XP-0003 Grains And Cereals
1121 Basmati Rice
Extra long grain 1121 Basmati rice. Known for its exquisite aroma and non-sticky texture after cooking.
SGSAPEDA
Min. Order
20 Metric Tons (1 FCL)
🌿 Vegetarian Product
✓ Non-GMO
🌱 Organic Available
Grains And Cereals SKU: XP-0171
Fonio
Gluten-free ancient grain Fonio, rich in nutrients and sourced to meet the demands of global health food markets.
Commercial Trade Terms
Min. Order (MOQ)
500 kg
HS Code
10082900
Origin
Africa (Cultivated in India)
Price Range
Price on Request
Export Documents
- Certificate of Origin (FIEO / APEDA)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (PPQS)
- Gluten-Free Test Report (<20 ppm)
- Organic Certificate (NPOP / NOP, on request)
- SGS / Bureau Veritas Inspection Report
- Pesticide Residue / Heavy Metal Report
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Available Bag Sizes
1kg5kg10kg25kg
Available Bag Types
Food-grade PP (Polypropylene)BOPP LaminatedKraft PaperVacuum-Sealed Retail Pouch
Product Overview
COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT OVERVIEW
We specialize in exporting Fonio, an ancient grain known for its nutritional density and gluten-free properties. IndianXporter sources Fonio from traditional growing regions, ensuring that it is processed using methods that preserve its natural goodness. This versatile grain is perfect for health-conscious consumers and is gaining popularity in global health food markets. As a leading manufacturer and exporter in India, IndianXporter ensures that our Fonio meets the stringent quality requirements of international markets. Our robust supply chain allows us to fulfill bulk orders consistently, offering highly competitive FOB and CIF pricing to our B2B partners worldwide. Our processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring that every shipment of Fonio is thoroughly sorted, cleaned, and graded. We adhere to global food safety and industrial standards, backed by third-party inspections from agencies like SGS upon buyer request.
As a leading manufacturer and exporter in India, IndianXporter ensures that our Fonio meets the stringent quality requirements of international markets. Our robust supply chain allows us to fulfill bulk orders consistently, offering highly competitive FOB and CIF pricing to our B2B partners worldwide.
Our processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring that every shipment of Fonio is thoroughly sorted, cleaned, and graded. We adhere to global food safety and industrial standards, backed by third-party inspections from agencies like SGS upon buyer request.
What is Fonio?
Fonio (Digitaria exilis), also known as hungry rice or fundi, is an ancient cereal grain native to West Africa and increasingly cultivated in India's tropical regions. The grain is exceptionally small (1-2mm), with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and exceptional nutritional density. Rich in fiber, minerals (magnesium, zinc, manganese), and amino acids, fonio is naturally gluten-free and easily digestible, making it ideal for health-conscious consumers and those with gluten sensitivity.
Indian fonio cultivation has expanded in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, where climatic conditions support quality grain production. The grain is harvested, dried, and processed through mechanical cleaning and winnowing to remove chaff while preserving nutritional integrity. Fonio commands premium pricing in specialty food markets due to rarity, nutritional value, and growing health food trends.
Fonio holds cultural significance in West African cuisine and is increasingly recognized in global culinary circles as a superfood grain. Demand is rapidly expanding in premium organic food retail, health stores, and specialty restaurants across North America and Europe.
Technical Specifications
| Variety (Premium Export) | White Fonio, Black Fonio (sorted by seed coat color) |
| Grain Size | Very small: 1-2mm diameter (characteristic of fonio) |
| Color | Creamy white or natural black — uniform coloration without discoloration |
| Purity | ≥98% (winnowed; <2% broken grains, foreign matter) |
| Moisture Content | 10-12% (optimal for 12-24 month shelf life) |
| Protein Content | 12-15% (higher than most grains; rich in amino acids) |
| Gluten Content | <20 ppm (naturally gluten-free; meets strict celiac standards) |
| Post-Harvest Treatment | Mechanical threshing, winnowing, grading; no chemical processing or bleaching |
Commercial Grades & Classification
Organic White Fonio
Processing: Mechanically winnowed, graded; NPOP organic certified
Colour: Creamy white
Brokens: 2% Max
Use Case: Premium organic health-food retail and superfood brands
+40–50% over conventional white
Conventional White Fonio
Processing: Mechanically winnowed and graded
Colour: Creamy white
Brokens: 2% Max
Use Case: Health-food retail, gluten-free product manufacturing
Base grade
Black Fonio
Processing: Winnowed, colour separated
Colour: Natural black
Use Case: Specialty and diaspora culinary markets
+5–10% over white (scarcer)
Indicative FOB Pricing
Prices are indicative. Request a formal quote for contractual pricing.
| Grade | FOB Price (USD/MT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Organic White Fonio | $3,500 – $5,000/MT | NPOP organic premium superfood grade (indicative Q1 2026) |
| Conventional White Fonio | $2,500 – $3,500/MT | Health-food retail benchmark (indicative Q1 2026) |
| Black Fonio | $2,800 – $3,800/MT | Specialty / diaspora grade (indicative Q1 2026) |
Price Influencing Factors
- •West African (Senegal, Mali, Guinea) supply — controls ~85% of global production and sets the world reference price
- •India's nascent cultivation scale — limited volume keeps Indian fonio a niche, premium-positioned supply
- •Organic NPOP certification — the single largest premium driver in the superfood channel
- •Gluten-free certification cost and demand from celiac-safe markets
- •Processing bottleneck — specialised winnowing and grading for the tiny grain constrains exportable supply
- •USD/INR exchange rate and air / ocean freight for small-volume specialty shipments
India vs Senegal: Fonio Comparison
West Africa (Senegal, Mali, Guinea) is the authentic heartland of fonio, producing ~85% of global supply with strong cultural provenance. India is a small, recent entrant positioning on mechanised processing, organic capability and export logistics rather than scale or heritage — India's fonio trade remains niche and honest about its emerging status.
| Aspect | 🇮🇳 India | 🌏 Senegal |
|---|---|---|
| Global Role | Niche, recent entrant (cultivation since ~2015) | Heartland origin — ~85% of world supply |
| Provenance | Limited cultural provenance — positions on quality and certification | Authentic origin with strong superfood storytelling |
| Processing | Mechanised winnowing and grading infrastructure | Largely traditional, labour-intensive processing |
| Organic Capability | Growing NPOP organic certification capacity | Variable certification availability |
| Export Logistics | Established ports, certifications and traceability | Fragmented smallholder supply chains |
| Volume | Small exportable surplus (~50,000–80,000 MT crop) | Dominant global volume |
Applications & End-Use Markets
🌾
Gluten-Free Health Food
Certified gluten-free fonio is used as a rice / couscous alternative, in gluten-free flour blends, porridge and breakfast bowls for celiac-safe and clean-label brands. Sub-20 ppm gluten certification is mandatory for this channel.
USAUKGermanyCanada
✨
Superfood & Wellness Retail
Marketed as a nutrient-dense ancient superfood in premium health stores, juice bars and influencer-driven e-commerce. High protein and mineral density support premium positioning.
USAUKUAESingapore
🍽️
Fine Dining & Specialty Restaurants
Chefs feature fonio in signature grain bowls, pilafs and plated dishes for its delicate texture and provenance story, driving high-margin bulk restaurant supply.
USAFranceUK
🌍
African Diaspora Retail
Authentic ancient-grain demand from the growing African diaspora sustains steady culinary retail volumes for traditional preparations.
USAFranceUKCanada
Global Trade Architecture
Primary Supply Origins
Senegal / Mali / Guinea
~85% of global productionWest African heartland with authentic provenance and the bulk of world supply.
India
Niche emerging entrantRecent cultivation in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh; positions on processing, organic capability and export logistics.
Nigeria & Burkina Faso
Regional producersAdditional West African supply, largely for domestic and regional consumption.
Key Consumption Nodes
USA
Highest-value premium organic retail market for fonio, paying top wholesale prices through health-food and e-commerce channels.
United Kingdom & Germany
Strong gluten-free and superfood demand with rigorous celiac and organic certification requirements.
France
Significant African diaspora plus fine-dining adoption driving steady culinary demand.
Singapore & Hong Kong
Emerging premium Asian health-food retail showing growing interest in superfood grains.
Market Intelligence
The global fonio market is valued at approximately $80-120 million annually and is one of the fastest-growing specialty grain segments. India's share remains nascent at $3-6M annually but growing at 18-22% CAGR. Premium fonio commands $2.50-6.00 per kilogram retail, positioning it in the ultra-premium superfood category. The market is driven by gluten-free trend adoption, superfood marketing, and premium restaurant incorporation in developed markets.
Market Size
Global fonio trade: ~$80-120M; India's share: ~$3-6M annually (growing at 18-22% YoY)
Growth Rate
~17-22% CAGR — fastest-growing ancient grain segment, driven by gluten-free trend acceleration, wellness influencer marketing, and premium restaurant adoption
Core Demand Drivers
- Gluten-free and celiac disease market — strict gluten-free certification and celiac-safe sourcing drives premium pricing in North America and Europe
- Superfood and wellness trends — fonio marketed as superfood in premium health food retail, juice bars, wellness blogs, and influencer marketing campaigns
- Premium restaurant incorporation — fine dining and health-focused restaurants feature fonio in signature dishes, driving high-margin retail demand
- African diaspora communities — growing African diaspora in North America and Europe sustains cultural demand for authentic African grains
- Plant-based and sustainable food manufacturing — fonio utilized in premium plant-based products and sustainable food supply chains targeting affluent consumers
Supply Dynamics
Global fonio supply is severely constrained, with West Africa (Senegal, Mali, Guinea) accounting for 85% of production. India's entry into cultivation is recent (2015-2020) and volumes remain limited at 50,000-80,000 MT annually. Processing constraints (winnowing, grading) for small grains create supply bottlenecks. Organic-certified fonio is exceptionally scarce, commanding 40-50% premiums. Prices remain stable year-round due to scarcity.
⚠ India Risk Factor
India's fonio farming is nascent with limited cultivar adaptation and yield variability across regions. Processing infrastructure for small grains is underdeveloped; winnowing and grading require specialized equipment (mechanical winnowers, fine sieves). Quality consistency is challenged by climate variation and farmer experience. Competition from established West African producers with brand recognition and sustainable certifications remains intense.
Future Outlook
Fonio market will experience explosive growth (25-30% CAGR through 2028) as gluten-free mainstream adoption continues and superfood positioning strengthens. India will become major fonio exporter as cultivation scales to 200,000+ MT annually by 2028. Organic and biodynamic-certified fonio will command 50-60% premiums. Direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms will emerge as primary distribution channel. Fonio will transition from niche specialty grain to mainstream supermarket presence in developed markets by 2030.
HS / HSN Codes
| Product Type | HS 6-Digit | ITC-HS 8-Digit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fonio (Cereal grain) | 1008.29 | 10082900 | Other cereals — fonio / millet-type small grain (Digitaria exilis) |
Certifications & Compliance Standards
| Standard | Code / Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI | FSSAI License | Indian food safety compliance for processing and packing facilities |
| Gluten-Free | Codex / FDA <20 ppm | Certified gluten-free — the decisive parameter for celiac-safe health-food markets |
| NPOP / NOP Organic | NPOP / NOP | Organic certification commands the largest premium in the niche superfood channel |
| Non-GMO | — | Fonio is a heritage ancient grain — naturally non-GMO |
| ISO 22000 / HACCP | ISO 22000 | Food safety management system certification for export processing units |
Storage, Handling & Logistics
Shelf Life
12-24 months in cool, dry conditions (below 15°C, <65% RH)
Storage Conditions
Store in moisture-proof, airtight containers; maintain temperature between 10-15°C and relative humidity <65%; keep away from moisture, pests, and direct sunlight
Container Type
40ft FCL containers with moisture-proof packing (desiccant pads, silica gel). Fonio packed in food-grade PP bags (5kg/10kg/25kg) with vacuum sealing or tamper-evident closure. Each shipment includes humidity monitoring stickers to verify optimal storage conditions throughout transit.
Fumigation
No chemical fumigation required; phytosanitary inspection conducted at origin; airtight packaging prevents pest infestation during transit
Storage Advantage
Exceptional shelf stability due to small grain size and low moisture content — enables extended retail shelf life without quality degradation; permits long-distance ocean freight and strategic inventory management
Why Source Fonio from India?
- Emerging major production zone — India's tropical climate in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka supports expanding fonio cultivation with potential to reach 200,000+ MT annually by 2028
- Competitive cost structure — 25-35% lower FOB pricing than West African producers due to mechanized farming and processing infrastructure investments
- Direct global export capacity — established export logistics infrastructure (ports, certifications) enables rapid market entry and competitive international pricing
- Organic certification capability — Indian farms rapidly transitioning to organic farming; availability of FSSAI and organic-certified supplies addresses premium market demand
- Food safety and traceability — FSSAI, ISO 22000, and FDA compliance certifications; advanced traceability systems for premium organic market requirements
- High-volume growth potential — Indian exporters positioning to capture 30-40% of global fonio trade by 2028 through aggressive cultivation expansion and processing infrastructure investment
Industrial Usage
Industrial raw material for milling, animal feed, and ethanol production. High-purity technical grades available for industrial procurement and technical application.
Standard
Technical Grade
Supply
Bulk Only
Packaging & Logistics
Standard Packaging
PP Bags / Jute Bags (25kg/50kg)
Private Label / OEM
Private Branding & Custom Print on bags
Port of Loading
Kandla or Mundra Port
Incoterms
FOB, CIF, CFR accepted
Global Export Reach for Fonio
IndianXporter successfully exports Fonio to major international markets. Click your region below to view destination-specific compliance and shipping details.
Industrial Application Verticals
B2B Solutions
Private Label Fonio
Establish your own brand in the international market. We provide end-to-end custom white-label packaging and branding solutions for retail distribution. Get retail-ready Fonio under your brand name with our expert OEM services.
- Custom pouch, jar & bulk bag design
- Multi-lingual labeling & regulatory compliance
- FSSAI, ISO & FDA certified facilities
- Flexible packaging sizes (100g to 50kg)
Retail Ready
From Design to Delivery
Export Markets
USA UAE Europe South East Asia
We provide market-specific compliance documentation for each destination. Contact us for country-specific certifications.
Importing Fonio: B2B FAQs
What is the lead time for a bulk order of Fonio?
Our standard lead time for Fonio is 7-14 business days from order confirmation to dispatch from an Indian port. For private label orders, allow an additional 5 days for packaging customization.
Can I request a sample of Fonio before placing a full container order?
Yes, we provide 100g to 500g samples of Fonio for quality validation. Sample costs are usually free, with the buyer covering international courier charges (DHL/FedEx).
Which Incoterms do you offer for Fonio?
We primarily quote on FOB (Nhava Sheva/Mundra) or CIF (Destination Port) basis. We can also provide CFR and door-to-door DDP pricing for specific regions upon request.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Fonio?
Our standard MOQ for Fonio is 500 kg. However, we can accommodate smaller trial orders or mixed container shipments (LCL) for new B2B partners seeking to evaluate our quality.
Do you provide samples and laboratory reports for Fonio?
Yes, we provide pre-shipment samples and comprehensive laboratory testing reports (including pesticide residues, heavy metals, and purity analysis) for Fonio to ensure full compliance with your destination country's regulations.
What are the export logistics and lead times for bulk orders?
We primarily ship through Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) and Mundra ports using FOB, CIF, or CFR terms. Standard lead time for Fonio is 15-25 business days from the receipt of the Advance Payment or confirmed L/C.
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