Understanding What Makes Dried Apricots Valuable
Dried apricots are made by dehydrating fresh apricots, reducing their water content and increasing shelf life while preserving their nutrients. The global market offers two main types: sulphured and unsulphured. Sulphured apricots are brighter in color and have a longer shelf life due to the addition of sulfur dioxide, while unsulphured ones are darker and preferred by organic buyers.
Nutritionally, dried apricots are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants. These benefits have fueled demand in health-conscious consumer markets, positioning dried apricots as an increasingly important product in global food trade. Similar trends can be observed with other dried fruits such as dried figs, dried apples, and dried cherries, which are also popular in healthy snack markets.
Dried Apricot
Iran Dried Apricot: A Premium Choice for Global Markets
Iran is recognized as one of the leading producers of premium dried fruits, offering high-quality dried apricots that meet international food safety and export standards. As a trusted Iran Dried Apricot supplier, Dried Apricot manufacturer, and experienced Dried Apricot exporter, we provide bulk dried apricots to wholesalers, food manufacturers, retailers, and importers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other international markets.
Produced from carefully selected fresh apricots, Iranian dried apricots are naturally rich in dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Their delicious taste, soft texture, and long shelf life make them a preferred ingredient for healthy snacks, bakery products, cereals, confectionery, and food processing industries.
Key Markets and Trade Statistics for Dried Apricot
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Turkey remains the top exporter of dried apricots, especially from the Malatya region, contributing over 80% of the global supply. In 2022, the dried apricot trade was valued at over $600 million worldwide, with major importers including Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Understanding Harmonized System (HS) Code 081310 is essential for anyone involved in trade. This classification streamlines the import/export process and is used by customs authorities to assess duties and track trade flows. Traders who diversify their portfolio often include dried oranges or dried plums alongside apricots to meet different market demands.
Setting Quality Benchmarks and Sourcing the Right Product
When importing dried apricots in bulk, quality specifications vary by country and buyer preferences. Key attributes to assess include:
Moisture Content
Low moisture levels (typically below 25%) extend shelf life and reduce microbial risk.
Size and Grading
Apricots are usually graded based on their size and condition, ranging from premium-grade whole fruits to industrial-grade pieces used in processing.
Color and Texture
Sulphured apricots have a golden hue, while unsulphured varieties are brown to dark orange. Texture should be pliable, not brittle.
Packaging and Certifications
Ensure products come with quality certifications such as HACCP, ISO, or Organic certification, depending on your market. Suppliers often offer complementary products like Aloo Bukhara or dried cherries in similar packaging, making it easier to manage multiple product lines.
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Iran Dried Apricot Manufacturer
As an experienced Dried Apricot manufacturer, we oversee every stage of production to ensure premium quality and consistency.
Our manufacturing process includes:
- Fresh apricot selection
- Washing and sorting
- Controlled drying process
- Size grading
- Moisture testing
- Metal detection
- Laboratory quality inspection
- Hygienic packaging
- Export preparation
Strict quality control ensures that every shipment complies with international food safety standards.
Reliable Iran Dried Apricot Supplier for Wholesale Buyers
We supply bulk dried apricots to:
- Food manufacturers
- Importers
- Distributors
- Supermarkets
- Private label brands
- Wholesalers
Flexible supply options include:
- Bulk packaging
- Retail packaging
- OEM production
- Private label services
- Custom packaging solutions
Whether you require pallet quantities or full container loads, we can provide reliable export solutions tailored to your business.
Dried Apricot Exporter from Iran
As a trusted Dried Apricot exporter, we deliver high-quality products to customers worldwide.
Export documentation includes:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Health Certificate
- Quality Inspection Reports
We export to various international markets, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions, ensuring compliance with destination-country regulations.
Iran Dried Apricot Price (Updated 2026)
The price of Iran Dried Apricots depends on several factors, including fruit size, moisture content, sulfur treatment, packaging type, order volume, and delivery terms (FOB or CIF). The following table shows the typical wholesale export price ranges for 2026.
| Product Grade | Wholesale Price (EXW Iran) | FOB Iran | Typical Retail Price (Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Grade | USD 1.80–2.40/kg | USD 2.00–2.70/kg | USD 6–8/kg |
| Standard Grade | USD 2.30–3.20/kg | USD 2.60–3.50/kg | USD 8–11/kg |
| Premium Grade | USD 3.20–4.20/kg | USD 3.50–4.80/kg | USD 10–15/kg |
| Organic / Sulphur-Free | USD 4.00–5.50/kg | USD 4.30–5.80/kg | USD 14–20/kg |
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 500 kg (custom packaging available)
Container Capacity:
- 20 FT Container: Approximately 10–12 MT
- 40 FT Container: Approximately 22–24 MT
Factors Affecting Dried Apricot Prices
Several variables influence the final export price of Iranian dried apricots:
- Harvest yield and seasonal availability
- Fruit size and grading
- Moisture content
- Sulphured or unsulphured processing
- Organic certification
- Packaging specifications
- Order quantity
- Shipping method (FOB, CIF, CFR)
- Ocean freight rates
- Exchange rate fluctuations
Because international freight costs and agricultural markets change throughout the year, wholesale export prices are updated regularly. Buyers are encouraged to request a customized quotation based on the required grade, packaging, destination port, and purchase volume.
Table: Dried Apricot Quality Benchmarks
| Parameter | Standard Range / Grade | Buyer Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Content | 18–22% | Affects shelf life and texture |
| Size | 20–30 mm | Larger size preferred for export |
| Color | Orange to Amber | Consistency matters for branding |
| Texture | Soft & pliable | Avoid hard or sticky pieces |
| Packaging | 5–25 kg bags, vacuum | Bulk or retail options available |
| Certifications | ISO, HACCP, Organic | Needed for international compliance |
How to Import or Export Dried Apricots Successfully
Understanding legal and logistical frameworks is crucial. Here are the main considerations:
Compliance with Destination Market Regulations
The European Union, for instance, sets maximum residue limits for sulfur dioxide. Ensure your supplier meets these criteria.
HS Code and Tariff Research
Verify applicable duties via tariff databases like tariffnumber.com or the WITS platform by the World Bank.
Customs Clearance and Documentation
Work with freight forwarders who specialize in agri-food products to ensure smooth transit.
Contractual Agreements
Include clear clauses on product quality, delivery terms, and penalties for non-compliance.
Finding Reliable Suppliers for Bulk Dried Apricots
Choosing the right supplier can define the success of your import/export venture. Look for companies with:
Established Export Histories
Suppliers like Kiril Mischeff or Sunshine Delights offer a consistent record of trade in dried fruits.
Transparent Quality Control
Evaluate their inspection protocols, lab testing routines, and sourcing transparency.
Capacity for Bulk Orders
Ensure the supplier can handle volume, especially during seasonal harvests.
Best Practices for Storage and Shelf Life Management
Maintaining quality during transport and storage is key. Here are best practices:
Controlled Temperature Storage
Keep dried apricots in cool, dry environments (ideally below 15°C).
Vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Packaging
This preserves color, texture, and nutritional value during long transits.
First-In, First-Out (FIFO) Inventory
Prevent product aging and quality degradation by rotating stock efficiently.
Real-World Applications of Dried Apricots in Industry
industrial dried apricots exporter
Bulk dried apricots serve multiple industries:
- Retail and Private Label Brands: Sold as snacks or mixed into trail mixes.
- Food Manufacturers: Used in cereals, bakery items, energy bars, and baby food.
- Catering and Institutional Kitchens: A healthy, ready-to-use ingredient in large-scale food prep.
Types of Dried Apricots We Supply
As a professional Dried Apricot supplier, we offer various grades to meet different market requirements.
Sulphured Dried Apricots
Sulphured dried apricots are treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve their attractive golden-orange color and extend shelf life. They are widely preferred by supermarkets and retail brands.
Features
- Bright orange appearance
- Soft texture
- Longer storage life
- Premium export quality
Unsulphured Dried Apricots
Unsulphured dried apricots are naturally dried without preservatives. Their darker color makes them popular among organic and health-conscious consumers.
Benefits
- No added sulfur dioxide
- Natural drying process
- Rich flavor
- Organic market suitability
Sun-Dried Apricots
Naturally dried under sunlight while maintaining their authentic taste and nutritional properties.
FAQ: Dried Apricots for Bulk Trade
What is the difference between sulphured and unsulphured dried apricots?
Sulphured apricots use sulfur dioxide for preservation and color; unsulphured are naturally dried and darker.
What is the HS code for dried apricots?
The international HS code is 081310.
Which countries are the biggest exporters of dried apricots?
Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Iran lead global exports.
Can I source dried apricots directly from Iran?
Yes, especially through platforms like Iran-Fruit.com, which specialize in dried fruit exports.
How long do dried apricots last?
Shelf life ranges from 6 months to 1 year if stored properly.
Oliver Bennett –
We are sourcing dried apricots for a food manufacturing business in the UK. Could you provide the available size grades and explain whether the quoted FOB price changes significantly between standard and premium grades?
afruit –
Yes. FOB pricing depends mainly on grade, size, moisture, sulfur treatment, packaging, and order volume. We can provide a current specification and quotation based on your required grade and quantity.