Key facts
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable (sea-route shipments to Netherlands, Russia reported by APEDA)
- 2 production clusters mapped, in Maharashtra; Tamil Nadu; AP; Gujarat, Maharashtra; Gujarat; Karnataka; AP; TN; WB.
- Market guides for 16 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' reefer (about 1,540-1,600 cartons / about 20 MT) (typical).
Product overview
India is the world's largest banana producer, but historically exported little because of fragmented farms and limited cold chain. Exports of Grand Naine (G9, a Cavendish type) have grown rapidly, with APEDA reporting sea-route shipments to the Netherlands and Russia; a FY2024-25 banana-specific value was not found in the sources used.
Export fruit comes from tissue-culture plantations in Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Anantapur and Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), Theni and Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) and Bharuch (Gujarat), harvested green, de-handed, washed, treated and packed in 13 kg cartons in packhouses near the farm.
Main markets are the Gulf (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman), Iran and Iraq, with growing interest from Europe and Russia. Bananas ship at 13-14 °C and are ripened with ethylene at destination.
HS note: Plantains are 0803 10.
Specifications
| Finger length | ≥ 20-22 cm (typical) |
|---|---|
| Calibre | 39-46 (typical) |
| Carton net weight | 13-13.5 kg (typical) |
| Transit temperature | 13-14 °C (typical) |
| Maturity | Green, about 75% maturity at harvest (typical) |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Grade A (export class)
Uniform clusters, minimal blemish.
Grade B
Minor cosmetic defects - price-sensitive markets.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cartons | 13-13.5 kg cartons with poly-liners (vacuum-pack or banavac) | Palletised |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 9-10 MT · 40' HC about 20-21 MT (about 1,540-1,600 cartons). Reefer at 13-14 °C; industry carton convention
Customisation: Buyer-brand cartons and stickers, cluster sizes
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Maharashtra
Jalgaon, Solapur
Jalgaon - largest banana district; Jalgaon Banana GI (not re-verified)
Andhra Pradesh
Anantapur, Kadapa
Large export plantations
Tamil Nadu
Theni, Tiruchirappalli
Export packhouses
Gujarat
Bharuch, Surat, Anand
Growing export supply
Market requirements by region
European Union
APEDA reports sea shipments to the Netherlands; EU buyers require GlobalG.A.P.-type farm certification and MRL compliance.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman are the core markets for Indian Cavendish; short sea transit from Mundra/JNPA.
Other markets
Iran, Iraq and Russia (outside the priority regions) are significant buyers; payment and sanctions screening apply.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • Packhouse grading, crown treatment and washing
- • Phytosanitary inspection
- • Reefer pre-cooling and temperature logger
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Residue test report (APEDA traceability system where applicable)
- • Pre-cooling and reefer temperature record
- • GlobalG.A.P. certificate copy (if specified)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Banana | unavailable | unavailable | apeda.gov.in |
Top destinations: unavailable (sea-route shipments to Netherlands, Russia reported by APEDA)
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
Which banana variety do you export?
Grand Naine (G9), a Cavendish-type banana grown from tissue culture.
How are bananas shipped?
Harvested green, packed in 13 kg cartons and shipped in reefers at 13-14 °C, then ripened at destination.
How many cartons fit in a 40-foot reefer?
About 1,540-1,600 cartons (roughly 20 MT) is typical.
Which markets buy Indian bananas?
Mainly the Gulf, Iran and Iraq, with growing sea shipments to Europe and Russia reported by APEDA.
Request a quote for Fresh Cavendish Banana (Grand Naine / G9)
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