Garlic is one of the popular kitchen ingredients loved by people worldwide. Besides flavor, it also has several health benefits. As its popularity continues to grow, so does the global demand. Have you ever wondered where all this garlic comes from? Several countries are leading the way in growing and exporting garlic. Among those, I will discuss the top 10 garlic exporting countries in this article to help you choose a reliable exporter. So, let’s get started!
As I said above, there is a higher demand for garlic worldwide. Several countries are growing and exporting garlic to meet the rising demand for this valuable crop. Here is the list of the top 10 garlic-exploring countries!
China
China is one of the largest garlic-exporting countries in the world. It produces 70% of the world’s garlic, making it stand tall by a significant margin. One of the biggest reasons for its success is the low production cost. China has a large farming workforce and advanced growing techniques, which make it easier to grow and harvest garlic crops.
There are several garlic exporting companies in China. However, one well-known company is Jining Fenduni Foodstuff Co., Ltd. Established in 2005, it has years of experience exporting high-quality garlic worldwide. You can contact the team to get high-quality fresh and pure white garlic.
Spain
Spain is the world’s second-largest garlic producer and exporter and first in Europe. This country is famous for producing flavourful garlic that chefs love. Besides its strong aroma, this garlic also has a long shelf life. This makes it a favorite among international markets.
Among several varieties, the most famous one is Las Pedroñeras Purple Garlic. This type is protected by the Geographical Indication (PGI) label. This recognizes the high quality and stable origin of the garlic. Spain exports this garlic mainly to France, Germany, the UK, the U.S., Brazil, and Morocco.
Argentina
Argentina is ranked as the third largest garlic exporter in the world. However, it holds the first position in South America. The country is known for large, firm, flavourful garlic. The main area for producing garlic in Argentina is Mendoza Province. It has cool nights and rich soil, which provide perfect conditions for high growth.
Moreover, this country has the opposite growing season from the Northern Hemisphere. It allows it to supply fresh garlic when other countries are out of season. This gives Argentina a significant advantage in the global market. Argentina exports garlic to Brazil, the United States, France, Italy, the UK, and Canada.
India
India is another top garlic exporting country in the world. Although most of the garlic grown is used within the country, its exports steadily increase due to global demand. Indian garlic is known for its pungent flavor and small to medium bulbs.
This makes it a favorite for several traditional dishes. Moreover, the garlic crop is grown in India throughout the year, giving the country a continuous supply. This country exports garlic to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Netherlands
The Netherlands may not be a large producer but is the biggest garlic exporter. This exportation is due to its role as a significant trading and distribution center. This country imports garlic in bulk from China and Spain. After that, it reprocesses and repackages this garlic and exports it to different countries.
The strategic location makes it a successful garlic exporter. It is the home of Rotterdam, the busiest seaport in the world. This seaport handles a large volume of garlic efficiently and safely in different corners of the world.
Egypt
Egypt is the top garlic exporter in the world and Africa’s number one. It has a long history in agriculture and is known for producing high-quality garlic. This Egyptian garlic has a large bulb and white to light purple skin. It harvests two types of garlic: green and dry.
The green garlic has a juicy texture, while dry has a long shelf life. Most Egyptian garlic is grown near the Nile Delta region. This region offers fertile soil and a warm climate, ideal for growing garlic. Egyptian garlic is available early in the year, usually from February to May, giving the global market a seasonal advantage.
USA
The United States is another leading garlic producer and exporter in the world. Most garlic grown in the USA is in California, especially the ” Gilroy ” region. This region is known for its most suitable growing conditions and is called the “Garlic Capital of the World.” American garlic is famous for its large size and bold flavor.
American garlic is grown using modern farming techniques to ensure high quality. It is appreciated globally for its hygienic standard, long shelf life, and quality. But remember, American garlic has higher production costs. This is due to high labor costs and advanced techniques, which increase the overall cost of garlic.
France
While not a large producer, France is one of the biggest garlic exporters. It is recognized for exporting high-quality gourmet-grade garlic. This type of garlic is known for its refined taste and strong aroma, making it a premium international product. Due to suitable conditions, garlic in France is mainly grown in the southwestern regions.
In this region, several specialty garlic varieties are produced. Those varieties have received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Two famous varieties include Ail Rose de Lautrec and Ail Blanc de Lomagne. They are exported to central countries, including Germany, Belgium, the UK, Italy, and North America.
Mexico
Mexico is another country with a firm place among the top garlic exporters worldwide. With a favorable climate, Mexico grows aromatic and flavorful garlic. Due to its unique taste, it is valued in both local and international markets. Mexican farmers typically harvest the garlic in March and June.
This allows it to supply garlic when major producers are out of season. This seasonal advantage further increases its reputation in the global market. It sends garlic to the United States, Canada, Colombia, and the United Kingdom. Mexico lies near these counties, which decreases the delivery cost and time there.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is quickly becoming an essential player in the international garlic market. In recent years, this country has increased its focus on garlic cultivation. They arranged the region with plenty of sunshine and fertility and experienced farmers for this. Thus, Uzbek garlic is known for its bold flavor and being naturally grown.
This means it uses little to no chemicals. This is a big plus for customers who never compromise on cleanliness and health. Moreover, Uzbekistan exports garlic to nearby countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan. But it is also quickly expanding to new markets with lower garlic prices.
Conclusion
Garlic is more than just a kitchen essential. This crop connects several countries and plays a crucial role in international businesses. This crop is produced and exported worldwide due to its health benefits and taste. In this article, I have listed the top 10 gastric exporting countries. These countries are meeting the needs of chefs and driving innovation in farming.
For example, countries like China and India lead with quantity and scale. However, France and Spain focus on premium quality. In this way, each country offers unique varieties that benefit the global market. But remember, these countries have different production costs, which affect the garlic cost.