Fresh Shallots Size and Grading Guide

IEC | INDONESIA EXPORT CENTER

FRESH RED SHALLOT DIAMETER, SORTING, AND COMMERCIAL GRADE SPECIFICATIONS

28 mm and Above | Measurement Methods | Size Tolerances | Lot Inspection

Understanding Fresh Shallots Size Grading

Fresh shallots size grading is an important part of international produce procurement.

Buyers may require particular bulb sizes for wholesale markets, retail presentation, restaurant preparation, or food processing.

A clear grading agreement helps buyers and suppliers define what should be delivered and how the product will be inspected.

IEC | Indonesia Export Center facilitates sourcing enquiries for Indonesian fresh red shallots, including buyer-defined size and grade requirements.

Our featured product reference is Super Premium Fresh Red Shallots from Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, with a target bulb diameter of 28 mm and above.

REQUEST GRADED FRESH SHALLOTS QUOTATION

Featured Product Specifications

Parameter	Reference
Product	Fresh Red Shallots
Featured Origin	Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Promotional Grade	Super Premium
Form	Whole, Clean, No Leaf
Target Size	28 mm and Above
Aroma	Strong Natural Aroma
Flavor	Sweet-Spicy
Measurement Method	To be agreed
Size Tolerance	Buyer-defined
Sorting Capability	Subject to supplier confirmation

What Does 28 mm and Above Mean?

The featured product uses 28 mm and above as a target diameter.

For commercial contracts, buyers should clarify how diameter is measured.

A common practical approach is to measure the bulb across its widest dimension, but the actual method should be defined in the agreement.

Irregular bulb shapes, clusters, and natural variation can affect measurement.

The buyer should also specify whether the threshold applies to every bulb or to an agreed percentage of the lot.

Why Size Grading Matters

Wholesale Distribution

Consistent grading can help wholesalers serve customers with predictable product expectations.

Retail Presentation

Uniform bulb size may improve visual presentation and packaging consistency.

Restaurant Preparation

Bulb size can affect peeling, slicing, and preparation time.

Food Processing

Processors may prefer specific size distributions depending on their equipment and usable-yield requirements.

The most suitable grade depends on the intended application.

Example Buyer-Defined Size Categories

The following categories are illustrative purchasing examples, not universal Indonesian or international grade standards.

Illustrative Category	Example Diameter Requirement
Smaller Bulbs	Below 28 mm
Featured 28 mm+ Grade	28 mm and Above
Buyer-Specified Large Grade	Minimum diameter agreed separately
Mixed Commercial Grade	Agreed size distribution

The supplier must confirm which sorting categories can actually be offered.

How to Measure Bulb Diameter

A practical inspection may use a suitable measuring gauge or caliper.

The parties should agree on whether bulbs are measured individually, how clusters are handled, and how results are recorded.

The measurement procedure should be applied consistently across the selected sample.

Size Tolerance and Undersized Bulbs

A purchase specification should define the maximum permitted proportion of bulbs below the minimum diameter.

The tolerance may be expressed by count or weight, but the basis must be stated clearly.

For example, a buyer might request a minimum size with a separately negotiated undersize tolerance.

No specific tolerance should be assumed without supplier agreement.

Size Is Not the Only Grade Factor

A large bulb is not necessarily a high-quality bulb.

Commercial grading should also consider firmness, maturity, skin condition, sprouting, decay, physical damage, and cleanliness.

A well-sorted lot should satisfy both the size requirement and the agreed physical quality criteria.

Lot Inspection and Sampling

An inspection plan should identify the lot, selected packages, sample size, measurement method, and acceptance thresholds.

Where lots contain substantial variation, the buyer may require a more detailed sampling approach.

The inspection report should document the measured distribution and any deviations from the agreed specification.

Product Photographs and Reference Samples

Current product photographs can help buyers assess appearance and approximate size.

Photographs should ideally include a measurement reference and representative bulbs from the actual lot.

However, photographs cannot establish the full size distribution of a bulk shipment.

Where appropriate, independent inspection should be considered.

Packaging by Size Grade

Different grades may require different packing and handling arrangements.

The buyer should specify net weight per package, lot identification, and whether different size categories must be packed separately.

Mixing grades without agreement can create commercial disputes.

Buyer Size-Grading RFQ

Subject: Indonesian Fresh Shallots Size Grading – RFQ

Company: [Name]

Destination: [Country]

Product: Fresh Red Shallots

Preferred Origin: Bima, Indonesia

Grade: Super Premium / Buyer-defined

Minimum Diameter: [mm]

Maximum Diameter, if applicable: [mm]

Permitted Undersize: [Specify]

Measurement Method: [Specify]

Other Quality Requirements: [Specify]

Quantity: [MT]

Packaging: [Specify]

Inspection Requirements: [Specify]

Destination Port: [Port]

Please provide available sorting options, current product evidence, MOQ, and quotation.

SEND SIZE-GRADING RFQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the featured size of IEC’s Indonesian shallots?

The promotional target is 28 mm and above.

Is 28 mm a universal Super Premium standard?

No. It is a product reference, and commercial grading must be agreed.

Can suppliers offer smaller or larger sizes?

Alternative sorting may be discussed, subject to actual availability.

How should diameter be measured?

The buyer and supplier should agree on a consistent measurement method.

Are undersized bulbs allowed?

Only according to the agreed tolerance.

Can size grading be independently inspected?

Yes, subject to an agreed inspection arrangement.

What is the MOQ for a particular grade?

MOQ depends on the supplier’s sorting capacity and current offer.

Does larger size guarantee better flavor?

No. Flavor depends on the variety, maturity, and other factors.

Request Fresh Shallots by Size