Source Premium Sona Masoori Rice in Bulk | Import & Export Online
What is Sona Masoori rice?
Sona masoori rice production in India is mainly confined to South India, where the climate and soil are well-suited for this popular non-basmati variety. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are the key producing states, and they play an important role in supporting India's strong presence in the global Sona Masoori rice export market.
Difference Between Sona Masoori and Basmati Rice
- Positioning is completely different.
Sona Masoori rice sits in the everyday, non-basmati category. Basmati plays in the premium space. Different buyers, different expectations.
- Aroma and grain length aren't the selling point.
Unlike basmati, long grain rain sona masoori rice isn't bought for fragrance or extra-long grains. It's bought because it cooks clean and stays light.
- Price sensitivity works the other way.
Sona Masuri is chosen to keep food costs under control. Basmati buyers are usually prepared to pay extra for ageing and sensory traits.
- Usage is more domestic and institutional.
Sona Masuri fits daily meals, bulk kitchens, and routine consumption. Basmati is more common in premium retail, gifting, and export-led branding.
- Trade focus is on consistency, not ageing.
With Sona Masuri, buyers care about milling quality and breakage. With basmati, the ageing period and varietal identity matter much more.
Sona Masuri Rice Specifications
| Parameter |
Trade Specification |
| Moisture |
14% Max |
| Broken |
5%-10% Max (higher breakage available for price-led trades) |
| Damaged / Discoloured |
2% Max |
| Foreign Matter |
1% Max |
| Chalky Kernels |
6%-8% Max |
| Paddy Grains |
3-4 Grains Max |
| Grain Length |
Medium to Medium-Long |
| Milling Standard |
Well-milled / Reasonably well-milled |
Types, Grades & Variants - Sona Masuri Rice
Sona Masuri isn't a branded rice with a long list of sub-varieties. In trade, it's treated as a non-basmati, medium grain rice that's valued for its light texture and everyday usability. What changes from deal to deal isn't the name — it's the grade, breakage, and milling outcome.
By Broken Percentage
- 5% broken - cleaner grade, often used for organised retail and better-paying institutional buyers
- 10% broken - commonly traded for regular consumption and bulk kitchens
- 15-25% broken - price-driven segment for open markets and redistribution
- 25%+ broken - limited demand, mainly for processing or secondary use
By Processing Type
- Raw/white Sona Masuri - most widely traded format
- Steam / parboiled (light) - used in select markets for slightly firmer cooking and better handling
By Milling Standard
- Well milled - preferred where appearance and cleanliness matter.
- Reasonably well milled - chosen for cost control and high-volume trade
By Origin
- India (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) - primary production and export base
- Karnataka & Tamil Nadu - secondary supply for domestic and regional trade
In practice, 5%-10% broken, raw Sona Masuri forms the core of most bulk transactions. Higher broken grades exist, but demand stays concentrated around cleaner, light-eating rice for everyday use rather than heavy redistribution.
Sona Masoori Rice Use Cases & Buyer Segments
Sona Masoori Rice Importers Include:
- Ethnic Food Distributors: To meet the staple rice demand
- Supermarket Chains: For retail packaging under store-owned or white-label brands
- Bulk Commodity Traders: To supply wholesalers, retailers, or food service networks
- Packaged Food Brands: As a base ingredient for ready-to-eat South Indian meals like pongal, lemon rice, and tamarind rice
- Health Food Importers: Especially interested in the brown or unpolished variants of Sona Masoori Rice, for those with diabetic or wellness-oriented consumers.
- Hotel & Catering Supply Firms: Import in bulk for large-scale kitchens.
Sona Masoori Rice Exporters on Tradologie Are Typically:
- Agro-Processing Units: Equipped with modern mills and grading systems
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): Cluster-based, community-driven entities
- Traditional Rice Millers: Family-run operations with decades of experience
- APEDA-Registered Export Houses: Government-recognised entities
- Organic & Natural Food Exporters: Specialise in unpolished, brown, or certified organic Sona Masoori
Supply & Demand Countries
Major Supplying Countries
- India - The primary source for most high-demand herbal commodities. Scale, climate spread, and an established export setup keep India at the centre of supply, positioning it as a key hub for sona masoori rice manufacturers and wholesale rice suppliers in India.
- China - Supplies select herbs, mainly for processed or extract-grade demand, but volumes are more product-specific.
- Vietnam - Active in certain aromatic and medicinal plants, usually tied to regional or niche demand.
- Indonesia - Contributes to specific botanicals where climate and traditional cultivation support steady output.
Supply competition here is less about branding and more about volume consistency, processing capability, and shipment reliability—factors essential for any wholesale rice exporter or herbal supplier.
Major Importing / Demand Countries
- United States - Strong demand driven by pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements.
- Germany - A major European hub for herbal processing, organic products, and re-exports.
- France - Imports for pharmaceutical formulations and certified herbal applications.
- United Kingdom - Regular buyer for nutraceutical and wellness-focused industries.
- Japan - Demand linked to traditional medicine and regulated health products.
Demand across these markets is use-case driven, not seasonal, and tied closely to regulatory and quality standards.
Global Market Overview - Sona Masuri Rice
- Category positioning
Sona Masuri falls under the non-basmati rice category, which forms the bulk of the global rice trade by volume.
- India's role in supply
According to APEDA, India exported 14,128,966.36 metric tonnes of non-basmati rice in 2024-25. Sona Masuri is part of this broader export stream, even though exports aren't tracked variety-wise.
- Market nature
This is not a premium-driven market. Sona Masuri moves as everyday rice, bought for regular consumption rather than branding or ageing.
- Demand behaviour
Demand stays steady and repeat-led. It follows population growth and daily food requirements, not seasonal spikes.
- Trade structure
The market is volume-focused and price-aware. Buyers return for consistency, not novelty.
Key Demand Drivers - Sona Masuri Rice
- Preference for lighter, non-aromatic rice
In several importing markets, buyers look for rice that is light and doesn't overpower meals. Sona Masuri fits that requirement better than heavier or strongly aromatic varieties.
- Everyday consumption use cases
Demand is tied to regular meals, not premium dining. Sona Masuri is bought for daily cooking across households, small food outlets, and routine food service operations.
- Mid-price positioning in the rice basket
Sona Masuri sits between premium basmati and lower-grade non-basmati rice. Importers use it to balance cost with acceptable eating quality.
- Consistent cooking behaviour across batches
Buyers value predictability. When the rice cooks the same way shipment after shipment, it becomes a repeat purchase rather than a spot buy.
- Wider acceptance across diverse cuisines
Sona Masuri works across different food styles — plain meals, mixed dishes, and light preparations — which helps it travel beyond its origin markets.
- Steady demand rather than seasonal spikes
Consumption remains fairly stable through the year, making it a regular trade item instead of a volume that moves only during certain windows.
Production & Supply Dynamics - Sona Masuri Rice
- Supply remains origin-led
Sona Masuri is primarily produced in India, with cultivation concentrated around specific growing belts. That keeps supply organised, but also means availability depends heavily on how that single origin performs each season.
- Yield-driven, not niche farming
This isn't a small-batch or speciality crop. Sona Masuri is grown for scale. Production decisions are guided by yield, water availability, and milling output rather than premium positioning.
- Monsoon and water management matter
Rainfall timing and reservoir levels play a direct role. A good monsoon keeps supplies comfortable. Any disruption shows up quickly in availability and pricing.
- Milling capacity supports volume trade.
Strong milling infrastructure helps sona masoori rice exporters india adjust grades, polish levels, and breakage to suit different markets. That flexibility is a big reason Sona Masuri stays exportable.
- Policy signals influence flow
Export policies, minimum export prices, or stock controls can affect how freely Sona Masuri moves out of origin markets. Buyers tend to watch these signals closely.
- Limited alternative origins
Unlike some other non-basmati varieties, Sona Masuri doesn't have many true substitute origins. That makes supply reliable in good seasons, but tighter when conditions turn.
Bulk Sona Masuri Export Price Export Price & Bulk Cost Indicators - Sona Masuri Rice
- Broken percentage and milling finish
Cleaner milling and lower breakage push prices up. Higher broken grades are used to manage cost.
- Season and crop arrival
New crop periods tend to ease prices. Tight supply windows firm them up quickly.
- Origin and port of loading
Rates vary slightly depending on the sourcing belt and export port efficiency.
- Packaging format
5Kg, 10Kg 25 kg vs 50 kg bags, bag quality, and branding requirements all play a role.
- Freight and shipment terms
Ocean freight, container availability, and delivery terms (FOB / CIF) can influence landed cost more than the rice itself.
Prices for Sona Masuri are indicative, not fixed. Market conditions, export policy changes, and logistics disruptions can move levels quickly, especially during high-demand periods.
HS Code & Classification - Sona Masuri Rice
Sona Masuri Rice is classified under HS Code 1006, which covers milled and semi-milled rice.
In bulk exports, it is usually declared under HS 100630, depending on the milling level and the destination country's customs practice.
Sona masoori rice exporters in India typically confirm the exact classification with the buyer and local customs before shipment, as interpretations can vary slightly by market.
Buyer Expectations & Trade Requirements - Sona Masuri Rice
Buyers sourcing Sona Masuri usually keep their expectations practical. They're not looking for extras — they want the basics to line up cleanly.
- Stable broken percentage across shipments, especially for repeat orders
- Moisture levels are kept within agreed limits to avoid storage or cooking issues
- Clean milling and uniform grain appearance, without excessive polishing
- Lab testing reports for moisture and basic quality parameters
- Phytosanitary certificate and Certificate of Origin as standard documentation
- On-time shipment execution, with no last-minute changes to specs or packing
Logistics, Packaging & Incoterms - Sona Masuri Rice
Packaging
Sona Masuri moves in different pack sizes. It depends on the market and how the rice will be sold.
You'll usually see 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg PP bags. Smaller packs go into retail programs. Larger bags are used when volumes are the priority.
Ports of loading
Shipments mainly move out of the south and east Indian ports. Common loading ports include Kakinada, Krishnapatnam, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. Choice of port usually comes down to mill location and vessel availability.
Storage & shelf life
Stored dry and ventilated, Sona Masuri generally holds well for 12-24 months. Nothing special needed, just basic handling done right.
Incoterms
Most deals are done on FOB or CIF.
EXW shows up occasionally when buyers prefer to manage inland movement themselves.
Export documentation
Shipments usually carry a phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, and a lab testing report, along with standard shipping papers. Destination checks are normally done before dispatch.
Certifications & Compliance - Sona Masuri Rice
- Phytosanitary certificate
This is basic and non-negotiable. Every shipment moves with it.
- Certificate of Origin
Issued with the cargo and required by the importing customs to confirm the source country.
- FSSAI compliance (India)
For exports from India, FSSAI clearance is part of the food safety process. Buyers often expect it to be in place, even when they don't spell it out.
- Lab testing report
Usually shared for moisture, broken percentage, and basic quality parameters. It's not always mandatory, but most buyers want to see it.
- Additional certifications
ISO or HACCP comes up mainly for institutional buyers or repeat programs. Not standard everywhere, but helpful when volumes grow.
- Country-specific requirements
Rules change by destination. What clears easily at one port may need an extra document at another, so exporters normally confirm compliance before locking the shipment.
Future Outlook & Opportunities - Sona Masuri Rice
- Demand is expected to stay steady, not dramatic
Sona Masuri sits in the everyday rice category. As long as regular consumption continues across multiple markets, volumes are likely to move consistently rather than spike.
- Rising preference for lighter rice types
In several importing regions, buyers are slowly shifting toward rice that is light and works well with simple meals. This keeps Sona Masuri relevant beyond its traditional markets.
- Scope for wider export spread
While supply remains India-led, demand is gradually opening up in new markets that want a mid-priced, non-aromatic alternative to basmati.
- Repeat contracts over spot buying
Opportunities lie less in one-off trades and more in long-term supply programs. Buyers tend to lock in sona masoori rice suppliers in India who deliver the same quality batch after batch.
- Packaging-led opportunities
Smaller pack sizes and private-label formats are creating room for exporters to move beyond only bulk shipments.
- Logistics efficiency as a differentiator
With freight and port costs fluctuating, exporters who plan shipments well and keep timelines tight are likely to gain an edge.
Why You Should Buy Through Tradologie?
- Trade starts with real requirements, not catalogues
You don't browse listings. You place an actual requirement — grade, quantity, port, timeline — and the conversation starts from there.
- Suppliers come to compete, not to pitch
Verified exporters quote against the same specs. That makes pricing more transparent and closer to real market levels.
- No layers in between
There's no broker chain adding margins at every step. You negotiate directly with suppliers who can actually ship.
- Negotiation stays live
Rates aren't frozen screenshots. Prices move, discussions happen, and deals shape up in real time, the way bulk trade actually works.
- Specs stay central throughout
Broken percentage, moisture, packing, shipment terms — everything stays on the table from start to finish. No surprises later.
- Support without interference
Coordination is there when needed, but decisions stay between buyer and seller. The platform facilitates — it doesn't control the trade.
Transparency & Disclaimer
All prices, specifications, and trade-related information shared on this page are indicative and may change based on season, origin, market conditions, compliance requirements, and logistics.
Buyers and sellers are advised to verify all details independently before entering into any commercial agreement. Final terms should always be confirmed directly between the transacting parties before contract execution or shipment.
