From Container to Counter: How Dry Fruits Travel Across Continents to Reach India

When you open a pouch of almonds or cashews, it’s easy to forget the distance they’ve travelled. But every dry fruit sold in India carries a global story—a journey across oceans, climates, regulations, and checkpoints.

At Lake City Dry Fruits Pvt. Ltd. (LCDF), this journey isn’t just logistical—it’s strategic. As one of India’s most organized dry fruit importers, LCDF ensures that every container that enters the country meets strict standards and reaches counters in top condition.

Let’s break down the steps from farm to shelf.

Step 1: Global Sourcing from the Best Origins

Quality begins with geography. LCDF sources:

• Almonds from California, USA
• Pistachios from Iran and the USA
• Walnuts from Chile and California
• Apricots and figs from Afghanistan and Turkey
• Raisins from South Africa and India

Each sourcing destination is chosen for its agro-climatic suitability, crop quality, and global grade certifications. LCDF maintains long-term relationships with suppliers and attends sourcing expos globally to ensure access to the freshest, most traceable lots.

Step 2: Pre-Shipment Inspection and Documentation

Before even boarding a ship, each lot undergoes a pre-shipment quality check:

• Moisture level testing
• Pest and infestation check
• Visual grading for size, color, and cracks
• Export documentation including Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary clearance, and invoice validation

LCDF works with international inspection agencies to ensure these are not just checked, but documented thoroughly for traceability.

Step 3: Ocean Transit and Cold Chain Awareness

Most dry fruits travel to India via sealed shipping containers, which are:

• Fumigated and moisture-protected
• Temperature-controlled (if needed)
• GPS-tracked for expected transit times

Transit time ranges from 18 to 35 days depending on the country of origin. LCDF plans shipments in staggered cycles to avoid stockouts and ensure consistent freshness.

Step 4: Indian Customs and Import Clearance

Once at Indian ports (Nhava Sheva, Mundra, or Chennai), each container is subjected to:

• Customs inspection
• FSSAI clearance (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
• Aflatoxin and microbiological tests
• Label scrutiny and import declarations

LCDF’s experienced documentation team ensures quick clearance and compliance with all health and trade laws.

Step 5: Internal QC and In-House Processing

Containers are transported to LCDF’s processing facility in Gujarat where they undergo:

• Inbound QC checks again for consistency
• Sorting and grading (automated and manual)
• Packaging into custom SKUs for bulk and retail
• Batch labelling for traceability

The in-house setup allows for faster processing and better control, unlike traders who rely on third-party units.

Step 6: National Distribution

From Gujarat, products are shipped to:

• Distributors and stockists across India
• Modern retail outlets
• D2C platforms and corporate clients

Each shipment is barcode-tracked, temperature-monitored (if needed), and routed based on demand forecasting.

LCDF’s Edge: A Supply Chain Built for Confidence

What makes LCDF’s global-to-local system work:

• Long-standing supplier partnerships
• Documentation and compliance hygiene
• Cold-chain readiness
• Batch traceability
• Custom packaging capability

This makes LCDF a dependable partner for brands, retailers, and bulk buyers who need quality and consistency at scale.

Final Word

In a world where food safety, shelf life, and provenance are non-negotiable, LCDF has built an import-to-retail pipeline that doesn’t just move goods—it preserves quality every step of the way.

So the next time you see a pack of almonds on a shelf, remember: it’s not just a product. It’s the final stop on a journey LCDF has carefully managed across continents.