India's #1 Superfood Export | APEDA Certified | 90% Global Supply
Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Export from India
Alstoe India Exports supplies premium quality makhana sourced directly from Bihar, India's largest fox nut producing region. Backed by a strong network of verified suppliers, we deliver raw, roasted, and flavoured makhana in bulk to importers, distributors, and private label brands worldwide.
$30.5M
India's makhana exports (FY25)
27%
Year-on-year export growth
90%
India's share of global makhana supply
25,000+
MT exported annually from India
APEDA RegisteredCertified Indian Exporter
Lab Tested (COA)Every batch tested
FSSAI & ISO 9001Quality Certified
CIF & FOBWorldwide delivery
Private LabelCustom packaging available
Makhana: India's fastest growing superfood export
Makhana (fox nuts / lotus seeds) has emerged as one of India's most promising agricultural exports. Naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and rich in antioxidants, makhana is now stocked on wellness shelves worldwide, from US organic stores to Middle East supermarkets.
Makhana Export Data
India's global market share~90%
Annual exports (FY25)25,000+ MT
Export value (FY25)$30.5 million
YoY growth27%
Market size projection (2030)Rs. 11,000+ crore
Bihar's share of production80-85%
Why Makhana is Booming Globally
Superfood status: Makhana has joined the ranks of chia, quinoa, and kale as a global wellness ingredient. It is high in protein (9.7g/100g), rich in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, and naturally low in calories and fat.
Clean label demand: Health-conscious consumers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia are actively seeking gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based snack alternatives. Makhana checks every box.
Versatile applications: Used in snacking (roasted, flavoured), baby food, bakery ingredients, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and traditional medicine (Ayurveda).
No substitute: India is virtually the only commercial source. Unlike spices or rice, makhana has no competing origin. Buyers have to source from India.
🥬 Makhana Nutritional Profile (per 100g)
347
Calories (kcal)
9.7g
Protein
0.1g
Fat
76.9g
Carbohydrates
14.2g
Fibre
56mg
Magnesium
1.4mg
Iron
0%
Gluten
Makhana products we export from India
All makhana is sourced from Bihar's premium producing districts, cleaned, graded, lab tested, and packed in export-grade packaging. Available in bulk (25kg/50kg bags) and retail-ready private label packs.
| # | Product | HS Code | Grades / Sizes | Packaging | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Makhana (Phool Makhana)Unprocessed popped fox nuts | 20081921Top Seller | Lava (1+ grade, 18mm+), Rasgulla (14-17mm), Murha (mixed), Thaali (small) | 25kg / 50kg PP bags, Vacuum sealed bags, Custom bulk | Year round |
| 2 | Roasted Makhana (Plain)Dry roasted, ready to eat | 20081921 | Lightly salted, Unsalted, Oil-free roast | Retail (50g-500g), Bulk (5kg-25kg) | Year round |
| 3 | Flavoured MakhanaSeasoned, retail-ready snack | 20081921High Demand | Peri Peri, Cream & Onion, Salt & Pepper, Pudina, Tomato, Cheese, Chocolate, Caramel, Wasabi | Retail (50g-200g), Custom branded packs | Year round |
| 4 | Makhana Flour / PowderGround fox nut powder | 20081922 | Fine powder (100-200 mesh), Coarse grind | 1kg-25kg HDPE bags, Custom packing | Year round |
| 5 | Organic MakhanaNPOP / NOP certified organic | 20081921 | Lava and Rasgulla grades, Raw and Roasted | Bulk and retail, with organic transaction certificate | Seasonal |
| 6 | Makhana Seeds (Raw Unpopped)Euryale Ferox seeds, pre-pop | 08134090 | Cleaned, dried seeds for industrial processing | 50kg jute/PP bags | Seasonal |
| 7 | Makhana Trail MixMakhana + dry fruits + seeds blend | 21069099 | Custom blends with almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, cranberries | Retail (100g-500g), Custom formulation | Year round |
Custom formulations available: Need a specific flavour, grind, blend, or pack size? We work with our processing partners to develop custom makhana products to your exact specification. Share your requirements and we will provide a detailed quote with lead time.
Why importers choose Alstoe for makhana sourcing
Direct Bihar sourcing network
We source from verified suppliers across Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Katihar and Purnia. Multiple sourcing points mean consistent supply even during peak demand seasons.
Grading and quality control
Every lot is manually graded by size (Lava, Rasgulla, Murha), inspected for broken pieces and impurities, and lab tested for moisture, microbial count, and pesticide residue. COA provided.
Private label and custom flavours
We offer turnkey private label makhana packaging. Your brand, your flavours, your pack sizes. From roasted salted to peri peri to caramel. Retail-ready with nutrition panel and barcode.
Complete export documentation
Phytosanitary certificate, APEDA COO, fumigation certificate, COA, health certificate, FSSAI compliance. All documents prepared in-house and provided with every shipment.
Sample before every first order
We dispatch lot-matched makhana samples to your location before order confirmation. What you approve in the sample is exactly what ships in the container. No surprises.
24-hour quote turnaround
Share your requirement and receive a complete CIF/FOB quote within 24 hours. We are available on WhatsApp, email, and phone every working day.
How to import makhana from India through Alstoe
Simple, transparent process from your first inquiry to port delivery.
1
Share Requirements
Tell us the product type, grade, quantity, destination port, and payment terms.
2
Receive CIF Quote
Full pricing with specifications within 24 hours. No hidden charges.
3
Approve Sample
Lot-matched sample shipped to you with COA before order confirmation.
4
Processing & QC
Sourcing, grading, lab testing, and packing per your specifications.
5
Ship to Your Port
CIF/FOB delivery with complete documentation. BL copies within 48h.
Top destinations for Indian makhana exports
Indian makhana is exported to over 100 countries. These are the largest and fastest-growing markets.
🇺🇸
United States
#1 importer, 2,000+ MT/yr
🇬🇧
United Kingdom
Premium health market
🇨🇦
Canada
Fast growing market
🇦🇪
UAE
Gulf & re-export hub
🇦🇺
Australia
Organic demand rising
🇩🇪
Germany
EU entry point
🇯🇵
Japan
Functional foods market
🇸🇬
Singapore
SE Asia distribution hub
🇰🇷
South Korea
Emerging demand
🇳🇱
Netherlands
EU re-export hub
Frequently asked questions about makhana export from India
What is makhana and why is it in global demand?
Makhana (also called fox nuts, lotus seeds, or phool makhana) is a nutrient-dense superfood harvested from the Euryale Ferox plant, primarily grown in Bihar, India. It is naturally gluten-free, high in protein (9.7g/100g), rich in magnesium and antioxidants, and low in calories. Global demand has surged as health-conscious consumers in the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, and Australia seek plant-based, clean-label snack alternatives. The global makhana market is growing at over 17% annually.
Which country is the largest producer and exporter of makhana?
India is the world's largest producer and exporter of makhana, supplying approximately 90% of the global market. Bihar alone produces over 80% of India's total output from key districts including Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, and Purnia. In FY 2024-25, India exported over 25,000 MT of makhana worth approximately $30.5 million, a 27% increase over the previous year.
What are the HS codes for makhana export?
As of July 2025, APEDA has established dedicated HS codes for makhana products: 20081921 for popped makhana and 20081922 for makhana flour. Previously used codes include 19041090 (puffed rice/cereal products), 21069099 (food preparations), and 08134090 (dried fruits). Using the correct HS code ensures smooth customs clearance at the destination.
What grades and sizes of makhana are available for export?
Makhana is graded primarily by size: Lava (1+ grade, 18mm+, largest and most premium), Rasgulla (14-17mm, mid-grade), Murha (mixed sizes), and Thaali (small, 10-13mm). Lava grade commands the highest price in international markets. All grades are available for export. We can also supply roasted, flavoured, and powdered makhana.
What is the minimum order quantity for makhana export?
Standard MOQ is one FCL (Full Container Load), approximately 8 to 12 MT depending on product form and packaging. For first-time buyers or trial orders, LCL from 500 kg is available through our consolidation partners at JNPT (Mumbai) or Kolkata Port.
Can you supply private label / branded makhana?
Yes. We offer complete private label makhana packaging including roasted and flavoured variants (peri peri, cream and onion, salt and pepper, chocolate, caramel, wasabi, and more). Custom packaging with your brand name, logo, nutrition panel, barcode, and multilingual text is available in retail packs from 50g to 1kg. MOQ for private label is 1 FCL.
What documents are provided with each makhana shipment?
Every shipment includes: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (APEDA), Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Certificate of Analysis (COA with moisture, microbial count, pesticide residue), Health Certificate (if required), and Organic Certificate (for organic orders).
What payment terms do you accept?
We accept LC at sight, LC 30/60/90 days, CAD (Cash Against Documents), and TT (Telegraphic Transfer). Payment terms are finalized based on order size and mutual agreement.
Ready to source premium Indian makhana?
Tell us the product, grade, quantity, and destination. We will respond with a complete CIF/FOB quote within 24 hours.