700 mg
- Magnesium: ~50–55 mg
- Iron: ~0.9 mg
- Vitamin B6: ~0.2–0.25 mg
Use these values for menu planning and consumer labeling guidance (always verify with certified lab reports for your specific batch). For health claims, comply with destination-country regulations.
9) How to Source from Hurzuk Enterprise LLP (Step-by-Step)
- Define demand: volumes (cartons/pallets), target grade, Kerman Jiroft Kalute dates supplier preference, branding (plain/PL).
- Request a quote: share delivery terms (CIF/CFR/FOB), destination port, required documents, and packing specs.
- Evaluate samples: run the Quality Checklist, confirm taste/texture, and lab tests if needed.
- Lock allocation: align on price, schedule, and payment terms; confirm pre-Ramadan windows early.
- Book logistics: reserve space; align on pallet heights, carton counts, and labeling.
- Inbound QC: on receipt, inspect packaging and sample for taste/softness before internal distribution.
Why Hurzuk Enterprise LLP?
- Origin access: Deep relationships with growers in Kerman (Jiroft belt) for premium Kalute.
- Consistency: batch-wise checks for moisture, texture, and cleanliness.
- Pack formats that move: buy Iranian Kalute dates 5 kg box and retail-ready options.
- Documentation & support: export paperwork, label guidance, and import coordination.
10) Retail Playbook: Merchandising & Marketing
- Positioning: premium, natural sweetness, no added sugar.
- Storytelling: highlight Jiroft/Kerman origin, semi-dry texture, and chef-friendly performance.
- Bundles: pair with nuts, cheeses, and teas; create gift boxes for Ramadan and festive seasons.
- SEO & Listings: Title with “Kalooteh dates wholesale price”, include “Kalute dates nutrition per 100g”, and location (“Iranian dates supplier Kerman”).
- Content: short recipe cards; reels on pitting/chopping; storage tips.
11) FAQs
Q1. What’s the difference between Kalute and Mazafati?
Kalute is semi-dry (ship-friendly, soft-chewy), while Mazafati is very soft, higher-moisture, and more temperature-sensitive. Kalute is often favored for long journeys and repacking.
Q2. When is peak buying season for Kalute?
Harvest begins roughly in early September, with strong buying through Q4 and pre-Ramadan stockups. For Ramadan dates demand, book early to secure top grades and freight.
Q3. How should I store opened cartons?
Reseal tightly. For best results, shift to airtight food-grade containers and refrigerate. If you must hold stock long-term, use freezer storage at 0°F (−18°C) in well-sealed packs.
Q4. Which HS code applies?
Use HS 080410 for dates (fresh or dried). Subheadings can distinguish pitting and pack size (e.g., >4.6 kg). Confirm the final 8/10-digit line with your customs broker.
Q5. Are Kalute dates vegan and gluten-free?
Yes—dates are plant-based and naturally gluten-free. If repacked, ensure no cross-contamination in your facility.
Q6. Can I get custom labels or private label packs?
Yes—request dielines and MOQ. Popular retail sizes include 250 g, 400 g, 500 g, and 1 kg. For gifting, consider tins and window cartons.
Q7. What’s a sensible inbound QC on arrival?
Open random cartons per pallet, check seal integrity, sample taste/texture, and photograph labels. Record defects and notify your supplier immediately with batch details.
12) About the Author
Mohammad Abid Hurzuk is a food supply-chain specialist who helps buyers and brands source premium dates from Iran and beyond. Connect on LinkedIn.
Ready to source? Get a quote for Kalute dates 5 kg box from Hurzuk Enterprise LLP—share your grade, volumes, and delivery port.
- Email: hurzuk.abid@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +91-8879666906
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