Indian Makhana Exporter | Mithila GI Fox Nuts | Raw & Flavored | Alstoe India Exports
India · 90% of Global Makhana Supply

Indian Makhana
Exporter from Bihar

Bulk exporter of Mithila GI-tagged Indian makhana (Euryale ferox / fox nuts / lotus seeds / phool makhana) in all ten Suta grades from 3 Suta to 6+ Suta Handpicked, supplied as Raw or Flavored. Sourced directly from the Mithilanchal wetlands of Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia and Katihar in Bihar. Lab-tested, FSSAI and APEDA certified, US FDA compliant, with full pond-to-port traceability for importers, snack brands, distributors and private label buyers worldwide.

Request Makhana Quote View All Grades →
Indian Makhana Market
90%
Global Supply from India
25K MT
Indian Exports 2024
39%
CAGR 2020 to 2024
10
Suta Grades Supplied
🏛
APEDAExport Registered
✅
FSSAIFood Safety Certified
🇺🇸
US FDAFCE Registered
📜
Mithila GIOrigin Traceable
🔬
NABL LabPer Shipment Tested
🛡️
HACCPAligned Processing
About Indian Makhana

Why Indian makhana is
the global benchmark

Makhana, also called fox nut, lotus seed, gorgon nut or phool makhana, is the popped kernel of the Euryale ferox water plant. India produces nearly 90% of the world's commercial supply, with Bihar's Mithilanchal region alone accounting for over 80% of national output. The supply-side concentration is extreme; if you are importing makhana from anywhere except India, you are buying through a re-exporter.

The Indian makhana export industry has transformed in five years. Volumes grew 4X from 6,700 MT in 2020 to 25,130 MT in 2024, a 39% compound annual growth rate driven by global health-snack demand, improved Bihar processing infrastructure, the granting of GI (Geographical Indication) status to Mithila Makhana in 2022, and the establishment of the Indian Makhana Board with a budget of INR 1 billion to develop the sector.

Three destination markets dominate global imports. The United States accounts for approximately 40% of Indian makhana exports, Canada 20%, and the UAE 17%, with the three together absorbing 77% of total exports. Other significant markets include the UK, Australia, Germany, Singapore and Japan, with rapid growth in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Premium grades above 18 mm (5+ Suta and 6+ Suta) command the highest international prices, while 4 Suta and 5 Suta grades feed mid-market retail and food processing.

The product is botanically distinct from common lotus. Makhana is Euryale ferox, not Nelumbo nucifera (the true lotus). This distinction matters for customs classification, phytosanitary certification and FDA documentation; export paperwork should always reference Euryale ferox to prevent classification confusion and avoid regulatory delays at destination ports.

At Alstoe India Exports, we supply all ten Suta grades from 3 Suta through 6+ Suta Handpicked, available as Raw makhana (the natural popped form for kitchens, food processors and private label buyers who will roast or season in-destination) or Flavored makhana (pre-roasted and seasoned in 12+ flavor variants for retail snack brands and finished-product distributors). Every consignment is sourced from Mithilanchal Bihar with documented GI origin, NABL lab-tested for moisture, microbiology and heavy metals, and packed for moisture-controlled long-haul shipping.

Botanical name
Euryale ferox
Common names
Fox nut, lotus seed, gorgon nut, phool makhana
Primary HS Codes
20081921 / 20081922
Alternative HS Codes
19041090, 21069099, 08134090
Indian production share
~90% of global supply
Bihar share within India
80% to 85%
Shelf life
9 to 12 months (sealed)
Harvest season
August to October
40%
USA share of Indian makhana imports
20%
Canada share of Indian imports
17%
UAE share of Indian imports
$14-60/kg
Export price range by grade
The Suta Grading System

Decoding Suta:
how Indian makhana is graded

"Suta" is a traditional Bihar unit of measurement used to classify popped makhana by diameter. One Suta equals approximately 3.17 mm. Larger Suta numbers indicate larger, rounder, more uniformly puffed makhana, which command higher prices because of lower yield per pond. Importers who understand the Suta system protect themselves from grade fraud; importers who do not, pay 5 Suta prices for 4 Suta product.

Suta size comparison (actual proportional scale)

Each circle below represents the approximate diameter of a popped makhana kernel at that Suta grade. Sizes are drawn to relative proportion.

3 Suta 9 to 11 mm 4 Suta 12 to 14 mm 4+ Suta 14 to 16 mm 5 Suta 16 to 18 mm 5+ Suta 18 to 21 mm 6+ Suta HP 22 to 28 mm SMALLER · ECONOMICAL LARGER · PREMIUM
1 Suta = 3.17 mm. Premium grades above 18 mm (5+ Suta and 6+ Suta) lead Indian export demand. They are rarer in any harvest batch because makhana puffs unevenly during traditional roasting; only 8 to 12% of a pond's harvest yields 6 Suta or larger, which is why premium grades cost 50 to 100% more than 4 Suta on a per-kilogram basis.
Normal

Machine-Sorted

Standard commercial grade

Mechanically sorted by vibrating sieve and air-classifier. Faster, lower-cost processing. Acceptable for industrial buyers, food processors and value-tier retail where uniform appearance matters less than price.

  • Some size variation within grade
  • May contain partly-popped pieces
  • Occasional yellowed or scorched kernels
  • Lower per-kg price than Handpicked
  • Best for cooking, sweets, religious offerings
Handpicked (HP)

Hand-Sorted

Premium export grade

Sorted by hand at Bihar processing centres, typically by women workers with decades of expertise. Each kernel inspected for size uniformity, whiteness, full puff and structural integrity. Slower, more expensive, but consistent enough for premium retail and gifting.

  • Uniform size within the grade band
  • Bright white colour, no yellowing
  • Fully puffed, no half-popped pieces
  • Broken and scorched kernels removed
  • Best for premium retail, gifting, snack brands
Complete Grade Reference

All ten Suta grades
in one table

Every Suta grade supplied by Alstoe, available in both Raw and Flavored formats. Sizes shown in millimetres reference industry-standard Bihar grading. Pricing tier and best applications listed against each grade for procurement reference.

Grade Diameter Pricing Tier Yield per Pond Best Application
Economical & Mid-Tier Grades
3 Suta 9 to 11 mm Entry level ~25-30% Bulk cooking, sweets, prasad, kheer, industrial food use
4 Suta 12 to 14 mm Standard ~25-30% Daily-use retail, masala snack mixes, granola
4 Suta HANDPICKED 12 to 14 mm Standard+ ~15-20% Mid-tier retail, branded snack packs, food service
Premium Grades (4+ Suta)
4 Suta Plus NORMAL 14 to 16 mm Premium ~18-22% Premium retail, snack brands, mid-shelf gifting
4 Suta Plus HANDPICKED 14 to 16 mm Premium HP ~10-15% Premium snack brands, gifting packs, e-commerce premium
High Premium Grades (5 Suta)
5 Suta NORMAL 15 to 18 mm High premium ~12-18% Export retail, USA / Canada / UAE snack brands
5 Suta HANDPICKED 15 to 18 mm High premium HP ~8-12% Premium export retail, organic stores, luxury gifting
Top Premium Grades (5+ Suta and 6+ Suta)
5+ Suta NORMAL 18 to 20 mm Top premium ~8-12% Premium snack brands, gifting, US health-snack retail
5+ Suta HANDPICKED 18 to 21 mm Top premium HP ~5-9% Luxury snack brands, premium gifting, organic export
6+ Suta HANDPICKED 22 to 28 mm Super premium ~3-7% Ultra-premium gifting, luxury brands, special export programmes
Note on yield. Yield percentage refers to how much of a typical Bihar makhana pond's processed output falls into each grade after popping and sorting. Lower yield means rarer supply; this is why 6+ Suta Handpicked commands a 2 to 3X premium over 4 Suta. All ten grades available in both Raw and Flavored formats.
Product Formats

Raw or Flavored.
Every grade, both ways.

All ten Suta grades from our reference table are supplied in two formats: Raw (the natural popped kernel for kitchens, food processors and brands that prefer to roast or season in-destination) and Flavored (pre-roasted and pre-seasoned for retail-ready snack distribution). Pick the format that fits your operational model.

Format 01

Raw Makhana

Phool Makhana · Unflavored · Natural popped form

The natural form of popped makhana with no roasting and no added seasoning. White to off-white colour, light crisp texture, neutral flavour. The base form from which all roasted and flavored makhana is made. The preferred format for food processors who will further process, snack brands developing their own flavor profiles, retail brands selling natural foods, Ayurvedic and wellness formulators, and any buyer who wants control over downstream processing.

  • 10 Suta grades from 3 Suta to 6+ Suta Handpicked
  • Moisture below 6% (kept stable with sealed packaging)
  • No additives, preservatives or processing aids
  • Shelf life 12 months sealed, 6 months opened
  • Packaging from 250g retail pouch to 25 kg bulk sack
  • Ideal for food processors, private label, kitchens, snack manufacturers, gifting packs
Format 02

Flavored Makhana

Roasted & seasoned · Retail snack-ready

Raw makhana roasted in food-grade oil or air-roasted (oil-free option available) and seasoned with 12+ flavor profiles ranging from classic salted to peri-peri, cheese, masala and sweet variants. Ready for direct retail distribution with no further processing required. Made on demand to buyer specification; we share full ingredient declarations and nutrition data for label compliance in your destination market.

  • Same 10 Suta grades as raw, in flavored form
  • 12+ flavor profiles available (see below)
  • Air-roasted option for low-fat positioning
  • Custom seasoning to your recipe (private label OEM)
  • Retail packaging from 30g sachets to 200g pouches
  • Ideal for snack brands, retail distributors, e-commerce, HoReCa, gifting
Available Flavors
SaltedClassic
Peri-PeriSpicy hot
CheeseMild
TomatoTangy
Indian MasalaSpiced
MintRefreshing
Butter
Sour Cream
Pudina (Indian Mint)
PizzaItalian herb
HoneySweet
CaramelSweet
Why Makhana Imports Go Wrong

Eight makhana sourcing problems
and how we solve them

After interviewing makhana importers in the US, UAE, Canada and UK, the same eight problems come up repeatedly. Each erodes margin, damages reputation, or kills the relationship between buyer and supplier. Here is how Alstoe addresses each one directly.

The Problem

Sample is 6 Suta. Shipment is mixed with 5 Suta.

The most common makhana scam. Supplier sends a clean 6 Suta sample. Container arrives with 30 to 40% of the lot in 5 Suta or smaller, hidden in the middle of the bags. By the time the importer notices, the supplier has been paid.

How We Solve It
Composite drum sampling and grade lock

Pre-shipment samples are drawn composite-style from front, middle and back of every container load with a witness photo and timestamp. Suta grade percentage is locked in writing on the order confirmation. If destination inspection finds grade drift beyond the contracted tolerance (typically +/- 5% by weight), we replace the affected portion or refund.

The Problem

Moisture absorbed during transit. Crunch lost on arrival.

Makhana is hygroscopic: it pulls moisture from ambient air. On a 35-day Mumbai-to-Newark sea voyage in a steel container, ambient humidity can swing wildly. Bags packed at 5% moisture arrive at 9% or higher. The kernels go from crisp to chewy, ruining shelf appeal and triggering customer returns.

How We Solve It
Multi-layer foil pouches and desiccant packs

Standard export packaging is food-grade aluminium-foil-lined pouches inside double-layer kraft cartons, with food-grade silica desiccants per carton for sea-freight shipments. Moisture monitoring during packing, sealed at sub-5% with N2 flush option for premium retail. Crunch retained through to destination warehouse.

The Problem

Heavy metals and microbial contamination at US FDA testing.

US FDA holds imported makhana for random sampling. Common rejection reasons: lead above 0.1 ppm, salmonella detected, yeast and mould above 10,000 CFU/g. Once a shipment is detained at port, costs spiral: bonded warehousing fees, re-export, plus the importer is added to FDA's Import Alert list.

How We Solve It
Pre-shipment NABL lab tested to US FDA standards

Every consignment is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories before dispatch: heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) per FDA limits, salmonella absent in 25g, E. coli absent in 1g, yeast/mould below 10,000 CFU/g, aflatoxin below 10 ppb. Results recorded on the Certificate of Analysis shipped with the consignment. For US FDA-sensitive buyers, additional Bureau Veritas or SGS pre-shipment testing available at buyer cost.

The Problem

"Mithila Makhana" claimed without GI certification.

Mithila Makhana is a Geographical Indication-protected name, granted in 2022, that legally restricts use to makhana sourced from the Mithilanchal districts of Bihar. Many exporters use the term loosely on labels without holding the GI authorisation. Importers selling into the EU and Japan have been penalised at retail level for unsupported origin claims.

How We Solve It
GI origin documentation with every lot

Our sourcing is direct from Mithilanchal districts (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Samastipur). Every lot ships with origin documentation linking the consignment to a GI-zone pond cooperative. We provide the GI authorisation reference, farmer batch coding and field-to-port traceability so your retail labels can carry the Mithila Makhana claim with legal backing.

The Problem

HS Code confusion delays customs.

The Indian Ministry of Finance introduced specific HS codes 20081921 and 20081922 for makhana in 2025, but many exporters and forwarders still file under legacy codes (19041090, 21069099, 08134090). Mismatched HS codes between Indian export and destination import trigger holds, query letters and 5-14 day delays at customs.

How We Solve It
Pre-aligned HS code on both sides of the shipment

Before booking, we confirm the destination importer's customs broker on the HS code they will file. We then align our Indian export filing to match (20081921 for raw makhana, 20081922 for prepared / flavored makhana), and reference both codes on the commercial invoice and packing list. No customs holds at either end.

The Problem

MOQ confusion. Trial orders impossible.

Many Indian makhana exporters quote one MOQ for FCL container shipments (typically 5 tonnes) and refuse anything smaller. First-time importers wanting to test the market with 500 kg or 1 tonne are turned away, or quoted unworkable prices. The supplier loses a long-term buyer over a small trial.

How We Solve It
Tiered MOQ for trial, growth and scale orders

Raw makhana: 500 kg minimum LCL trial order, 2 MT for mixed-grade trial container, 5+ MT for single-grade FCL. Flavored makhana: 200 kg minimum LCL retail-ready trial, 500 kg for branded SKU runs. Trial orders priced fairly so the buyer can validate quality and market fit before committing to long-term contracts.

The Problem

Private label timelines slip. Retail launch dates missed.

Retail brand commits to a launch date based on supplier promise. Sample artwork approved, payment sent. Then the supplier's print vendor is delayed, the food approval queue is backed up, or the pouches arrive wrong-sized. Launch dates slip 2-4 weeks. Retailer windows close.

How We Solve It
Fixed timeline private label with milestone visibility

Private label and OEM programs run on a fixed 35-day timeline from artwork approval: pouch printing (12 days), regulatory label review (3 days), production (10 days), packing and QC (5 days), shipment booking (5 days). Status updates at every milestone. We bear the cost of delays caused on our side. Launch date risk removed from the importer's planning.

The Problem

Seasonal price surprises between quote and invoice.

Indian makhana harvest runs Aug to Oct. Post-harvest prices (Oct to Dec) are 10 to 20% lower than pre-harvest prices (Jun to Jul). Exporters quote a low post-harvest price to win the contract, then deliver in Mar-Apr at the same low price but with quietly inflated freight or "market correction" charges added to the invoice.

How We Solve It
Pricing locked in writing for the contract window

Quotes locked for 7-15 day decision windows. For longer-horizon contracts (3-6 month supply agreements), we offer fixed-price contracts indexed to a published Bihar mandi reference (Darbhanga APMC), so price changes if any are formula-driven and transparent. No "market moved" surcharges between confirmed PO and Bill of Lading.

Origin Story
Mithila Makhana · GI Tag 2022

Why Mithila Makhana
commands a premium

The Geographical Indication tag granted to Mithila Makhana by the Government of India in 2022 is more than a marketing badge. It is a legal protection that restricts the name "Mithila Makhana" to fox nuts grown and processed in five Bihar districts (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar and Saharsa) plus parts of Samastipur and Sitamarhi. The GI exists because makhana from this region is measurably different from makhana grown elsewhere.

The Mithilanchal region's combination of soil mineral profile, water-body density, harvest timing tradition and processing know-how produces kernels with brighter whiteness, larger consistent size, lower moisture, longer shelf life and a characteristically light texture that retains crunch even after months of storage. The cultivation method itself is heritage: farmers wade into wetland ponds with traditional bamboo equipment to harvest underwater seed pods, a labour-intensive process unique to this region and protected under the GI.

Geographical Indication

Granted 2022 by Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India. Legal protection of origin.

5 Protected Districts

Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa (plus Samastipur, Sitamarhi parts).

Heritage Cultivation

Wetland pond harvesting by traditional bamboo methods. Unique to Mithilanchal.

Higher Retail Margin

Mithila GI label commands 20 to 40% retail premium in US, EU and UAE markets.

Sourcing Geography

Where Mithila Makhana
actually comes from

Alstoe sources directly from farmer cooperatives across five Bihar producing districts in the Mithila GI zone. Each district has distinct strengths in pond density, kernel size profile and processing capacity. Direct relationships mean better quality control, transparent pricing and shorter farm-to-port lead times.

BIHAR MITHILA GI ZONE DARBHANGA Heartland · 6+ Suta MADHUBANI GI zone · 5+ Suta SAHARSA 5 Suta · Bulk PURNIA Processing hub KATIHAR Export grade MITHILA MAKHANA · GI ZONE 80% OF GLOBAL SUPPLY 5 GI-protected districts · Heritage pond cultivation since 1450 CE
Darbhanga
Heartland of Mithila Makhana
Highest concentration of cultivation ponds in Bihar. Specialist in premium grades (5+ and 6+ Suta). Traditional processing techniques preserved over five generations.
Madhubani
Core GI zone
Famous for largest-size kernels and the lightest, whitest puffs. Premium 5+ and 6+ Suta Handpicked supply. Mithila Painting region's makhana commands the highest export prices.
Purnia & Katihar
Processing & export hubs
Major sorting and processing centres. Most of India's export-graded makhana is final-graded in Purnia processing units. Direct rail-to-port logistics to JNPT.
Saharsa & Samastipur
Mid-tier & bulk grades
Strong supply of 4 and 5 Suta grades for retail and food-processing markets. Reliable commercial-grade volume for blender and industrial buyers.
Quality & Lab Testing

Technical specifications
tested per consignment

Every Alstoe makhana consignment is screened, lab-tested and documented before dispatch. The Certificate of Analysis shipped with every consignment includes physical, chemical, microbiological and heavy metal parameters tested against the stricter of EU MRL and US FDA limits.

Physical Parameters

  • Suta grade purityMin 95% within stated band
  • Moisture contentBelow 6% (post-pack)
  • Colour uniformityBright white to off-white
  • Foreign matterBelow 0.5%
  • Broken kernels (Handpicked)Below 2%
  • Half-popped kernels (HP)Below 1%
  • Yellowing / scorchBelow 1% (HP), 5% (Normal)
  • Bulk density25 to 35 g/L

Chemical & Microbiological

  • Total AflatoxinBelow 10 ppb (B1: 5 ppb)
  • Lead (Pb)Below 0.1 ppm (US FDA)
  • Cadmium & ArsenicWithin EU 2023/915 limits
  • SalmonellaAbsent in 25g
  • E. coliAbsent in 1g
  • Yeast & MouldBelow 10,000 CFU/g
  • Total Plate CountBelow 100,000 CFU/g
  • Pesticide MRLWithin EU 396/2005 limits
Packaging Options

From 30g sachet
to 25 kg bulk sack

Makhana packaging is critical because moisture absorption directly affects crunch and shelf life. We use food-grade barrier materials calibrated to the destination market's shelf-life requirements and the retail tier targeted, with full private label and OEM service for branded buyers.

Bulk

Bulk Export Packaging

For food processors, blenders and brands that will repackage at destination. Optimised for moisture retention through long sea-freight transit.

  • 10 kg, 15 kg, 25 kg food-grade aluminium-foil-lined bags
  • Inside double-layer corrugated kraft cartons
  • Food-grade silica desiccant pack per carton
  • Optional N2 gas-flush for moisture-sensitive grades
  • FCL: typically 5 to 7 MT (volumetric)
Retail

Retail Pouches

Snack-ready packaging for direct retail distribution. Custom artwork, multiple language labels, nutritional declaration and barcode supported.

  • 30g, 50g, 80g, 100g, 200g, 250g, 500g pouches
  • BOPP / aluminium / polyester laminate options
  • Stand-up zip-lock, tin-tie or heat-seal
  • Window pouches available for premium retail
  • Multi-language labelling (English + destination language)
Private Label

Custom OEM & Private Label

Full white-label service for brand owners. From artwork through to retail-ready cartons in a single supply chain, with regulatory label review.

  • Custom artwork design or print-from-supplied artwork
  • Destination-market regulatory label review
  • Custom flavor recipe development
  • Branded retail cartons and shippers
  • MOQ 200 kg per SKU for flavored, 500 kg for raw
Buyer Profiles

Who buys Indian makhana from us

Our makhana range serves the full value chain from raw bulk for food processors through to retail-ready private label SKUs. We recommend grade, format and packaging based on your operational model, target retail tier and destination market.

Snack Brands & FMCG

Healthy-snack brands launching makhana SKUs, ranging from indie health-food startups to multi-national FMCG players. Need consistent retail quality, custom flavors and reliable supply.

Recommended: 5 Suta HP, 5+ Suta HP, Flavored format

Importers & Distributors

Food importers and distributors serving onward retailers, ethnic grocery chains, health stores and supermarket chains. Need bulk supply with consistent volume and price stability.

Recommended: 4 Suta, 5 Suta, Raw format, bulk packaging

Retail Brands & Private Label

D2C brands, retail chains and e-commerce brands developing their own-label makhana product lines. Need OEM service with regulatory label support for the destination market.

Recommended: Custom flavor, custom artwork, OEM packaging

Food Processors

Cereal, granola, snack-mix and gift-pack manufacturers using makhana as an ingredient in finished food products. Need consistent kernel size and reliable bulk volumes.

Recommended: 3 Suta, 4 Suta, Raw bulk, machine-sorted

Gifting & Premium Retail

Luxury gifting brands, hospitality chains and premium retail buyers selling makhana in upscale formats including window pouches, gift boxes and assortments.

Recommended: 5+ Suta HP, 6+ Suta HP, custom premium packaging

Ayurvedic & Wellness

Ayurvedic formulators, supplement brands and wellness companies using makhana for traditional medicinal preparations or modern health-snack positioning.

Recommended: 4 Suta, 5 Suta, Raw format, organic certified
How To Order

From inquiry to vessel loading,
five steps

Standard turnaround from confirmed order to vessel loading is 18 to 25 days for raw makhana, 30 to 40 days for flavored or private label (including artwork approval, regulatory label review and custom packaging). Air freight available for sample shipments and urgent retail-launch deliveries.

1
Share Requirement
Grade(s), format (raw / flavored), flavor profile if applicable, quantity, packaging type, destination port, Incoterm.
2
Quote & Sample
CIF / FOB / CFR quote within 24 hours. 500g sample dispatched within 48 hours for raw, 72 hours for flavored.
3
Sample Approval
Buyer approves Suta grade, colour, crunch and flavor profile in writing. Composite shipment sample drawn from production lot.
4
Production & QC
Order processed. 14-point QC including moisture, microbiology, heavy metals, kernel sorting. Lab COA issued.
5
Shipment & Docs
Loaded at JNPT, Kolkata or Mundra. Full document set: BL, COA, COO, Phyto, FSSAI export, GI origin certificate, FDA Prior Notice.
Documentation & Compliance

Complete makhana export
paperwork, destination-aware

Standard Documents (Every Shipment)

  • Commercial InvoicePer order
  • Packing ListPer container
  • Bill of LadingIssued by carrier
  • Certificate of Origin (COO)Chamber-issued
  • Phytosanitary CertificatePlant Quarantine, India
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)NABL lab tested
  • Fumigation CertificateBy authorised agency
  • FSSAI Export CertificatePer consignment
  • GI Origin ReferenceMithila zone declaration

Destination-Specific Documents

  • FDA Prior NoticeUSA imports
  • FDA FCE NumberUSA (low-acid foods)
  • EU Health CertificateEU markets
  • USDA / EU Organic CertOrganic lots
  • Halal CertificateMiddle East / SE Asia
  • Kosher CertificatePer buyer request
  • CFIA ComplianceCanada
  • Insurance CertificateCIF / CIP shipments
  • Third-Party InspectionSGS / BV / Intertek (optional)
Frequently Asked

Makhana import
questions, answered

The questions snack brands, importers, retail buyers and private label brands ask most often before placing the first makhana order. For anything not covered, get in touch and we respond within 24 hours.

What is the difference between Raw and Flavored Makhana?
Raw Makhana is the natural popped kernel with no added oil, no roasting and no seasoning. White colour, light texture, neutral flavour. It is the base form from which all roasted and flavored makhana is made. Flavored Makhana is the same kernel that has been roasted (in oil or air-roasted) and seasoned with one of 12+ flavor profiles such as salted, peri-peri, cheese, masala, mint, butter, honey or caramel. Both formats are available in all ten Suta grades. Choose Raw if you will repackage or further-process at destination; choose Flavored if you want retail-ready snack SKUs.
What does Suta mean in Makhana grading?
"Suta" is a traditional Bihar unit of measurement used to grade popped makhana by diameter. One Suta equals approximately 3.17 mm. So 3 Suta makhana measures roughly 9 to 11 mm in diameter, 5 Suta measures 16 to 18 mm, and 6+ Suta measures 22 to 28 mm or larger. The higher the Suta number, the larger and rarer the kernel, and the higher the price. Larger Suta grades are rarer because makhana puffs unevenly during traditional roasting; only 8 to 12% of any pond's harvest yields 6 Suta or larger.
What is the difference between Handpicked and Normal Makhana?
Normal grade is machine-sorted by vibrating sieves and air classifiers. Faster and cheaper, but tolerates some size variation, occasional yellowing and a small percentage of half-popped or scorched pieces. Handpicked grade is hand-sorted by women workers at Bihar processing centres, with each kernel individually inspected for size uniformity, whiteness, full puff and structural integrity. Handpicked is the standard for premium retail, gifting and brand-sensitive export. Normal is acceptable for food processing, blends and industrial use where uniform appearance matters less.
What is Mithila Makhana GI tag and why does it matter?
The Mithila Makhana Geographical Indication (GI) tag was granted by the Government of India in 2022. It is a legal certification that restricts use of the name "Mithila Makhana" to fox nuts grown and processed in five specific Bihar districts (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa) using traditional cultivation methods. For importers, the GI matters in two ways: first, it guarantees authentic origin and superior quality (the Mithila region's soil, water and processing tradition produces measurably better makhana); second, it allows retail brands to legally claim "Mithila Makhana" on their labels, commanding a 20 to 40% retail premium in US, EU and UAE markets.
What is the MOQ for makhana export?
For Raw Makhana: 500 kg minimum LCL trial order, 2 MT for a mixed-grade trial container, 5 MT or more for single-grade FCL. For Flavored Makhana: 200 kg minimum LCL retail-ready trial, 500 kg for branded SKU runs. For Private Label / OEM programmes: typically 500 kg to 1,000 kg per SKU for the first order, with lower MOQs for repeat orders. We are deliberately flexible on first-order MOQs because we want to give new buyers a chance to validate quality and market fit before committing to long-term contracts.
What HS code applies to makhana exports?
The Indian Ministry of Finance introduced specific HS codes for makhana in 2025: 20081921 for raw makhana (Euryale ferox kernels) and 20081922 for prepared / flavored makhana. Some forwarders still use legacy codes (19041090, 21069099, 08134090) but we recommend the specific 2025 codes for cleaner customs handling. Before any shipment we confirm the destination importer's customs broker on which code they will file under, then align our Indian export filing to match, eliminating the risk of customs holds at either end.
How long does makhana stay fresh after packing?
In properly sealed barrier packaging (aluminium-foil-lined pouches with desiccants), raw makhana retains crunch and freshness for 12 months from packing date. Flavored makhana stays fresh for 6 to 9 months depending on oil content and flavor profile. Once a retail pouch is opened, recommended consumption within 2 to 4 weeks. The critical risk to shelf life is moisture absorption; our packaging is calibrated to maintain sub-6% internal moisture through a 35-day sea-freight voyage.
Do you supply organic makhana?
Yes. USDA Organic and EU Organic certified makhana is available from select Bihar pond cooperatives, with both Scope Certificate and Transaction Certificate from a recognised certifying body. Organic lots require 8 to 12 weeks lead time and carry a 25 to 40% price premium over standard makhana. Best suited for US and EU health-food retailers, organic snack brands and certified-clean nutraceutical formulators.
Which Indian ports do you ship makhana from?
Primary export ports for Indian makhana are JNPT (Nhava Sheva, Mumbai) for Europe, US and Middle East routes, Kolkata for South-east Asia and Australia, and Mundra for Mediterranean and African routes. Typical transit times: UAE 6 to 9 days, USA East Coast 28 to 35 days, USA West Coast 32 to 40 days via Suez, UK and Germany 22 to 28 days. Air freight available for sample shipments and urgent retail-launch deliveries via Mumbai or Delhi airports.
What payment terms do you accept?
Standard terms are 50% advance against pro-forma invoice and 50% against scan copy of Bill of Lading. We also accept Letter of Credit (LC at sight, irrevocable), TT against documents, and Documents Against Acceptance (DA) for credit-evaluated repeat buyers. Settlement in USD (default), EUR or GBP. For first orders we typically require LC or 50% TT advance until the relationship is established, after which we offer more flexible credit terms.
What is the makhana harvest season?
Indian makhana harvest runs August to October each year, peaking in September. Post-harvest prices (October to December) are 10 to 20% lower than pre-harvest prices (June to July). For best pricing, place forward orders October to December; for tightest supply, expect price upticks May to August. Despite the seasonal cycle, makhana is supplied year-round because cold storage extends the supply window from harvest to next harvest.
Can you do private label / OEM with custom flavors?
Yes. Full OEM and private label service available including custom flavor development to your recipe, custom artwork design (or printing from your supplied artwork), destination-market regulatory label review, custom retail pouch sizes and branded shipper cartons. Standard private label timeline is 35 days from artwork approval to shipment loading. MOQ varies: 200 kg per SKU for flavored, 500 kg per SKU for raw with custom packaging. We bear costs of any delay caused on our side.
Is makhana the same as lotus seed?
Botanically no. Makhana is the seed of Euryale ferox (the prickly water lily), while true lotus is Nelumbo nucifera. They are different plant species though both grow in similar wetland environments. The term "lotus seed" is commonly used as a marketing label for makhana in English-language retail because Western consumers recognise "lotus seed" more readily, but for customs and FDA documentation purposes the correct botanical reference is Euryale ferox. This distinction matters: confusing the two can cause HS code misclassification and phytosanitary certificate rejection.
Is makhana gluten-free, vegan and allergen-friendly?
Yes. Raw makhana is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and nut-free (despite the name "fox nut", it is a water plant seed, not a tree nut). It is also non-GMO, sugar-free and salt-free in the raw form. Flavored versions vary by recipe; we provide full ingredient declarations, allergen statements and nutrition data per finished SKU. Common flavor profiles can be made certified gluten-free, vegan and palm-oil-free on request, which is increasingly important for US and EU health-snack retail compliance.
What makes makhana popular in US, Canada and UAE markets?
Three drivers. First, makhana is a high-protein, low-fat, gluten-free snack with strong fit in the global wellness and clean-snacking trend. Second, the Indian diaspora in North America and the Middle East is a large established consumer base and now an early adopter community influencing mainstream retail. Third, the protein-per-calorie and satiety-per-gram economics of makhana compete favourably with almonds, popcorn and rice cakes, making it attractive to health-conscious Western retailers seeking alternative-snack SKUs.

Ready to source makhana from India?

Share the grade(s), format (raw or flavored), flavor profile, required quantity and destination port. We respond within 24 hours with detailed specs, locked Suta grade, sample availability and a transparent quotation. 500g samples dispatched within 48 hours for qualified buyers.

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