Iran’s unique climate produces a wide variety of nuts, dried fruit, saffron and tea, prized for their taste and quality. Our nuts and tea division manages exports to buyers around the world.
No. 1
Producer of saffron worldwide
Top 2
Pistachio and date producer
100+
Varieties of Iranian dates
50
Countries buying Iranian nuts
Saffron
Iran is the world’s leading producer and exporter of saffron, harvesting the large majority of the world’s crop. Generations of experience, ideal weather and excellent farmland give Iranian saffron its deep colour, aroma and flavour.
Saffron comes from the stigma of a violet crocus flower. Each corm lives in the soil for five to seven years and produces up to three flowers a season — which is why this small spice is so valuable.
Nuts and dried fruit
Pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts are nuts; raisins, prunes, dried figs and dates are dried fruit. Iran ranks among the world’s top producers of pistachios, dates, almonds and raisins.
- Pistachio — one of the world’s largest producers, with many varieties and flavours
- Raisin — a leading exporter, with rising demand for Iranian raisins
- Dried fig — Fars province is known for some of the world’s best figs
- Date — more than a hundred varieties grown in Iran
- Almond — including the prized Mamra variety, crunchy and very sweet
Iranian nuts, dried fruit and saffron are exported to dozens of countries, with China now among the largest buyers. There are strong opportunities both to register new brands and to invest in existing ones.
Tea
Tea has been grown in Iran for more than a century, in the northern provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran. More than 90% of Iran’s tea comes from Gilan — from towns such as Lahijan, Langrud and Rudsar — and tens of thousands of families make their living from it.
Iranian tea is known for being clean and natural: according to Iran’s Tea Research Center, no pesticides have been used on Iranian tea since 1999. Gilan’s first spring harvest is especially popular for its colour, aroma and pleasant, slightly astringent taste.
Our specialist tea team knows the target markets and buyers’ tastes, works closely with Iranian tea experts, and manages the full export process.
How SMC helps
Buyers abroad
We connect saffron, nut, dried fruit and tea producers with importers, distributors and end users in the CIS, the Persian Gulf, India, China and Africa.
Paperwork and logistics
Export documents, customs clearance and transport — from your warehouse to the buyer.
Foreign banking
Safe, practical payment routes for cross-border trade, built on three decades of experience.
Pay on success
SMC is paid only after successful delivery, so our interests match yours.
Looking for Iranian saffron, nuts or tea?
Tell us the product, grade and quantity — we’ll handle sourcing, quality checks and shipping.