India is consistently among the world's top three groundnut (peanut) exporters, competing primarily with Argentina, China and the USA in global markets. Indian groundnuts are exported in multiple forms: raw in-shell, raw shelled, blanched, roasted and as peanut butter or oil. The variety, processing form and aflatoxin compliance status are the three factors that most determine price and market suitability.
This guide gives importers a comprehensive overview of the Indian groundnut export trade in 2026.
India's Key Groundnut Growing Regions
India's groundnut production is concentrated in a few key states:
- Gujarat - the largest producing state, accounting for roughly 40% of India's groundnut output. Saurashtra region in Gujarat is the heartland of Indian groundnut export. The Rajkot market is the primary hub for groundnut trading.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana - significant producers of both Bold and Java varieties; key for export to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- Rajasthan - growing region for Bold variety groundnuts, increasingly important for export.
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka - produce Java variety groundnuts used in confectionery and food manufacturing.
Indian Groundnut Varieties for Export
The two most important commercial categories for Indian groundnut export are Bold (Virginia type) and Java (Spanish type):
| Type | Also Known As | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bold (Virginia) | Bold / 40/50, 50/60, 60/70 count | Large | Snack food, salted peanuts, retail |
| Java (Spanish) | Java / TJ variety | Medium | Peanut butter, confectionery, oil extraction |
| TJ (Talgajarda Java) | TJ | Medium-small | Confectionery, chocolate, peanut butter |
| G20 / G2 | HPS (Hand Picked Selected) | Large-uniform | Premium retail, export to EU/USA |
Count per Ounce: Understanding the Sizing Convention
Bold groundnuts are commonly specified by count per ounce (CPO). The most common export grades are 40/50 (40 to 50 kernels per ounce - largest), 50/60, 60/70, and 70/80 (smallest of the Bold grades). A lower count means larger individual kernels and a higher price. Buyers should specify their preferred count in the purchase order to ensure consistency.
Groundnut Processing Forms
- Raw in-shell - whole groundnut pods, dried; least processed and lowest cost
- Raw shelled (kernels) - pods removed, kernels dried; the most commonly traded form
- Blanched peanuts - skin removed from kernels by steam or dry blanching; used in confectionery, food manufacturing, peanut butter
- Roasted peanuts - dry or oil roasted; for snack food retail and wholesale
- HPS (Hand Picked Selected) - premium quality kernels individually selected for size uniformity and freedom from defects; highest price tier
Quality Standards for Indian Groundnut Export
Specify the following quality parameters in your purchase order:
- Moisture content - maximum 8-9% for raw kernels
- Aflatoxin - the most critical food safety parameter for groundnuts; EU maximum is 4 μg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 10 μg/kg total; USA follows similar standards
- Admixture / foreign matter - maximum 0.5-1%
- Shrivelled / immature kernels - maximum 1-2%
- Broken kernels - maximum 2-5% depending on grade
- Free fatty acid (FFA) - maximum 1% for oil extraction grade; indicates freshness
- Pesticide residues - must comply with destination country MRLs
Aflatoxin is the single most important quality and compliance issue for Indian groundnut exports. The EU imposes strict limits and regularly detects non-compliant Indian groundnut shipments. Always insist on aflatoxin testing from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory before approving any shipment - particularly for EU and UK-bound cargo.
Indicative FOB Prices for Indian Groundnut 2026
| Form | Grade | FOB Price (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| Bold Kernels (raw) | 40/50 count | $1,100 - $1,500 |
| Bold Kernels (raw) | 50/60 count | $1,000 - $1,350 |
| Bold Kernels (raw) | 60/70 count | $900 - $1,200 |
| Java Kernels (raw) | Standard | $900 - $1,200 |
| Blanched Bold | 40/50 count | $1,300 - $1,800 |
| HPS Bold | Premium select | $1,400 - $2,000 |
| Roasted Salted | Retail grade | $1,600 - $2,200 |
Export Documentation for Indian Groundnut
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin (APEDA or FIEO)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (India NPPO)
- Aflatoxin Test Report - ISO 17025 accredited lab
- Pesticide Residue Report - multi-residue screen
- Fumigation Certificate - required by many markets
- Health Certificate - required by some importing countries
Import Groundnuts from Draba Ventures
Draba Ventures exports APEDA certified Indian groundnuts, Bold and Java varieties, raw and blanched. Full aflatoxin and pesticide test reports provided. Request a sample and FOB quote for your grade and destination.
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