Chickpeas are relatively shelf-stable but moisture control during storage is critical: above 13% moisture, moulds including aflatoxin-producing species can develop during extended storage. Standard bulk format is 25 to 50 kg polypropylene bags or 1,000 kg big bags, palletised for container shipping. A standard 20-foot container holds approximately 22 to 24 MT of bagged chickpeas depending on packing density. Request the following documentation before approving a bulk order:
- Moisture content: ≤13% at time of shipment; request measurement at loading, not at production
- Splits percentage: relevant for whole-grain applications; higher splits indicate mechanical damage during processing, affecting canned goods and hummus hydration consistency
- Pesticide residue testing: mandatory for EU import; Australian-origin chickpeas typically have well-documented MRL compliance records
Australia and Canada harvest from October to January and March to August respectively, providing complementary supply windows. Australian Kabuli chickpeas are the benchmark quality reference for European canning and hummus manufacturers.
