Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree. They have a strong, warm aroma and are used in cooking, baking, spice blends, traditional medicine and many other products. If you are buying cloves in bulk, Indonesia is the first country to know about.
Indonesia and Cloves
Cloves are native to the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia, once known as the Spice Islands. Today Indonesia is the world’s largest clove producer. According to FAO data reported by Databoks, Indonesia produced about 133,600 tons of cloves in 2020, well ahead of Madagascar in second place.
A large share of Indonesia’s harvest is used inside the country, especially for kretek, the clove cigarettes popular in Indonesia. The rest is exported, so supply and prices for buyers abroad can move with the local harvest and local demand.
What Buyers Look For
When you check cloves, these are the main quality points:
- Appearance: whole, well-formed buds with the round head intact. Broken buds and loose heads lower the value.
- Colour: a deep reddish-brown is usually preferred. Very pale or very dark buds can show poor drying or old stock.
- Aroma: good cloves smell strong and fresh. Weak aroma can mean the oil has been lost.
- Stems and foreign matter: buyers usually set limits on stems, dust and other material.
- Moisture: cloves must be dried properly. Too much moisture can cause mould during shipping.
Whole or Ground?
Most bulk trade is in whole cloves, because whole buds keep their aroma longer and are easier to inspect. Ground cloves are usually made closer to the final market, by spice packers and food producers.
Packing and Shipping
Cloves are usually packed in clean bags, such as jute or polypropylene, often with an inner liner to protect against moisture. During sea shipping, containers can get hot and humid, so good drying and packing are important. Many buyers also ask for fumigation or other treatment certificates, depending on the rules of the importing country.
Documents to Expect
Depending on your market, a clove shipment may need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and a phytosanitary certificate. Some buyers also ask for a lab test report. Always check the import rules in your own country before you order.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Ask for a sample and a written specification before you confirm.
- Agree limits for moisture, stems and foreign matter in the contract.
- Confirm the Incoterm, packing type and shipment date in writing.
- Start with a smaller order to test the supplier.
Sourcing Cloves with Rawaani Global
We source spices from Indonesian suppliers for buyers in Pakistan, Mexico and other markets. Tell us your quantity, packing and destination, and we will share options and samples. Request a quote here.
Sources: production figures from FAO data as reported by Databoks.