India is the 6th largest exporter of fresh coconuts globally, and the UAE (specifically Dubai) is its #1 export destination, accounting for over 24% of India’s total fresh coconut exports. For Indian exporters, Dubai is not just a consumer market; it is the re-export gateway to the entire GCC region (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait).
This detailed guide covers the latest 2024-25 market data, a curated buyer list, compliance requirements, and logistics for exporting coconuts from India to Dubai.
1. The Data: Market Opportunity (2024-2025)
The demand in Dubai is year-round, but it peaks during Ramadan and the hot summer months (May–August) for tender coconuts.
| Metric | Data Point |
| Total Export Value (India to UAE) | ~$16.5 Million USD (Approx. ₹138 Crores) annually |
| Export Volume | ~40,000 Metric Tonnes per year |
| Top Indian Sourcing Hubs | Pollachi (Tamil Nadu) – Known for "Brown Coconuts" (Semi-husked) Malappuram (Kerala) – Premium large nuts Andhra Pradesh – Tender Coconuts |
| Average Unit Price (CIF Dubai) | $0.50 - $0.70 per kg (Fluctuates weekly) |
| Preferred Variety | Semi-Husked Coconut (Pollachi Variety) is the gold standard in Dubai. |
Key Trend: In 2025, there is a rising demand for "Easy Open" Tender Coconuts (pre-cut/scored) and Organic Certified semi-husked coconuts for Dubai's premium retail chains like Spinneys and Carrefour.
2. Target Products & HS Codes
Using the correct HS Code is critical for customs clearance in Jebel Ali.
| Product | HS Code | Description | Packing Standard for Dubai |
| Semi-Husked Coconut | 08011990 | Mature brown nut with some husk fiber left for protection. | PP Mesh Bags (25 Nuts/Bag). Weight: 12-13 kg approx. |
| Fresh Tender Coconut | 08011910 | Green water coconut. | Corrugated Box (6-9 nuts/box) wrapped in cling film to prevent browning. |
| Desiccated Coconut | 08011100 | Dried, shredded flesh. | 25 kg/50 kg Paper Bags with inner poly liner. |
3. Detailed Buyer List: Top Importers in Dubai
Note: Most of these major importers operate out of the Al Aweer Fruit & Vegetable Market in Ras Al Khor, Dubai.
| Company Name | Profile & Focus | Location / Contact Hint |
| Al Saif Al Habib | Specialist in semi-husked coconuts. One of the largest volume buyers from Pollachi. | Deira / Al Aweer Market |
| Krish Star General Trading | Major supplier to hotels and catering companies. Focuses on consistent size/weight. | Al Garhoud, Dubai |
| Fresh Fruits Company | Premium importer. Supplies to high-end retail chains. Strict on quality/residue levels. | Al Aweer Market, Dubai |
| White Line Vegetables Trading | High-volume importer of fresh produce from India. Handles semi-husked and green coconuts. | Al Aweer Market |
| Kibsons International | Online grocery giant and wholesaler. Buys premium quality only. | Ras Al Khor, Dubai |
| Barakat Vegetables & Fruits | Major player in fresh juices and cut fruits. Huge buyer of tender coconuts. | Dubai Investment Park |
| Al Maya Group | Retail chain with its own distribution arm. Imports directly for their supermarkets. | Dubai |
| Choithrams | Supermarket chain with a strong import division for Indian produce. | Al Quoz, Dubai |
| Lulu Group International | The biggest retail chain in GCC. They have their own sourcing offices in India (Y-Cook, etc.) but also buy from traders. | Global sourcing office in India / Dubai HQ |
| Farzana Trading | One of the oldest and largest fresh produce traders in the UAE. | Al Aweer Market |
4. Step-by-Step Export Procedure
Step 1: Registration & Documentation (India Side)
Before you ship, ensure you have these mandatory licenses:
IEC Code: Import Export Code from DGFT.
RCMC from Coconut Development Board (CDB): Mandatory to claim government benefits.
APEDA Registration: Though CDB covers coconut, APEDA is often required for general agricultural exports.
Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the Plant Quarantine Station (PQ) in India. Crucial: The UAE is strict about pests. Your shipment must be free from Scales and Mites.
Step 2: Dubai Import Requirements (The "ZAD" Portal)
Dubai has digitized its food import system. Your importer in Dubai must:
Register on ZAD: The federal platform for foodstuff registration.
FIRS (Food Import & Re-export System): Register the specific product label on the Dubai Municipality portal.
Label Requirements: Your bags/boxes must have a label in English & Arabic showing:
Product Name (e.g., Fresh Semi-Husked Coconut)
Country of Origin (India)
Pack Date & Expiry Date
Net Weight
Producer/Exporter Details
Step 3: Quality Standards for Dubai
Dubai buyers are extremely particular about visual quality.
Size: Circumference of 12-13 inches.
Weight: Minimum 550g - 600g per nut.
Color: Uniform brown. Reject any nut with white fungus patches near the "eyes" (germination points).
Sound: When shaken, it must have a clear "sloshing" water sound. Dried-up water = Rejection.
5. Logistics: Shipping from India to Jebel Ali
Port of Loading: Cochin (resilient for perishables), Chennai, or Tuticorin.
Port of Discharge: Jebel Ali (Dubai).
Container Type:
Semi-Husked: Can be shipped in Dry Ventilated Containers (if transit is <4-5 days) but Reefer Containers (set at +12°C to +14°C) are safer to prevent fungal growth.
Tender Coconut: MUST go in Reefer Containers (set at +4°C).
Transit Time: 4–7 days (Short transit time is a major advantage for India vs. Vietnam/Thailand).
6. Profitability Analysis (Estimates)
| Cost Component (Per Nut) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Farm Gate Price (Pollachi) | ₹12 - ₹16 |
| Transport, Grading, Packing (Labor) | ₹3 - ₹4 |
| Port Handling & THC | ₹1.5 - ₹2 |
| Freight (Sea) | ₹2 - ₹3 |
| Total Cost (FOB) | ₹18.5 - ₹25 per nut |
| Selling Price (CIF Dubai) | ₹30 - ₹45 per nut |
Profit Margin: typically 15% - 25%, depending on volume and waste management.
7. Important "Gotchas" to Avoid
The Weight Loss Trap: Coconuts lose moisture (weight) during transit. If you pack exactly 13kg, it might arrive as 12.5kg, leading to a claim. Always pack 500g extra per bag as a "weight loss buffer."
Fumigation: You must fumigate the container before sailing to kill potential insects. Ensure your Fumigation Certificate is attached to the documents, or Dubai Customs will quarantine the cargo.
Payment Terms: For new buyers in Al Aweer market, never work on 100% credit. Try to secure 30% Advance + 70% Against Scanned BL (Bill of Lading). Many traders in wholesale markets operate on thin margins and delayed payments.