Exporting agricultural products is one of the most significant sources of foreign exchange revenue and a cornerstone of Iran's economy, playing a key role in economic development, job creation, and income generation. With rich natural resources, diverse climates, and a strategic geographic location, Iran has substantial potential to compete in global markets. The agricultural and industrial sectors, as one of the country’s primary export domains, have gained a prominent position in Iran’s international trade by producing a wide variety of products, including dried fruits, dried vegetables, bell peppers, fresh fruits, fruit concentrates, fresh vegetables like lettuce, medicinal herbs, and more. These products are highly sought after not only for their quality and variety but also due to Iran’s proximity to regional markets and the growing global demand. Iran’s diverse climate allows for a broad range of agricultural products available year-round, and its fertile soil, four-season climate, and abundant sunlight result in flavorful and high-quality produce.
In addition to their superior quality and taste, Iranian products are generally competitively priced. Elite Company, a pioneer in supplying and exporting various agricultural products, is capable of providing all desired products with guaranteed quality and affordable prices to its valued customers.
Below, we provide a brief overview of the export of these products from Iran:
1. Export of Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are produced by drying fresh fruits such as apples, apricots, plums, figs, dates, kiwis, grapes, and more, using either traditional methods (sun-drying) or industrial techniques. Industrial drying in Iran is done using two methods: heat drying and freeze drying. Product quality (taste, color, texture, and absence of excess moisture) is critical for exports. Dried fruits must be free from unauthorized chemicals and pests. These products are exported in various packaging to different countries.
2. Export of Dried Vegetables
Dried vegetables include products like mint, parsley, coriander, dill, tarragon, savory, basil, fenugreek, and other greens, produced through traditional (sun-drying) or industrial methods (heat drying or freeze-drying).
The quality of dried vegetables depends on factors such as the freshness of the vegetables before drying, the drying method (preserving color and aroma), and the absence of contaminants (soil, pests, or pesticides). Dried vegetables should be crisp, aromatic, and free of excess moisture.
For export, vegetables are typically offered as chopped, whole leaves, or powder.
3. Export of Fresh Fruits
Iran’s fresh fruits, thanks to its climatic diversity and fertile soil, have a natural, delicious, and distinct flavor that is highly valued in global markets. For instance, pomegranates with their unique sweet-tart taste, various types of dates with natural sweetness, and apples with a distinctive aroma have gained international fame. The organic nature of many of these products is a significant advantage, as traditional farming methods with limited use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are still prevalent in many regions, particularly in traditional orchards. This has made Iranian fruits, especially in markets like the Persian Gulf countries, Central Asia, and Europe, recognized as healthy and organic.
Iranian export companies, utilizing advanced packaging and transportation technologies such as refrigerated containers and organic preservation methods, have successfully maintained the freshness and quality of products until they reach their destinations.
4. Export of Vegetables
Vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchinis, and more are cultivated in Iran either in open fields or greenhouses.
The quality of vegetables for export depends on freshness, uniform size, appropriate color, absence of blemishes or damage, and being free from pesticides and pests. Greenhouse-grown products are often preferred for export due to better control over growing conditions.
Harvesting is typically done slightly before full ripeness to ensure longer shelf life during transportation.
4.1. Export of Bell Peppers
Bell peppers in Iran are primarily grown in greenhouses or open fields. Greenhouse-grown peppers are more popular for export due to better control over conditions (temperature, humidity, and pests).
Product quality (freshness, color, size, and absence of unauthorized pesticides) is a key factor in successful exports. Importing countries often have stringent standards for health and quality.
5. Export of Fruit Concentrates
The export of fruit concentrates from Iran, driven by the country’s diverse climate and high-quality fruit production, is a vital segment of its agricultural trade. Concentrates of fruits like apples, pomegranates, grapes, dates, sour cherries, barberries, and oranges are in significant demand in international markets due to their natural flavor and high quality. These products are mainly exported to neighboring countries, the CIS region (including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan), Turkey, Russia, and even some European and East Asian countries.
6. Export of Medicinal Herbs
Iran is home to over 8,000 plant species, approximately 2,300 of which have medicinal, industrial, or aromatic properties. Plants such as saffron, rose, cumin, thyme, mint, lemon balm, coriander, fennel, and licorice are among the most important export products. The quality of medicinal herbs depends on factors like cultivation methods (organic or non-organic), harvest timing, proper drying, and absence of contaminants (pesticides, pests). Medicinal herbs can be exported fresh, dried, as extracts, essential oils, or powders.
7. Export of Fresh Vegetables
Thanks to favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil, Iran’s fresh vegetables have secured a notable position in global markets and are exported to many neighboring countries and even Europe. These products are widely appreciated for their natural flavor, freshness, and compliance with international standards. Notable fresh vegetables include various types of lettuce (such as romaine and iceberg), and leafy greens like parsley, coriander, and mint, making Iran a reliable supplier in this sector.
7.1. Lettuce
Lettuce in Iran is grown in greenhouses and open fields. Popular types for export include romaine, iceberg, butterhead, and loose-leaf lettuce.
Export-quality lettuce must have fresh, vibrant leaves free from yellowing or wilting, pests, or diseases, and be of appropriate size. Lettuce selected for export is usually harvested slightly before full maturity to ensure longer durability during transportation.
You can also contact us to obtain these delicious and high-quality products through the following methods.
written by: Sara Ebrahimi
