Iran has earned a global reputation as one of the most reliable producers of high-quality pinto beans, known for their rich flavor, uniform size, and nutritional excellence. But not all pinto beans are created equal, Iranian farmers and exporters classify their products into distinct categories based on appearance, size, purity, and intended market use.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main varieties of Iranian pinto beans: Local, Premium, and Export Grades, explaining their unique characteristics, pricing differences, and ideal markets for each.

At Tamila Agrifood, we supply all three categories, each carefully cleaned, sorted, and tested according to international standards such as ISO, HACCP, Organic, and Halal certifications.

1. Local Grade Pinto Beans: For Everyday Consumption

Local-grade Iranian pinto beans are primarily cultivated for domestic markets and regional wholesale buyers.

They’re widely used in traditional Iranian and Middle Eastern dishes, from khoresh gheymeh to bean stews and soups.

Key Features:

•    Slightly smaller grain size compared to export varieties

•    May include minor visual defects or color variations

•    High in protein and fiber, with a nutty flavor

•    Often sold in 25–50 kg woven sacks for domestic distribution

Best for:

•    Local supermarkets and food service suppliers

•    Cost-sensitive importers in neighboring countries

•    Bulk buyers focusing on affordability over aesthetics

Despite being the most economical option, these beans maintain the same nutritional quality and natural flavor as higher grades, making them a strong value choice.

2. Premium Grade Pinto Beans: The Balance Between Quality & Price

Premium-grade pinto beans are the most in-demand variety among Tamila Agrifood’s wholesale clients. They combine excellent quality, consistency, and price efficiency, making them ideal for international buyers seeking dependable supply chains.

Distinct Qualities:

•    Uniform color and size (7–9 mm)

•    Cleaned with mechanical sorters and gravity separators

•    Low moisture content (≤13%) for extended shelf life

•    Ideal for canning, packaging, and food processing industries

Premium beans are sourced mainly from Hamedan, Lorestan, and Kermanshah, provinces known for their fertile soil and advanced cultivation techniques.

Why Importers Prefer Premium Grade:

•    Excellent visual appeal and taste for retail packaging

•    Meets EU and GCC import standards

•    Packaged in 25–50 kg PP bags or custom-branded export sacks

This grade offers a perfect balance, reliable quality at a moderate price, which appeals to importers across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

3. Export Grade Pinto Beans: The Gold Standard for Global Trade

The Export Grade represents the highest quality tier of Iranian pinto beans, meticulously handpicked, sorted, and tested to meet the strictest international standards.

These beans are visually flawless and nutritionally rich, making them highly sought after by:

•    Premium retail brands

•    Canning and ready-meal manufacturers

•    Health-conscious food producers

Characteristics of Export Grade Beans:

•    Large size (9–10 mm) with even surface and bright beige color

•    Zero foreign materials, cleaned via optical sorting

•    High protein (22–24%), rich in folate and iron

•    Traceable farm-to-shipment documentation

•    Certified by ISO 22000, HACCP, Organic & Halal authorities

Tamila Agrifood’s export-grade pinto beans undergo triple-stage quality control, from on-field sampling to laboratory analysis, ensuring that every batch meets premium export criteria.

Best Destinations for Export Grade:

•    Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and the UK (EU compliance)

•    UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia (premium retail segment)

•    South Africa and Kenya (urban retail expansion)

4. Comparative Overview of the Three Grades

Grade   /    Grain Size    /   Purity Level   /    Main Market     / Packaging     /    Average Price (USD/MT)

Local     /   6–7 mm   /   90–93%    /    Domestic, Regional    /   25–50 kg sacks  /  3,500–3,700

Premium    /   7–9 mm   /   96–98%     /    Global Wholesale   /   25–50 kg, Private Label     /   3,700–3,900

Export    /   9–10 mm    /   99.5–100%   /    Retail, Food Industry     /   Custom Packaging    /    4,000–4,400

This table illustrates how each grade serves a specific market segment, allowing importers to choose based on budget, consumer expectations, and brand strategy.

5. The Tamila Agrifood Advantage

Whether you’re an importer, distributor, or food manufacturer, Tamila Agrifood ensures that your pinto bean supply matches your exact quality requirements.

Our competitive edge includes:

•    Flexible MOQ starting from one 20-ft container

•    Customized packaging (private label, bulk, or retail)

•    Transparent documentation for customs clearance

•    Consistent year-round supply backed by long-term farmer partnerships

We don’t just export beans, we build trust-based trade relationships that grow alongside your business.

6. Why Quality Classification Matters for Global Buyers?

For importers and wholesalers, understanding the difference between local, premium, and export grades is crucial for:

•    Predicting retail pricing and profit margins

•    Matching product expectations in different countries

•    Complying with import regulations and food safety standards

Choosing the right grade can help you optimize cost efficiency while ensuring brand reliability in your target markets.

Final Thoughts

Iranian pinto beans stand out globally for their rich taste, texture, and natural quality, and with proper grading, importers can access exactly the right type for their market needs.

From local-grade affordability to export-level excellence, Tamila Agrifood delivers customized sourcing solutions with full traceability, reliability, and support at every stage of trade.

Partner with Tamila Agrifood, your trusted supplier for premium Iranian pinto beans, grown with care and delivered with precision.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Call / WhatsApp for Inquiries:  +989141858935