Save on Chandlery: The Top 10 Ports to Cut Costs Without Compromising Quality

Provisioning a ship can be one of the most overlooked but significant operating costs for shipowners. From fresh produce and dry goods to frozen meats and cleaning supplies, it all adds up. Knowing which ports offer the best pricing, availability, and supply chain efficiency can save thousands of dollars per voyage. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 ports for budget friendly provisioning.

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1️⃣ Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

Why it made the list: Rotterdam is not just a busy shipping hub — it’s also one of the most efficient places to source provisions for ships. With direct access to European supply chains, the Netherlands offers competitive pricing on fresh produce, grains, and frozen goods. Rotterdam has some of the most reliable ship chandlers in Europe, and since it’s one of the largest container ports in the world, the abundance of import/export activity drives down the cost of ship supplies.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Fresh Produce – Due to its proximity to European farmlands, Rotterdam has affordable supplies of fruits and vegetables.
• Frozen Goods (Meat, Fish) – Imports from South America, Africa, and European production facilities ensure a steady supply of frozen meats, fish, and seafood.
• Bulk Grains & Dry Goods – Grains, flour, and baking essentials are imported in large quantities, making it cheaper to buy in bulk.

💸 Average Provisioning Cost (Example only, actual prices vary):
Instead of stating an arbitrary “basket” cost, shipowners typically get quotes for specific categories. Based on market data, the following are industry estimates:

• Rice (50 kg sack): €35 to €50 (varies by season and origin)
• Frozen Beef (per kg): €5 to €7
• Vegetables (per kg): €1.50 to €3.50 depending on type (potatoes, onions, carrots are cheaper)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Summer to Early Fall is the prime harvest season for European fruits and vegetables, leading to lower prices for fresh produce. Stock up on items like apples, carrots, and potatoes during this period.

🚢 Pro Tip:
“Order provisions 48 hours before port arrival.” Many ship chandlers in Rotterdam offer “pre-order discounts” if you submit a provisioning list ahead of time. This gives suppliers a chance to consolidate orders and source fresh produce directly from wholesalers, which reduces last-minute surcharges.

⚡ Insider Hack:
Work with a consolidation partner. Instead of placing a single order directly with a ship chandler, use a local logistics partner who can consolidate multiple orders from different suppliers at Rotterdam’s vast port network. By combining orders from wholesale suppliers of produce, grains, and frozen goods, you can avoid “minimum order fees” often charged by individual chandlers.

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2️⃣ Port of Singapore 🇸🇬

Why it made the list: Singapore is a global shipping hub with world-class logistics and access to suppliers from Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Shipowners often prefer to provision here due to its central location and competitive prices for fresh seafood, dry provisions, and bulk rice. Due to its proximity to global food supply chains in Southeast Asia, Singapore can offer competitive prices on fresh produce, rice, and seafood.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Rice & Dry Goods – Direct imports from Thailand and Vietnam mean ships can stock up on large rice orders at competitive rates.
• Seafood (Fresh & Frozen) – Since Singapore is a key trade hub, ship chandlers have access to large imports of fresh fish, shrimp, squid, and other seafood from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
• Packaged & Canned Goods – As a distribution center for Asia-Pacific, Singapore has warehouses stocked with canned vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals.

💸 Average Provisioning Cost (Example only, actual prices vary):

• Rice (50 kg bag): $25 to $45 USD (source: Thai or Vietnamese rice suppliers)
• Fish (per kg): $4 to $6 USD (for commonly stocked items like mackerel and tilapia)
• Frozen Shrimp (per kg): $6 to $8 USD
• Canned Goods (e.g., beans, fruits, vegetables): $1 to $2.50 USD per can, depending on brand and size.

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Year-Round Availability – Since Singapore relies on imports from Southeast Asia, there are no true “seasons” where prices fluctuate significantly. However, prices for certain fruits (like mangos) drop between April and July due to Thailand’s peak harvest season.

🚢 Pro Tip:
“Tap into wholesale food markets in Jurong.” The Jurong Fishery Port is one of Singapore’s key food markets, and if your ship has a local port agent, they can source fresh seafood directly from wholesalers at the port. This approach is often cheaper than ordering through a chandler, especially for high-turnover items like prawns, squid, and fish.

⚡ Insider Hack:
If you have long-term shipping routes through Asia, consider signing an agreement with a local rice or seafood supplier. Suppliers that deal with multiple ship chandlers can also deal directly with fleet operators and pass on savings to you. Ask your port agent to connect you with wholesale food exporters, as they sometimes have “overstock” inventory that didn’t make it onto commercial supply routes.

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3️⃣ Port of Panama Canal, Panama 🇵🇦

Why it made the list: The Panama Canal is a critical point for ship provisioning, especially for vessels crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its location as a major maritime chokepoint means it’s a strategic stop for fresh provisions, dry goods, and essential supplies. The abundance of local agriculture, particularly tropical fruits and seafood, allows ships to access fresh produce at lower costs than in ports like Miami or Los Angeles.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Tropical Fruits (Bananas, Pineapples, Mangos) – Central America is one of the largest producers of tropical fruits, and Panama is a direct access point for these crops.
• Seafood (Fish, Shrimp, Lobster) – Thanks to its coastal fishing industry, fresh seafood is available year-round.
• Coffee & Sugar – Proximity to Central American coffee farms allows Panama to supply high-quality, affordable coffee and bulk sugar.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Fresh Bananas (per kg): $0.50 – $1.00 USD
• Fresh Fish (per kg): $3 to $6 USD (varies by type)
• Coffee (1 kg bag of ground coffee): $6 to $12 USD

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Bananas and pineapples are available year-round, but peak seasons (March to May) often result in lower prices for ships provisioning at the canal. Seafood prices remain steady year-round since Panama’s fishing industry operates throughout the year.

🚢 Pro Tip:
“Order fresh fruits directly from wholesale fruit exporters.” Panama’s position as a major exporter of bananas, pineapples, and mangos means that ships can source these fruits at wholesale rates if they pre-order through port agents. Skip the chandler fees and have port agents buy fruit directly from exporters or wholesale produce markets.

⚡ Insider Hack:
Use the port’s “Local Market Window” to source seafood. Fishing boats regularly deliver fresh seafood to local fish markets near the port. Many port agents can arrange a direct seafood purchase at these local markets, cutting out the ship chandler’s markup. This strategy works best for bulk orders of shrimp, lobster, and fish.

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4️⃣ Port of Durban, South Africa 🇿🇦

Why it made the list: Durban is a key port on the East African coast and a strategic resupply stop for ships transiting to and from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It’s known for its strong agricultural sector and large-scale export of fruits, vegetables, and meat. Durban is also home to large food processors and meatpacking plants, making it an ideal location to source fresh beef, chicken, and lamb.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Beef, Chicken, and Lamb – South Africa is a major exporter of beef and poultry, and Durban is one of the key distribution points for fresh and frozen meat.
• Fruits & Vegetables (Avocados, Apples, Oranges) – Durban’s proximity to large South African agricultural regions means cheaper, fresher produce.
• Cornmeal, Maize, and Flour – As a major exporter of maize, South Africa has abundant stocks of dry goods like maize meal and flour, which are essential staples for ship crews.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Frozen Beef (per kg): $5 to $8 USD
• Fresh Oranges (per kg): $0.80 to $1.20 USD
• Cornmeal (50 kg bag): $30 to $45 USD

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Peak harvest for oranges and avocados occurs from March to September, so ships provisioning during these months will see lower prices on fresh produce. South Africa’s robust export schedule ensures availability year-round, but harvest times create price drops.

🚢 Pro Tip:
“Source fresh meat directly from Durban’s abattoirs (meatpacking plants).” Many of Durban’s local abattoirs process beef, lamb, and chicken for both local consumption and export. Ships provisioning large quantities of meat can negotiate better deals by working with port agents to arrange direct pickups from these facilities. This approach cuts out the ship chandler’s markup.

⚡ Insider Hack:
Avoid “last-minute” provisioning requests. Since Durban is a major refueling and provisioning stop, demand for ship chandler services can be high. Placing your order at least 48 to 72 hours in advance allows suppliers to plan for bulk orders, negotiate rates, and avoid supply bottlenecks. This can reduce provisioning costs by up to 15%.

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5️⃣ Port of Manila, Philippines 🇵🇭

Why it made the list: The Port of Manila is a major provisioning hub for ships traveling through Southeast Asia. With its access to local agriculture, seafood, and rice production, ship chandlers in Manila offer competitive rates for essential provisions. The Philippines is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice and tropical fruits, so shipowners can source fresh, bulk supplies at rates far lower than at ports in Europe or the Middle East.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Rice & Grains – As a leading rice-producing country, the Philippines offers ships a chance to stock up on high-quality rice at affordable prices.
• Seafood (Fresh Fish, Prawns, Crabs, Squid) – Manila’s access to local fishing fleets ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood.
• Tropical Fruits (Bananas, Mangoes, Pineapples) – The Philippines is one of the world’s top exporters of bananas and mangoes, and ships can buy these fruits at lower costs than in most other ports.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Rice (50 kg bag): $20 to $40 USD (depending on rice quality and type)
• Fresh Fish (per kg): $3 to $6 USD (for commonly provisioned fish like mackerel and tilapia)
• Bananas (per kg): $0.50 to $1.00 USD (locally grown and widely available)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Bananas, mangoes, and pineapples are available year-round, but the peak season for mangoes (March to June) lowers costs significantly. For seafood, availability is consistent year-round as fishing operations are continuous.

🚀 Pro Tip:
“Work directly with local seafood cooperatives.” Many local fishing cooperatives supply seafood directly to ship chandlers, but you can skip the markup by working directly with the cooperative. Ask a port agent to facilitate this arrangement. It’s especially useful for fresh prawns, squid, and fish.

⚡ Insider Hack:
“Lock in rice prices with a supply agreement.” Since rice prices can fluctuate with harvest cycles, shipowners with frequent routes through Manila can lock in supply contracts with local rice suppliers. This approach guarantees a steady price for 6 to 12 months, which is useful for fleet operators provisioning multiple ships.

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6️⃣ Port of Mombasa, Kenya 🇰🇪

Why it made the list: Mombasa is the largest port in East Africa and a prime resupply point for ships navigating between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is a major export hub for agricultural products, especially tea, coffee, and fruits. Due to the regional fishing industry, fresh seafood is also widely available. Prices for key ship provisions, like fresh fish, tropical fruits, and dry goods, are often cheaper than in larger, busier ports like Rotterdam or Singapore.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Tea & Coffee – Kenya is one of the world’s largest exporters of tea, and Mombasa is the central hub for tea exports.
• Fruits & Vegetables (Bananas, Mangos, Avocados) – Mombasa’s port connects with agricultural producers from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, providing access to fresh fruit at low prices.
• Seafood (Fresh Fish, Prawns, Lobster) – Local fishermen supply fresh seafood to the port daily, providing shipowners with fresh catches at competitive prices.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Tea (1 kg bulk bag): $4 to $8 USD (depending on grade and variety)
• Fresh Fish (per kg): $3 to $6 USD (for locally sourced fish like tilapia, catfish, and snapper)
• Avocados (per kg): $0.50 to $1.00 USD (Kenya is a major global exporter of avocados)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Bananas, avocados, and mangoes have peak harvests from November to February, so prices are lower during these months. However, tea is harvested year-round, so prices remain stable. Fresh seafood is always available since local fishing boats operate continuously.

🚀 Pro Tip:
“Buy tea and coffee directly from exporters.” Kenya is one of the world’s top exporters of tea, and many exporters store inventory directly at the Port of Mombasa. By arranging a direct purchase through a port agent, ships can skip the chandler markup and buy tea in bulk at wholesale rates. This strategy also works for bulk coffee purchases.

⚡ Insider Hack:
“Order seafood in the early morning.” Most of the fresh seafood from local fishermen arrives at the port in the early morning (4:00 AM – 7:00 AM). Placing a seafood order during these hours allows port agents to secure the freshest catch for your ship before chandlers scoop it up and add their markup. This approach works well for fish, prawns, and crabs.

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7️⃣ Port of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷

Why it made the list: As one of Brazil’s busiest ports, Rio de Janeiro is a major provisioning hub for ships traveling to and from South America. Brazil is one of the largest producers and exporters of beef, poultry, and tropical fruits, which allows shipowners to source fresh food at lower costs. The local fishing industry also ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood. By working with local suppliers, shipowners can avoid the markup added by ship chandlers and cut provisioning costs.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Beef, Chicken, and Pork – Brazil is one of the world’s top exporters of meat, and shipowners can access fresh or frozen cuts of beef, chicken, and pork.
• Fruits (Papayas, Oranges, Mangos, Bananas) – Brazil’s tropical climate produces large quantities of fresh fruit, often cheaper than in North American and European ports.
• Seafood (Fresh Fish, Shrimp, Lobster) – Rio de Janeiro has a strong local fishing industry, and fresh seafood can be sourced directly from local fish markets.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Frozen Beef (per kg): $4 to $7 USD (varies based on quality and cut)
• Chicken (per kg): $2.50 to $5 USD (Brazil is one of the world’s largest chicken exporters)
• Oranges (per kg): $0.70 to $1.20 USD (Brazil is one of the largest orange producers in the world)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Fruits like papayas, oranges, and mangos are available year-round. The peak harvest for mangos runs from October to January, while oranges have multiple harvests throughout the year.

🚀 Pro Tip:
“Source meat directly from local processing plants.” Port agents can arrange for shipowners to purchase fresh or frozen beef, chicken, and pork directly from Brazil’s major meat processing companies, like JBS or Marfrig. This strategy allows fleet owners to buy in bulk and avoid chandler markups.

⚡ Insider Hack:
“Buy fruits directly from wholesale fruit exporters.” Brazil is one of the largest exporters of fruits like oranges, papayas, and bananas. Shipowners can buy directly from local fruit exporters through port agents. Since exporters are shipping surplus fruit, shipowners can secure better deals compared to buying from a ship chandler.

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8️⃣ Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Why it made the list: The Port of Colombo is a major provisioning stop for ships traveling between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Sri Lanka is known for its tea exports, and the port is also a distribution center for Southeast Asian rice and Indian fresh produce. The combination of fresh seafood, bulk rice, and world-famous tea makes Colombo one of the best places for shipowners to source affordable provisions.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Tea & Spices – Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest tea exporters, and Colombo is a prime location for ships to purchase bulk tea at wholesale rates.
• Rice (Jasmine, White, and Parboiled) – Sri Lanka has access to Southeast Asian rice suppliers, especially from India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Seafood (Fish, Shrimp, Crab, Squid) – Local fishing operations in Colombo provide access to fresh seafood for shipowners provisioning their vessels.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Tea (per kg of loose-leaf tea): $4 to $8 USD (depending on tea quality)
• Rice (50 kg bag): $30 to $45 USD (imported from Thailand, Vietnam, or India)
• Seafood (per kg for fish or prawns): $3 to $6 USD (depends on freshness and type of seafood)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Rice and seafood are available year-round, but certain tea harvests (like first flush teas) peak from March to May, resulting in better deals on bulk tea purchases.

🚀 Pro Tip:
“Source tea and spices directly from exporters in the Colombo Free Trade Zone.” Sri Lanka exports large quantities of tea and spices, and port agents can negotiate bulk orders directly with exporters. Buying directly from these exporters eliminates chandler markups and allows shipowners to access fresh, high-grade tea and spices at wholesale prices.

⚡ Insider Hack:
“Order rice directly from Southeast Asian suppliers.” Since Colombo is a transit port for rice shipments from India, Thailand, and Vietnam, shipowners can pre-order bulk rice and arrange for a direct pick-up when their ship arrives. Ordering directly from suppliers instead of chandlers can save fleet owners up to 20% on rice costs.

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9️⃣ Port of Jebel Ali, UAE 🇦🇪

Why it made the list: Jebel Ali is the largest port in the Middle East and a crucial provisioning stop for ships traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its status as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) means certain goods, like grains, canned foods, and frozen meats, can be imported, stored, and re-exported without tariffs. This allows shipowners to access wholesale prices for key provisions. Jebel Ali also serves as a hub for bulk imports from India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, providing ships with fresh and affordable supplies.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Canned Goods (Fruits, Vegetables, Ready Meals) – Jebel Ali’s status as a re-export hub means access to large stocks of imported canned goods from Asia and Europe.
• Grains & Dry Goods (Rice, Lentils, Flour) – Shipowners can buy large bags of dry goods imported from India and Southeast Asia at reduced costs.
• Frozen Meat (Beef, Chicken, Lamb) – With large imports from Brazil, Argentina, and New Zealand, Jebel Ali offers frozen meat at affordable bulk rates.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Canned Goods (400g can of beans/vegetables): $1 to $2 USD (depending on brand)
• Rice (50 kg bag): $25 to $40 USD (Indian or Thai rice)
• Frozen Beef (per kg): $4.50 to $7 USD (imported from Brazil, New Zealand, or Australia)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• No seasonal fluctuation, as Jebel Ali is a Free Trade Zone and has access to consistent global imports. However, prices for fresh produce are higher in the summer due to local growing conditions, but most dry goods and frozen items remain stable.

🚀 Pro Tip:
“Take advantage of Free Trade Zone (FTZ) benefits.” Goods like rice, grains, and canned goods are stored tax-free in Jebel Ali’s Free Trade Zone. Shipowners can request direct provisioning from FTZ suppliers, saving on import duties and taxes. Work with a port agent to access goods from FTZ distributors, which ship chandlers often mark up.

⚡ Insider Hack:
“Tap into re-export stock at Jebel Ali’s storage facilities.” Many global distributors use Jebel Ali to store bulk food items for re-export to other Middle Eastern and African ports. If you can pre-arrange a direct purchase from these stockpiles, you’ll pay less than buying from a local ship chandler. Ask your port agent to request “surplus stock” deals for grains, canned goods, and frozen meat.

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🔟 Port of Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭

Why it made the list: The Port of Bangkok is a prime location for shipowners to provision their vessels, especially for rice, seafood, and tropical fruits. Thailand is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice and seafood, so ship chandlers at Bangkok offer some of the best deals on these items. The port is also a distribution hub for Southeast Asian produce, providing fresh bananas, pineapples, and mangos at competitive rates. Fleet operators often use Bangkok as a central provisioning stop for voyages through Southeast Asia.

🛒 Top Provisions to Source:

• Rice (Jasmine, Sticky, Parboiled) – Thailand is one of the largest rice exporters in the world, and ships can access large bulk orders of various rice types.
• Seafood (Shrimp, Prawns, Fish, Squid, Crab) – Thailand’s fishing industry exports large quantities of seafood globally, and shipowners can access fresh seafood at local fish markets.
• Tropical Fruits (Bananas, Pineapples, Mangos) – Thailand’s tropical fruit industry ensures steady availability of fresh fruits, perfect for provisioning ship crews.

💸 Provisioning Cost Insights (Example only, actual costs vary):

• Rice (50 kg bag, jasmine or white rice): $30 to $50 USD (export-quality)
• Fresh Prawns (per kg): $5 to $9 USD (seasonal fluctuations apply)
• Bananas (per kg): $0.50 to $1.00 USD (locally grown and widely available)

🌱 Seasonal Advantage:

• Best time to buy fruits and seafood: April to July. This is peak harvest season for tropical fruits like mangos, pineapples, and bananas. Fishing also increases during this period, meaning better access to prawns, squid, and fresh fish. Prices drop as supply increases.

🚀 Pro Tip:
“Order rice directly from Thai rice exporters.” Thailand is the world’s largest rice exporter, and rice exporters in Bangkok often have “export surplus” stocks. By buying directly from these exporters (through a port agent), shipowners can secure bulk rice at a fixed rate. Avoid relying solely on ship chandlers for rice, as they typically add a significant markup.

⚡ Insider Hack:
“Buy seafood early in the day at Bangkok’s local fish markets.” Ships can secure fresher and cheaper seafood if port agents place orders before 8:00 AM, as local fishing boats unload their catch at sunrise. Fresh prawns, squid, and crab are in high demand at this time, but being first in line means your ship can access higher-quality stock before it’s claimed by local chandlers.

Table Summary

ShipUniverse: Top 10 Ports to Save on Chandlery Costs
Port	Best Provisions to Buy	Average Cost Insights	Seasonal Advantage	Pro Tip
Rotterdam, Netherlands	Fresh produce, frozen meats, bulk grains	Rice (50kg): €35-€50, Frozen Beef (kg): €5-€7, Veggies (kg): €1.50-€3.50	Summer to early fall is peak for European produce	Order provisions 48 hours ahead to access “pre-order” discounts from suppliers.
Singapore	Seafood, rice, canned goods	Rice (50kg): $25-$45, Fresh Fish (kg): $4-$6, Canned Goods (per can): $1-$2.50	Fruits peak from April to July, consistent pricing for seafood year-round	Source seafood from Jurong Fishery Port in the early morning to secure fresh stock.
Panama Canal, Panama	Tropical fruits, seafood, coffee	Bananas (kg): $0.50-$1, Fresh Fish (kg): $3-$6, Coffee (1kg): $6-$12	March to May for bananas, seafood is consistent year-round	Buy fresh fruits directly from wholesale exporters instead of ship chandlers.
Durban, South Africa	Meat (beef, chicken, lamb), fruits, maize	Frozen Beef (kg): $5-$8, Oranges (kg): $0.80-$1.20, Maize (50kg): $30-$45	Oranges and avocados peak from March to September	Work with port agents to source meat directly from local abattoirs.
Manila, Philippines	Rice, seafood, tropical fruits	Rice (50kg): $20-$40, Fish (kg): $3-$6, Bananas (kg): $0.50-$1	Peak for mangoes is March to June, seafood available year-round	Work with port agents to source rice directly from local cooperatives.
Mombasa, Kenya	Tea, coffee, fruits, seafood	Tea (1kg): $4-$8, Fresh Fish (kg): $3-$6, Avocados (kg): $0.50-$1	Peak for bananas, avocados, and mangoes is November to February	Source tea and coffee directly from exporters at the port to avoid chandler markups.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Beef, chicken, tropical fruits, seafood	Frozen Beef (kg): $4-$7, Chicken (kg): $2.50-$5, Oranges (kg): $0.70-$1.20	Peak for mangos is October to January, oranges harvest year-round	Arrange meat supply deals with local processing plants for better bulk rates.
Colombo, Sri Lanka	Tea, rice, seafood, spices	Tea (1kg): $4-$8, Rice (50kg): $30-$45, Seafood (kg): $3-$6	Rice is year-round, first flush tea runs from March to May	Buy tea and spices directly from exporters in the Free Trade Zone for wholesale pricing.
Jebel Ali, UAE	Canned goods, frozen meat, dry grains	Rice (50kg): $25-$40, Frozen Beef (kg): $4.50-$7, Canned Goods (400g): $1-$2	No seasonal fluctuations due to Free Trade Zone inventory	Use Free Trade Zone suppliers to avoid import duties and get wholesale prices.
Bangkok, Thailand	Rice, seafood, tropical fruits	Rice (50kg): $30-$50, Fresh Prawns (kg): $5-$9, Bananas (kg): $0.50-$1	Fruits peak from April to July, seafood year-round	Buy seafood in early morning at Bangkok’s fish markets for fresher, cheaper options.