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  • Sona Masoori Long Grain Rice

Sona Masoori Rice


Minimum Order Quantity : 26 MT

Available Bag Size


Available Bag Type


Product Forms : Whole Grain, Powdered (Flour), Steam-Sterilized

Shelf Life : 12 to 24 Months (when stored in cool, dry conditions)

Origin : India (primarily Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka), Vietnam (limited)

Facilitated by Tradologie.com

Offered By : 851 Verified Sellers

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Certifications FSSAI, ISO 22000, APEDA, HACCP (on request).


Sona Masoori Rice Export from India - Bulk Trade, Grades, Pricing & Specifications

What is Sona Masoori rice?

Sona Masoori rice mostly comes from South India. That's just how the crop has settled over time. The weather suits it, the soil suits it, and farmers there know the variety inside out.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu — if you're buying Sona Masoori in bulk, chances are your shipment started somewhere in these states.

It's not a niche crop there. It's routine. Season after season.

Over the years, mills and exporters in this belt have built a steady supply chain around it. Nothing fancy. Just consistent volumes moving out. That consistency is what keeps India strong in the global Sona Masoori trade. Not hype — reliability.

How is Sona Masoori different from Basmati?

They don't sit in the same lane.

Sona Masoori is everyday rice. Regular consumption. Homes, small restaurants, bulk kitchens. Buyers care about price, availability, and how the rice cooks daily. Simple things.

Basmati is different. Longer grain, aroma, premium pricing. More of a “special occasion” or branded retail product.

So the positioning changes completely.

  • Different buyers.
  • Different budgets.
  • Different expectations.

If you're exporting Sona Masoori, you're usually talking volume business.

If you're exporting Basmati, you're talking value business.

Both sell well. Just for very different reasons.

Grain Classification Note

Sona Masoori is classified as a medium to medium-long grain non-basmati rice. In trade, it may be loosely referred to as “long grain” in some markets, but it does not match basmati-length standards.

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

 

Buyers typically share grade, quantity, and destination port to explore

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 – Use Cases & Typical Buyers

Sona Masoori doesn’t move into one single type of market. It’s more of an everyday rice, so the buyer base ends up being quite broad.

A large part of the demand comes from ethnic food distributors who supply Indian and South Asian stores overseas. For them, it’s simply a staple item that sells regularly, week after week.

Supermarket chains pick it up too, often packing it under their own private labels. Nothing fancy — just dependable, good-quality rice that fits everyday cooking.

Bulk commodity traders also stay active in this segment. They buy in volume and pass it on to wholesalers, smaller retailers, or food service networks. It’s steady business, not seasonal spikes.

Then you have packaged food brands using it more quietly in the background — ready-to-eat meals like pongal, lemon rice, tamarind rice. Sona Masoori works well there because it’s light and cooks consistently.

There’s also a smaller but growing set of health-focused buyers. They usually look for brown or unpolished variants, something closer to natural or minimally processed rice.

And of course, hotels and catering suppliers import it in bulk for large kitchens. For them, it’s about reliability and cost control more than anything else.

Who Typically Exports It from India

On the supply side, the exporters are just as varied.

You’ll find modern agro-processing units with proper milling and grading setups, handling container-scale shipments regularly. Alongside them are farmer-producer organisations — cluster-based groups that pool output and sell collectively.

There are also plenty of traditional rice millers. Family-run operations, often in the business for decades. They may not look corporate, but they know the product inside out.

Then you have APEDA-registered export houses managing documentation and compliance for larger buyers, plus a niche group of exporters focusing specifically on organic or natural variants of Sona Masoori.

Supply & Demand Countries

Major Supplier(s)

  • India - Primary and dominant origin for Sona Masoori rice exports
  • Limited alternative origins - Sona Masoori is India-specific, with no true substitutes.

Major Importing / Demand Countries

  • Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman)
  • USA & Canada (ethnic + retail)
  • UK & EU (Indian diaspora)
  • Africa (select markets)
  • Southeast Asia (regional trade)

Demand across these markets is use-case driven, not seasonal, and tied closely to regulatory and quality standards.

Global Market Overview – Sona Masuri Rice

Sona Masuri rice operates independently from the Basmati industry because it serves as a dependable choice for regular consumption. The United States, together with the UAE and Qatar stand as the leading three nations which bring in rice because this product serves the needs of South Asian communities abroad while meeting the requirements of domestic food businesses which need affordable, superior rice choices instead of traditional long-grain types.

Key Demand Drivers – Sona Masuri Rice

The Middle- Ground Value Proposition: Sona Masuri is aesthetically positioned as a less expensive alternative to premium aromatic Basmati and a superior option to lower-grade parboiled rice. This gives importers in price-sensitive regions (such as West Africa and Southeast Asia) the opportunity to reduce food costs while keeping the "eating experience" intact for consumers.

Predictable Professional Results: Food service and catering sectors prefer Sona Masuri for its "cookability. " Unlike long, grain varieties, it needs less water and less attention to deliver a consistent, non-sticky texture, which is a must for high-volume commercial kitchens.

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 & Bulk Cost Indicators – Sona Masuri Rice

Indicative bulk Sona Masuri Export Price:
USD 430–620 per metric tonne (FOB)

Sona Masuri pricing usually sits in the mid-range of the non-basmati basket. It doesn’t swing wildly, but it does react when supply, policy, or logistics shift.

Pricing typically moves based on:

  • 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

Buyers typically move forward by sharing grade, quantity, packing, and destination port to check live availability and trade terms.

HS Code & Classification – Sona Masuri Rice

For customs purposes, Sona Masuri usually goes under HS Code 1006. That’s the standard rice bucket most countries use for milled or semi-milled rice.

In actual bulk shipments, you’ll often see 100630 on the documents. It mostly depends on the milling level and how the destination customs office prefers to read it.

Nothing unusual there.

Still, most Sona Masoori rice exporters in India don’t assume the code blindly. They’ll quickly confirm with the buyer or clearing agent before shipment. Different markets sometimes interpret things their own way, and it’s easier to sort that out early than fix it at the port.

Just part of the routine, really.

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

  • Diversification of Destinations: The market operates its main distribution centres through the UAE and the USA, but it plans to enter developing markets, which include Indonesia and the Philippines, because these countries need to import affordable products at reasonable costs.
  • Packaging and Private Labelling:The under-5kg retail market will experience major expansion, according to Packaging and Private Labelling forecasts. Exporters now prefer to form private-label partnerships with international supermarket chains instead of bulk commodity trading because these deals generate better profits, and customers remain loyal to the brands.
  • Operational Excellence:In a volume-driven market, Indian exporters gain a competitive edge through advanced Sortex cleaning systems and automated moisture-control technology.

How Bulk Sona Masoori Trade Is Executed on Tradologie

  • Requirement-Driven Procurement
    Trade on the platform initiates with specific requirements rather than static catalogues. Instead of browsing fixed listings, buyers define their precise needs—including grade, quantity, port logistics, and timelines—to anchor the transaction in real-world demand.
  • Competitive Price Discovery
    Verified exporters provide quotes based on the buyer's exact specifications. This structure fosters a transparent environment where pricing reflects current market levels and direct competition among global suppliers.
  • Direct-to-Source Connectivity
    The platform removes traditional intermediary layers and broker chains. Buyers engage directly with suppliers who maintain the actual capacity to ship, ensuring clarity in communication and cost-efficiency.
  • Dynamic Negotiation
    The procurement process mirrors the fluidity of bulk trade. Rates and terms are negotiated in real-time, allowing participants to adapt to market fluctuations and finalise deals through live interaction.
  • Specification Integrity
    Core parameters—such as moisture levels, broken percentages, and packing requirements—remain the central focus throughout the lifecycle of the trade. This ensures that the final delivery aligns strictly with the initial agreement.
  • Facilitated Autonomy
    The platform provides the infrastructure and coordination necessary for complex trades while ensuring that decision-making remains entirely between the buyer and the seller.

Transparency & Disclaimer

The prices, specifications, and trade details shared here are indicative in nature. They can change depending on the season, origin, market movement, compliance requirements, and logistics at the time of shipment.
We recommend that both buyers and sellers verify all information independently before moving ahead with any deal. Final prices, quantities, and terms should always be discussed and confirmed directly between the parties before signing a contract or dispatching goods.
In trade, small details matter — so it’s always better to double-check than assume.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sona Masuri falls under the non-basmati rice category. It’s known for its light texture and everyday use rather than aroma or ageing.

Sona Masuri is imported into multiple markets where buyers look for light, mid-priced rice for regular consumption. Demand comes from both retail and food-service segments.

Most bulk trade happens around 5% to 10% broken. Higher broken grades are available, mainly for price-sensitive programs.

Tradologie allows buyers to negotiate directly with verified exporters. You see real market offers, avoid middleman layers, and source based on clear specifications rather than fixed listings.

Buyers usually start by registering on the platform, sharing their requirement details such as grade, quantity, packing, and destination port. From there, negotiations move forward directly with interested suppliers.

Yes. Apart from bulk packs, Sona Masuri is also exported in 5 kg, 10 kg, and 20 kg bags, mainly for retail or private-label requirements. But the order size is usually not less than a container.

Shipments typically move with a phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, lab testing report, and food safety compliance, such as FSSAI for exports from India. Additional documents may apply depending on the destination.

Sona Masuri trade is generally volume-led. Most shipments move at the container level, though quantities can vary based on buyer needs and market conditions.

When stored in dry and ventilated conditions, Sona Masuri generally holds quality for 12–24 months.

No. Ageing is not a trade requirement for Sona Masuri. Buyers focus more on milling quality, freshness, and consistency.

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