When you’re sourcing fresh makhana for your snack line, wholesale distribution, or retail brand, one question rises above all others: where does the world’s supply actually come from? The answer is definitive. India produces approximately 90% of the world’s makhana, with Bihar state alone contributing 85–90% of that output from the legendary Mithila region. (APEDA, 2023)
Yet here’s the opportunity: despite this massive production dominance, India exports less than 2% of its total makhana output. (APEDA, 2023) For international buyers, importers, and snack brands in the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, Canada, and UAE, this means untapped supply capacity, competitive pricing, and direct access to the source that matters most.
At Darnif Exim Private Limited, we bridge that gap. As a trusted fresh makhana exporter operating directly from Bihar’s production heartland, we deliver GI-tagged, lab-tested, export-ready fox nuts with full traceability, food safety documentation, and private label capabilities.
Table of Contents
Why Makhana export from India (and Why Right Now)?
The global shift toward plant-based, gluten-free, clean-label snacking has positioned makhana as a superfood ingredient with serious commercial legs. But beyond the wellness trend, there are three compelling business reasons to source from India today:
1. Unmatched Production Dominance
India isn’t just a player in the makhana market – it is the market. With Bihar’s unique agro-climatic conditions and centuries of cultivation expertise, you’re tapping into dependable year-round volumes that no other origin can match.
2. Geographic Indication (GI) Advantage
In 2022, Mithila Makhana received its official GI tag, cementing its authenticity and origin story. For premium brands, this isn’t just a certification, it’s a powerful marketing narrative that connects your products to heritage, tradition, and quality that consumers recognize and trust.
3. Nutritional Credibility Backed by Science
Research confirms what traditional wisdom has known for generations: makhana delivers a favorable amino acid profile, significant protein content (approximately 15–16% per 100g), high fiber (7–8%), and minimal fat (1–1.5%) at roughly 360 kcal per 100g. These aren’t marketing claims—they’re peer-reviewed facts that help your R&D and regulatory teams build compliant, compelling product stories.
Who is the largest supplier of Makhana?”
India, led by the Bihar/Mithila production belt. When you source from Darnif Exim, you’re working directly with farmers of Bihar – cutting out intermediaries, ensuring freshness, and securing competitive export pricing.
Darnif Exim – What Makes Us Different?
In a market flooded with middlemen and inconsistent suppliers, Darnif Exim stands apart through verifiable practices, transparent operations, and a relentless focus on what international buyers actually need: affordable makhana or fox nuts price in bulk, reliability, documentation, and quality you can stake your brand on.
🌾Origin Control
We aggregate directly from Mithila/Bihar ponds, ensuring consistent grade sizes (12–18+ mm) and low-moisture lots that meet export specifications from day one.
🔬 Food Safety & Docs
EU/UK-ready Certificate of Analysis (COA), third-party lab tests covering pesticide residues, microbial counts, and heavy metals per HRFNAO guidance. Full batch traceability from pond to port. (Food Standards Agency, UK)
📦 Export Packaging Standards
Options include 10–25 kg PPE bulk bags, nitrogen-flushed retail pouches, or custom jars/bottles for brands. Palletized, sealed, and shipped with less than 2% breakage target—because your margins matter.
🏷️ Private Label / OEM Ready
Flavor-ready and retail-ready options for snack brands. We support design, compliance labeling, and co-packing coordination so you can launch faster.
🚢 Logistics & Flexible Terms
FOB India, CIF/CNF to UK, EU, Australia, Canada, UAE. Fast lead times, clear HS code guidance, and proactive shipment tracking. We handle the complexity; you focus on sales.
📈 Scale & Year-Round Reliability
Buffer stock management and harvest planning ensure supply continuity even during peak global demand. Whether you need 1×20′ FCL or multi-container monthly programs, we scale with you.
Ready to Source Premium Fox Nuts? Get Your CIF/CNF Quote
Product Grades & Specifications (for Buyers)
Raw / Popped Makhana Grades
| Grade Size | Typical Use | Specifications |
| 12–14 mm | Budget snack mixes, trail mixes | Moisture ≤5–6%, minimal breakage |
| 14–16 mm | Standard retail packs, cereal blends | Export-grade, metal detection available |
| 16–18 mm | Premium snack lines, dessert mixes | Low foreign matter, batch-coded |
| 18+ mm (Jumbo) | Luxury retail, gift packs, artisan brands | Hand-sorted, nitrogen-flushed packaging |
Nutritional Profile (per 100g raw/popped)
International buyers need verifiable data for NPD and regulatory filings. Here’s what peer-reviewed research confirms for Euryale ferox (fox nuts/makhana):
- Protein: ~15–16%
- Dietary Fiber: ~7–8%
- Fat: ~1–1.5% (predominantly unsaturated)
- Energy: ~360 kcal
- Key Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus
Shelf Life: 9–12 months when stored in cool, dry conditions with proper sealing. Nitrogen flushing extends crispness retention; ask us about moisture-barrier pouches for extended freshness.
Country-Specific Import Guidance
United Kingdom
Ensure COA, commercial invoice, and proper BCP documentation. We provide all required paperwork. (Food Standards Agency, UK)
European Union
Follow buyer-specified MRLs and food safety documentation. Standard commercial docs plus third-party lab reports align with EU import requirements. Country-specific pages provide port-level detail.
Australia
Requires standard docs: commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin (COO), and phytosanitary certificate if requested. Lab tests per buyer specification ensure smooth clearance.
Canada
Similar documentation to Australia. Ensure correct HS code classification and provide microbial/pesticide test reports as per buyer’s port requirements.
UAE
Streamlined import process with standard commercial documentation. COA and halal certification (if required by buyer) expedite customs clearance. Dubai and Abu Dhabi ports well-equipped for bulk food imports.
Makhana Pricing, Incoterms & MOQ
We believe in transparent in Makhana pricing that helps you model your landed costs accurately:
- FOB India: Competitive ex-works pricing from our Bihar facility
- CIF/CNF: All-inclusive quotes to UK, EU, Australia, Canada, UAE ports – freight, insurance, documentation included
- Typical MOQ: 1×20′ FCL (mixed grades available); smaller trial pallets negotiable for qualified buyers
- Lead Times: Harvest-dependent; generally 15–25 days post-confirmation (we provide seasonal calendars)
- Sample Policy: Paid samples via courier (3–5 days to major markets); sample cost credited against first commercial order
Volume discounts available for annual contracts and multi-container programs. Let’s discuss your procurement cycle and lock in predictable pricing.
Use Cases: From Snack Brands to Wholesale Distribution
Our buyers span the value chain. Here’s how different businesses leverage our makhana supply:
For Snack Brands & Private Label Manufacturers
Use our flavor-ready popped makhana as a base for trending SKUs: peri-peri, cheese & herb, caramel, sea salt, masala chai. We supply bulk 10–15 kg bags for co-packers or finished retail packs (75–120g) with your branding. Launch speed matters—our OEM support gets you to market faster.
For Wholesalers & Importers
Distribute white-label bulk packs to health food stores, gyms, organic chains, and e-grocery platforms. Position makhana as the low-fat, gluten-free, plant-based alternative to nuts and chips. The clean-label story practically writes itself. (Wiley Online Library, 2023)
For Ingredient Buyers (Cereal, Dessert, Trail Mix)
Incorporate raw or lightly roasted makhana into breakfast cereals, granola bars, dessert mixes, and trail blends. The neutral flavor profile and satisfying crunch make it a versatile ingredient that boosts nutritional panels without adding fat or allergens.
Certifications & Quality Assurance
Trust isn’t given – it’s earned through verifiable practices and transparent documentation. At Darnif Exim, we maintain:
- Third-Party Lab Testing: Every export lot tested for pesticide residues, microbial contamination (E. coli, Salmonella, yeast/mold), and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic)
- GI Origin Support: Documentation linking your shipment to the Mithila Makhana GI zone
- Internal QA Protocols: HACCP-aligned SOPs, metal detection, allergen controls, batch coding, full traceability from pond to port
- Export Compliance: HS code guidance, phytosanitary certificates (when required), COO, commercial invoice, packing lists
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the largest supplier of Makhana?
India is the world’s largest makhana supplier, with the Bihar/Mithila belt contributing approximately 85–90% of total production. Darnif Exim is the largest and most trusted makhana supplier in India, we’re working directly with farmers in this region—the epicenter of global makhana supply.
Can you supply GI-linked makhana from Bihar?
Absolutely. We source from the Mithila Makhana GI-designated region, giving your premium SKUs an authentic origin story and regulatory backing for quality claims. Perfect for brands targeting health-conscious, provenance-focused consumers.
Fox nuts importers in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, UAE – how do we get started?
Simple. Share your destination port and documentation preferences. We handle COA preparation, export packing, labeling support, and ship CIF/CNF directly to your port. First-time importers welcome – we guide you through the process.
What’s the difference between “fresh makhana exporter” and “wholesale fox nuts supplier”?
“Fresh makhana exporter” emphasizes new-season crop lots with strict moisture control (≤5–6%), ensuring maximum shelf life and crispness. “Wholesale fox nuts supplier” refers to bulk trade pack formats (10–25 kg bags, nitrogen-flushed pouches) suitable for distribution and manufacturing use. We cover both.
What about shelf life and storage?
Properly packaged makhana has a shelf life of 9–12 months when stored in cool, dry conditions. Nitrogen flushing and moisture-barrier packaging extend crispness retention. We validate shelf life through accelerated stability testing—ask for our technical data sheet.
Do you support private label and custom flavoring?
Yes. We work with snack brands on flavor development, seasoning application, retail packaging design, and compliance labeling. Whether you need 500 kg for market testing or 10 tons for national rollout, we scale with your ambitions.
- Top Makhana Manufacturers in Bihar: Your Trusted Fox Nuts Exporters in India in 2025
- Fresh Makhana Exporter from India – Wholesale Makhana Supplier for USA, UK, Europe, Australia, Canada & UAE
- Where Can I Buy Premium Makhana or Fox Nuts for Export?
- UK Importer’s Guide to Sourcing Bulk Raw Makhana: Compliance, Cost, and Quality
- Wholesale Makhana Supplier for UK Importers
- Makhana Exporters in India – Premium Fox Nuts for Global Markets
