Saffron Price in China

China is one of the saffron-producing countries, yet it is a major Iranian saffron importer. Saffron price in China depends on the saffron production volume in Iran and their yearly saffron export volume from Iran origin, as well as global saffron price fluctuations. Saffron stigma is one of the most expensive spices, as it requires lots of manual work and a large quantity of saffron flower to produce only 1 kg of it. China, as a saffron importer, uses this product mainly for food and traditional medicine purposes, in addition to other industrial usages. This blog post reviews saffron production, usage, and price in China. 

The history of saffron in China

Saffron was introduced to China through the silk road in return for Chinese silk export to countries such as India, Persia, and Rome. In the very beginning, saffron was only used by royal families and noble officials. Later on, this spice found its way to the public and ordinary people as a valuable gynecological medicine.
There are also other stories on how saffron was introduced to China. Some historians claim that this valuable spice entered China after the Mongol’s invasion of Persia. Anyhow, saffron found its way into Chinese literature, culture, food, and industries. Some of the ancient Chinese works referred to saffron in their poems, stories, books, etc.
For centuries China was only a saffron importer until a Chinese herbal medicine company tried to plant some saffron corms in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Nanjing, and Sichuan in 1965. Though this attempt failed, they tried corms from other origins in 1970 and harvested some saffron in Ma Qiao town of Shanghai. From that year on, they started to cultivate saffron on a larger scale and finally could achieve enough saffron volume production to start export activities in 1987.

Now, more than 20 provinces in China, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Tibet produce saffron. China saffron crocus has now turned out to be one export commodity in the Chinese market. Yet, they import Iranian saffron for their local demand and re-exporting purposes. Chinese saffron, 藏红花 or Zànghónghuā, is produced on a smaller scale and with lower qualities, compared to Iranian Zaferan.

For example, China exported 4 tons of saffron, which decreased to 2 tons in 2022. To meet the market demand and exporting purposes, they require importing Iranian saffron to China for re-packing and re-exporting purposes.
There are many China Saffron Manufacturers & Suppliers, however, not all of them can be trusted. There is a high risk of saffron adulteration and fraud as the trade of saffron is so profitable in China. As a saffron buyer or saffron consumer, you should do your own research before purchasing Persian saffron in China.

Saffron usage in China:

Chinese people benefit from saffron health benefits in their traditional medicine (individually or in combination with other components) instruction. This is the most important usage of Persian saffron in China.

Chinese culture is tied to the red coloring and everything that produced the red color. From cultural clothing and makeup to festival decorations and symbols, red coloring is dominant. Therefore, they can use saffron petals and stigmas to:

• Herbal medicine
• Produce saffron-ish-coloring fabrics,
• Offer as a part of their prayer in their temples, 
• Drink alcohol, tea
• Dye and cosmetic industries 
• Perfume industries
• Food industry

Importing Iranian saffron to China:

China has been one of the most important export destinations for Iranian saffron product, for many years.

Yearly, more than 40 tons of Iranian saffron is imported to China. Chinese saffron importers are ready to buy the best produced Super-Negin, from the early harvest days in Iran. 70 percent of Chinese total saffron purchase occurs between October to mid-march, and the remaining 30% is purchased from April to September.

It is worth noting that direct import of Iranian saffron to China faced some restrictions, in the past. Now, improvement of business relationship between the two countries, in recent 4-5 years, facilitated the process, enabling direct export of saffron to China.

Saffron price in China today

China is among the top 10 saffron producer countries, yet they import Persian saffron for its high quality and volume. One kg saffron price in China is priced between 12800 and 13200 CNY. China saffron wholesale market price is surely different from retail saffron prices in China.

The price of a gram of Iranian saffron in China is between CNY 14 to CNY 17 per gram based on distributer company, type of saffron, packaging, etc.

Retail Zànghónghuā price in China

There are many ways to sell saffron in China. Online shops such as Alibaba, and Made-in-China are some popular online shops that sell saffron online in China. Many Chinese saffron suppliers sell their saffron through these two popular online marketplaces.

In the table below, you may see the price of Iranian saffron in China. Generally, China’s saffron price per gram is about 2.2 dollars or CNY 16.

Saffron price per kg in China

The Saffron price per kg in China is approximately CNY 14100 – CNY 17000 per kilogram for small orders.

China saffron wholesale market price is surely different from retail saffron prices in China.

Bulk saffron price in China

Buying saffron from bulk importers or directly from SunLand Saffron or our agent in China, helps Chinease suppliers and sellers of Iranian saffron to buy top-quality saffron at affordable prices. Choosing a trustable saffron supplier in China is a complicated process and you need to pay attention to that. Below, you can see the wholesale price of saffron in China (Aug 2024) which may vary based on saffron type and ordering time.

Persian Saffron wholesale price in China

Persian Saffron wholesale price in China depending on the type and quality of saffron from $1750 to $1980

To receive real-time saffron price quotes, you can message us on WhatsApp or WeeChat ID: Sunlandsaffron. Our experts will contact you in less than 24 hours. Surely our CIF prices for China saffron importer companies, who intend to buy saffron from SunLand Saffron, will be much lower than the quotes mentioned earlier.

SunLand Saffron In China:

We want you to make sure about the supplier’s trustworthiness before buying saffron in China online or in person.
SunLand, with years of experience in the production and export of saffron, supplies this valuable spice to many countries including China. The fluctuations in the price of saffron in China occurs due to several factors. Therefore, to buy Iranian saffron, it is best to contact SunLand Saffron sales experts and get the latest quotes.

FAQ

Where to buy saffron in China?

You can buy saffron from online shops or in the local market, however; you need to find a trustworthy supplier.

How to buy saffron in China?

You can order bulk and consumer packages in china only by contacting our sales experts at SunLandsaffron.com.