Dried Clove Grades from Indonesia - Indonesia Export Center [IEC]

IEC | INDONESIA EXPORT CENTER

UNDERSTANDING INDONESIAN CLOVE GRADES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Premium Lalpari | Whole Buds | Broken Cloves | Grade Comparison | Buyer Inspection

A Guide to Indonesian Clove Grades

Understanding Indonesian clove grades is an important part of purchasing dried cloves for international markets.

Different suppliers may describe cloves using terms such as Premium, Lalpari, Selected, Standard, or Export Grade.

These descriptions may indicate intended quality levels, but they do not necessarily follow one universal grading system.

IEC | Indonesia Export Center facilitates sourcing enquiries for Indonesian cloves and helps buyers communicate measurable grade requirements to potential suppliers.

REQUEST INDONESIAN CLOVE GRADE INFORMATION

Why Clove Grades Matter

Grade selection affects product appearance, processing suitability, pricing, and customer expectations.

For example, a retail spice brand may require a high percentage of intact buds, while a grinding operation may accept a different physical presentation provided the material meets applicable safety and quality requirements.

The correct grade is therefore the grade that meets the buyer’s defined application and specification.

Indonesian Clove Product Reference

Parameter	Promotional Reference
Product	Indonesian Dried Cloves
Botanical Name	Syzygium aromaticum
Origin	Indonesia
Promotional Grade	Premium Lalpari
Color	Reddish-brown
Aroma	Strong
Moisture	6–12%
Volatile Oil	Up to 22.98%
Commercial Grade Definition	Supplier-specific
Actual Quality	Requires lot verification

The reference figures should not be interpreted as guaranteed grade limits.

Common Commercial Grade Descriptions

Premium or Selected Whole Cloves

This description may refer to carefully sorted whole buds with a desirable visual appearance.

However, the actual specification must define acceptable breakage, foreign matter, moisture, and other parameters.

Lalpari Cloves

Lalpari is a commercial term used in some clove markets.

Buyers should request the supplier’s written definition, representative photographs, and samples rather than assume that every Lalpari offer has identical specifications.

Standard Whole Cloves

A supplier may use this term for material intended for general wholesale distribution.

Physical tolerances should be defined before purchase.

Broken Cloves

Broken cloves may be considered for certain processing applications, subject to buyer approval and appropriate food safety controls.

Clove Stems

Clove stems are a distinct material and should not be treated as equivalent to whole flower buds.

Their specifications, intended uses, and commercial values may differ substantially.

Visual Grade Differences

Visual inspection may consider:

Bud completeness
Size distribution
Color consistency
Loose stems
Broken material
Dust
Foreign matter
Insect damage
Visible mold
Abnormal odor

Appearance is only one part of quality assessment.

Sample and Photograph Matching

A buyer may request photographs to understand the general product appearance.

However, photographs cannot establish moisture, volatile-oil content, microbiological quality, or chemical contamination.

Representative samples and appropriate laboratory testing should be used for technical approval.

Establishing a Grade Comparison Matrix

Criterion	Premium Whole	Standard Whole	Processing Grade
Intended Use	Retail / Premium Wholesale	General Wholesale	Approved Processing
Whole-Bud Percentage	Buyer-defined	Buyer-defined	Buyer-defined
Broken Material	Buyer-defined	Buyer-defined	Buyer-defined
Foreign Matter	Buyer-defined	Buyer-defined	Buyer-defined
Moisture	Agreed Limit	Agreed Limit	Agreed Limit
Food Safety	Applicable Requirements	Applicable Requirements	Applicable Requirements
Sample Approval	Recommended	Recommended	Recommended

This is a purchasing framework, not an official Indonesian grading standard.

Quality Control Beyond Grade Names

Buyers should consider moisture, volatile oil where relevant, physical purity, microbiological quality, residues, and other applicable contaminants.

No commercial grade designation should be used as a substitute for food safety compliance.

Packaging, Terms, and Shipping

The grade should be stated consistently on the quotation, contract, packing list, and relevant inspection documents.

Packing options depend on the supplier’s capabilities.

FOB, CFR, and CIF quotations may be discussed.

Request Indonesian Clove Grade Samples

Subject: Indonesian Clove Grades – Sample and Quotation Request

Company: [Name]

Destination Country: [Country]

Application: [Retail / Wholesale / Processing]

Grade Requested: [Specify]

Quantity: [MT]

Minimum Whole-Bud Percentage: [%]

Maximum Moisture: [%]

Broken Material Limit: [%]

Foreign Matter Limit: [%]

Required Tests: [Specify]

Sample Requirement: [Specify]

Packaging: [Specify]

Incoterm: [FOB / CFR / CIF]

Please provide available grade descriptions, representative samples, photographs, MOQ, and pricing.

REQUEST CLOVE GRADE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Indonesian clove grades internationally standardized?

Commercial grade names may vary by supplier. Buyers should request measurable specifications.

Is Lalpari always the highest grade?

The supplier’s grade definition and actual product quality should be verified rather than assumed.

Can I compare multiple grades?

Yes, using approved samples and a common technical specification.

Can broken cloves be used for processing?

Potentially, if the material is suitable and meets all relevant safety and quality requirements.

What is the MOQ and lead time?

These depend on the selected supplier and grade.

Which documents should be requested?

Product specifications, available COAs, sample records, commercial documents, and destination-specific certificates where applicable.

Find the Right Indonesian Clove Grade