The onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most widely traded vegetables in the world. It is a layered bulb crop valued for its flavour, long shelf life and versatility in cooking. For wholesale and export buyers, onions are a year-round staple commodity with steady demand across retail, food service, processing and export markets.
What exactly is an onion?
An onion is the edible bulb of the Allium cepa plant. It grows underground and is made up of concentric layers protected by a dry, papery outer skin. This natural skin is what gives onions their excellent storage life, allowing them to be transported over long distances — a key reason they are such a popular export commodity.
The main types of onion
While there are many varieties, most commercial trade falls into three colour types:
- Red onion — deep purple-red skin, slightly pungent and crisp. One of the most exported onions from India.
- White onion — clean white skin with a milder, sweeter taste. Popular for dehydration, premium retail and export.
- Yellow onion — strong flavour and very long shelf life; a kitchen and processing workhorse in many markets.
How onion grades and sizes work
Bulk onions are sorted by grade (overall quality) and size (diameter in millimetres). Higher grades have uniform shape, clean skin, low moisture and minimal defects — the qualities that matter most for export and premium retail. Typical size bands range from 35–45 mm (medium) up to 55 mm and above (large/export).
- Grade A / Export quality — uniform size, clean skin, long shelf life.
- Grade B — good quality at value pricing, ideal for processing and food service.
- Size 45–55 mm — the most in-demand band for export buyers.
Common uses for onions
Onions are used fresh in cooking, processed into dehydrated flakes and powder, and sold through retail and wholesale channels worldwide. Export-grade red and white onions are in particular demand across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
How to choose the right onion
Match the onion to your market: red onions for everyday cooking and export, white onions for dehydration and premium retail. Always confirm grade, size band, packing and minimum order quantity (MOQ) with your supplier before placing a bulk order.
Looking to source export-grade onions in bulk? Browse our onion range or message us on WhatsApp for current pricing and availability.