Longans from Thailand

Sourcing Premium Longans from Thailand: The Ultimate B2B Import Guide

Thailand is the undisputed global leader in longan (Dimocarpus longan) cultivation and processing. Grown primarily in the fertile northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, and Phayao, Thai longan is celebrated worldwide for its translucently white, juicy flesh, high natural sugar content ($18^\circ – 22^\circ\text{ Brix}$), and rich aromatic profile.

Accounting for a major share of global fresh and processed longan exports, Thailand supplies top-tier retail chains, Asian grocery networks, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processors, and beverage manufacturers across China, Vietnam, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Operating under strict GAP, GMP, BRCGS, Halal, and ISO standards, Thai longan producers provide year-round supply via both seasonal peak harvests and off-season induced flowerings.

This comprehensive guide covers everything commercial seafood, fruit, and food importers need to know when sourcing fresh, canned, and dried longan products from Thailand.

1. Primary Commercial Formats & Product Specifications

Depending on your distribution channels, longan can be imported in fresh, canned, or dried forms.

Product FormatKey Characteristics & VarietiesPrimary Market Application
Fresh Longan (E-Dor Variety)Small seed, thick juicy flesh, high natural Brix ($20^\circ+$); bundled or loose fruitFresh produce retail, wholesale fruit markets, premium gift baskets
Canned Longan in Heavy SyrupPeeled, pitted, uniform size in light/heavy sugar syrupAsian desserts, bubble tea shops, cocktails, bakery fillings
Dried Golden Longan FleshOven-dried or sun-dried flesh without shell/seed; caramel aromaHealth snacks, herbal teas, TCM soup formulations, baking
Whole Dried Longan (In Shell)Smoked/dried whole fruit with dark brown brittle shellTraditional medicinal decoctions, long-storage wholesale trade
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                      FRESH LONGAN EXPORT SIZING GRADES                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1. GOLD / 4A GRADE | Diameter >= 3.5 cm (Premium gift & retail grade)       |
| 2. RED / 3A GRADE  | Diameter 3.2 cm - 3.4 cm (Standard retail grade)       |
| 3. BLUE / 2A GRADE | Diameter 2.8 cm - 3.1 cm (Processing & value retail)    |
| 4. GREEN GRADE     | Diameter < 2.8 cm (Canning & extraction use)            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+

2. Technical Specifications, Packaging & Shelf Life

Maintaining appropriate temperature controls and moisture barriers is vital for preserving longan quality across international supply routes.

Fresh Longan Specifications:

  • Storage Temperature: $+2^\circ\text{C}\text{ to }+5^\circ\text{C}$ with $85\% – 90\%$ relative humidity (Reefer container mandatory).
  • Shelf Life: 30 to 45 days under continuous cold-chain management (often treated with compliant $\text{SO}_2$ fumigation for quarantine compliance).
  • Standard Packaging: $10\text{ kg} / 11.5\text{ kg}$ plastic baskets or master cartons ($\approx 2,100\text{ baskets}$ per $40\text{ft}$ Reefer FCL).

Canned & Dried Longan Specifications:

  • Canned ($565\text{g} / 20\text{ oz}$ Tin): Drained Weight $\approx 230\text{g}$ (Packed 12 or 24 tins per master carton).
  • Dried Golden Flesh: $100\text{g} – 500\text{g}$ retail pouches or $10\text{ kg}$ bulk vacuum cartons; 24-month ambient shelf life.

3. Quality Standards & Export Certifications

Global import standards and customs phytosanitary inspections require strict agricultural compliance:

  1. Phytosanitary & Farm Certification: GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified orchards with official Department of Agriculture (DOA) export registration.
  2. Post-Harvest & Processing Certifications: Facilities operating under GMP, HACCP, BRCGS, and IFS.
  3. Religious & Clean Label Standards: Certified Halal (CICOT) and Kosher for processed canned and dried lines; no artificial preservatives or sulfur dioxide options available for organic lines.

4. Sea Freight Logistics, HS Codes & Container Loading

Container optimization ensures minimal freight impact per unit weight across ocean routes.

  • HS Codes:
    • HS 0810.90: Fresh Longan Fruit.
    • HS 0813.40: Dried Longan Fruit (Flesh and whole shell).
    • HS 2008.99: Canned Longan Prepared or Preserved in Syrup.
  • Shipping Capacities:
    • 40ft Reefer FCL (Fresh Longan): Approx. 2,000 to 2,200 plastic baskets ($\sim 22 – 24\text{ Metric Tons}$).
    • 20ft Dry FCL (Canned $565\text{g}$): Approx. 1,700 to 1,900 master cartons ($24\text{ tins/carton}$).

5. Partner with Progress Thai Trading Co., Ltd. for Longan Exports

Navigating agricultural seasonal cycles, sulfur residue compliance, and ocean reefer logistics requires an experienced export partner in Thailand.

At Progress Thai Trading Co., Ltd., we connect international fruit wholesalers, supermarket chains, and food manufacturers directly with Thailand’s top certified orchards and canning operations.

Our Export Strengths:

  • Comprehensive Longan Portfolio: Fresh E-Dor longan, canned longan in heavy/light syrup, and dried golden longan flesh.
  • OEM & Private Labeling: Custom sachet, tin lithograph, and master carton branding tailored to your local market regulations.
  • Quality Inspections: Pre-shipment checks for Brix levels, fruit diameter grading, skin clarity, and net/drained weights.
  • Global Shipping Terms: Flexible shipping coordination under FOB (Bangkok / Laem Chabang Port) and CIF (Destination Port).

Request Your Wholesale Longan Quotation & Specifications

Ready to source premium fresh or processed Thai longans for your market? Contact our export team today for technical spec sheets, seasonal calendars, and direct container quotes.

  • Company Name: Progress Thai Trading Co., Ltd.
  • Email: progressthaitrading@gmail.com
  • Mobile & Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Line, WeChat): +66-94-3693695
  • Inquiry Scope: Full Container Load (FCL) Fresh Produce, Canned Fruit OEM, Bulk Dried Longan Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When is the peak harvest season for fresh Thai longan?

The main harvest season runs from June through August. However, using advanced agricultural techniques, Thai growers produce off-season longan year-round.

Q2: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for importing fresh longan?

To preserve cold-chain freshness, the standard MOQ is $1 \times 40\text{ft}$ Reefer Container (approx. 2,100 baskets / 22 Metric Tons).

Q3: Can canned longan be produced with customized syrup sugar levels?

Yes. We offer custom packing specs ranging from light syrup ($14^\circ – 18^\circ\text{ Brix}$) to heavy syrup ($18^\circ – 22^\circ\text{ Brix}$) per buyer specifications.