Akbari Mandi Dry Fruit Lahore stands as Pakistan’s premier destination for purchasing high-quality dry fruits at competitive wholesale rates. Whether you’re looking for premium walnuts (Akhroot), almonds (Badam), cashews (Kaju), or pistachios (Pista), this historic market offers an impressive variety of options to satisfy your needs.
Additionally, many vendors in Akbari Mandi provide free delivery all over Pakistan on purchases of PKR 15,000 or more, making it convenient for both local buyers and those from other cities. At the same time, many buyers today prefer the ease of online shopping through trusted stores like Dry Fruits Mart, where premium quality dry fruits are delivered right to their doorstep. The market is particularly known for its premium quality products, with prices that cater to different budgets – from everyday consumers to bulk buyers seeking wholesale rates. For instance, a premium mixed dry fruit pack of 500g is typically priced around Rs. 2,200 PKR.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dry fruit rates in Akbari Mandi Lahore, its exact location, contact information, and essential tips for making the most of your shopping experience. Specifically, we’ll help you navigate the market like a seasoned buyer, identify the freshest products, and secure the best possible deals.
Overview of Akbari Mandi Lahore
Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, Akbari Mandi represents one of Asia’s largest and oldest spice markets. This historic marketplace has thrived for approximately 500 years, making it a cultural landmark within Lahore’s Walled City.
History and significance of Akbari Mandi
Established during the Mughal era, Akbari Mandi was strategically built near Delhi Gate. The market was purposefully located outside the main city to accommodate traders while keeping them separated from residential areas. Interestingly, historical accounts reveal that the British East India Company once requested Emperor Akbar to handle spice trade on their behalf, but his courtiers wisely declined. Over centuries, the market evolved from a caravanserai hub into Pakistan’s largest wholesale center for spices, grains, and dry fruits.
Akbari Mandi Lahore location and accessibility
The market is situated inside the Walled City of Lahore, accessible through either Delhi Gate or Akbari Gate. It’s positioned near Shah Hamdan mosque and Khanqah Jameel Nafees, within a network of narrow winding streets that reflect traditional urban planning. The market’s extensive road network connects it to essential facilities including health centers, transportation, and educational institutions.
Why it’s famous for dry fruits
While originally established as a grain market, Akbari Mandi has become renowned for its vibrant wholesale and retail offerings of rare spices, herbs, and dried fruits. Moreover, it features varieties of dry fruits unavailable elsewhere in greater Lahore. The market presents a colorful vista with stacked products that “look like jewels in bright sunshine”. Currently, the Punjab government is planning extensive renovations to restore this historic marketplace to its former glory.
Akbari Mandi Dry Fruit Market Overview
As Punjab’s primary dry fruit distribution center, Akbari Mandi significantly influences pricing across northern Pakistan. The market offers wholesale rates typically 15-20% lower than retail stores, making it a magnet for both businesses and individual buyers.
Navigating through this bustling marketplace reveals vendors displaying diverse product varieties, though quality can vary significantly. First-time visitors might find the experience overwhelming yet rewarding. Indeed, customer testimonials highlight exceptional satisfaction with purchases made here.
“I bought green pumpkin seeds, hazel nut and basil seeds. All things were of top quality. Furthermore, prices were notably lower than market,” reports one satisfied customer. Another mentions, “My mother ordered dry fruits from this shop… They delivered on the same day, and the quality is fresh and the best”.
The marketplace has adapted to modern shopping needs by offering online services. Consequently, many shoppers now enjoy the convenience of home delivery while still accessing Akbari Mandi’s wholesale prices. One online store affiliated with the market boasts a 4.6-star rating, reflecting high customer satisfaction.
For those seeking convenience without visiting physically, certain vendors provide professional phone service, same-day delivery, and payment upon receipt – creating a trustworthy shopping experience even for skeptical online shoppers.
Popular Dry Fruits Available in Akbari Mandi
Venturing into Akbari Mandi, shoppers encounter a treasure trove of dry fruits, each with distinct qualities and popularity among locals.
Almonds (Badam)
Premium American almonds reign supreme at Akbari Mandi, particularly the high-quality “Desi Badam Giri A” variety. These shelled almonds undergo thorough inspection to maintain exceptional standards. Vendors like Faysal Karyana Store meticulously source these nuts from trusted suppliers, ensuring consistent quality and freshness.
Walnuts (Akhrot)
Akhroot Sabat (whole walnuts) from Turkey and America stand out for their light-colored kernels and soft shells. These premium varieties feature a rich, distinctive flavor profile. Each walnut undergoes careful inspection before reaching market stalls, guaranteeing consistent quality.
Cashews (Kaju)
Kaju remains among the pricier offerings at approximately PKR 5,200/kg. Primarily available as plain cashews or “Kaju Namkeen” (salted), these cream-colored nuts are prized for their versatility in cooking and snacking.
Pistachios (Pista)
“Pista Giri” (shelled pistachios) from Iran represent the finest quality available. Akbari Mandi features both salted and unsalted varieties, with premium Akbari pistachios commanding higher prices.
Figs (Anjeer)
Anjeer prices typically range from PKR 3,000-5,000/kg depending on quality. These sweet, pear-shaped fruits offer excellent nutritional benefits and possess a pure honey-like taste with crunchy orgaic seeds.
Peanuts (Mongphali)
Lal Moung Phali Dana (red skin peanuts) and Parachiar Peanuts provide an affordable dry fruit option, perfect for snacking or cooking applications. These crunchy treats undergo meticulous selection to maintain quality standards.
Akbari Mandi Dry Fruit Rates 2025 Lahore Today
Prices at Akbari Mandi fluctuate daily, reflecting market dynamics and seasonal availability. Currently, wholesale buyers can purchase premium almonds at PKR 4,200-4,400/kg, while cashews range from PKR 5,100-5,500/kg. Pistachios command higher prices at approximately PKR 4,200-4,800/kg, depending on variety and quality.
Current wholesale prices by item
Premium dry fruits like Iranian pistachios typically cost around PKR 4,500/kg, whereas American almonds sell for approximately PKR 4,300/kg. Turkish walnuts are priced between PKR 3,400-3,800/kg. Meanwhile, figs remain relatively expensive at PKR 3,800-4,800/kg, with quality determining the exact price point.
Seasonal price fluctuations
Winter months generally offer better pricing due to increased supply, especially from November through February. Conversely, summer sees price increases of roughly 15-20%. Religious festivals like Ramadan and Eid also drive up prices due to heightened demand, making early planning essential for bulk purchases.
How to Check Akbari Mandi Lahore Rate List Today
Obtaining current rates requires either visiting the market personally or utilizing modern options. Many vendors now maintain WhatsApp business accounts for price inquiries. Alternatively, calling established shops directly provides accurate pricing. Several vendors also post daily updates on social media platforms, primarily Facebook and Instagram, offering convenience without physical visits.
Buying Guide – How to Purchase Dry Fruits at Akbari Mandi
When shopping at Akbari Mandi Lahore, knowing what to look for can save you money and ensure quality purchases. Initially, I discovered that mastering a few key strategies makes all the difference.
How to identify fresh and premium quality
For premium dry fruits, I check for consistent color without discoloration, natural aroma without rancid smells, proper texture (neither too dry nor overly moist), and no signs of insect damage or foreign particles. Above all, experienced shoppers recommend checking small samples before making bulk purchases.
Best time to visit for deals
Early morning visits prove advantageous as most sellers consider their first sale lucky and often offer better prices. In essence, shopping during off-peak seasons yields better rates compared to festive periods when demand spikes.
How to bargain effectively
At Akbari Mandi, successful bargaining requires research on current prices. Accordingly, I always appear disinterested while examining products and start negotiations at roughly one-third below the asking price. Given these points, don’t hesitate to walk away if unsatisfied – this often results in vendors calling you back with better offers.
Akbari Mandi contact number and shop references
For direct inquiries, reach out to +92 339 4005802. Alternatively, contact shop H1158 Akbari Pansar, located within Akbari Mandi, Lahore. Some vendors offer free shipping within Lahore on purchases exceeding 15,000 PKR.
Tips for Retailers & Bulk Buyers
For wholesale success at Akbari Mandi Lahore, timing your visits strategically makes all the difference. Winter offers the best rates, yet shopping during weekdays rather than weekends provides superior bargaining opportunities as the market becomes less crowded.
Purchasing in bulk remains the cornerstone of wholesale savings. Many traders offer substantial discounts that become increasingly competitive as quantities increase. Therefore, for retailers planning wedding preparations or corporate gifting, these volume-based discounts create significant profit margins.
Several online extensions of Akbari Mandi now offer additional incentives:
- Store payments made online enjoy 5% off your purchase
- Free shipping on orders exceeding Rs.5000
- Flat delivery rates of Rs.200-300 for smaller orders
- Free delivery throughout Pakistan on purchases over PKR 15,000
In reality, quality verification remains paramount despite attractive pricing. Always check for freshness, as some vendors might offer older stock. Hafiz Dry Fruits, for instance, employs a tiered pricing structure reflecting product origin and quality grade with transparent per-unit costs.
Subsequently, consider joining membership programs offered by established vendors like Al-Fatah, which reward regular customers with accumulating points redeemable for future purchases. This approach maximizes long-term savings for dedicated retailers.
Akbari Mandi Dry Fruit vs Dry Fruits Mart (Online Nationwide Delivery)
Shopping preferences have evolved, creating two distinct paths for dry fruit enthusiasts in Pakistan. Alternatively to physical shopping at Akbari Mandi, online platforms like Dry Fruits Mart Pakistan offer nationwide convenience.
Dry Fruits Mart specializes in premium-quality selections with transparent pricing—packages start from Rs. 400 for 250g, Rs. 6,000 for 500g, and premium selections at Rs. 18,000 for 1kg Depend on Product. Nevertheless, Akbari Mandi typically provides wholesale rates 15-20% lower than retail stores.
Quality consistency marks a key difference between these options. While Akbari Mandi vendors display varied products with fluctuating quality, Dry Fruits Mart emphasizes non-GMO, preservative-free products sourced directly from farms. As one customer noted after switching to online purchasing: “The items were delivered on time the very next day, and the quality was beyond my expectations”.
Customer satisfaction metrics further highlight this distinction—Dry Fruits Mart maintains a 5/5 average rating. Simultaneously, many Lahore residents now prefer online shopping for its transparency and time-saving benefits.
In essence, your choice depends on priorities: Akbari Mandi offers unbeatable wholesale rates for those willing to navigate quality variations, whereas Dry Fruits Mart provides convenience, quality assurance, and nationwide delivery for those prioritizing consistency over absolute lowest pricing.
Conclusion
Akbari Mandi stands as a treasure trove for dry fruit enthusiasts and wholesale buyers alike. This historic marketplace offers unparalleled variety, authenticity, and competitive pricing that continues to attract customers from across Pakistan. Winter remains the ideal time for securing the best deals, especially during weekday mornings when the market is less crowded.
My exploration of Akbari Mandi revealed that quality assessment skills make all the difference between a satisfactory purchase and an exceptional one. Fresh products consistently display vibrant colors, natural aromas, and appropriate texture without signs of damage. Additionally, the art of bargaining flourishes here—starting negotiations at one-third below asking price often yields substantial savings.
Though online alternatives like Dry Fruits Mart offer convenience through nationwide delivery, Akbari Mandi still provides 15-20% lower rates for those willing to visit personally. The market’s adaptation to modern shopping needs through WhatsApp business accounts and social media updates certainly makes price checking more accessible than ever before.
After all, few shopping experiences match walking through Akbari Mandi’s narrow lanes, where colorful stacks of dry fruits “look like jewels in bright sunshine”—a fitting tribute to Emperor Akbar’s enduring legacy that continues to serve Pakistan’s culinary and commercial needs five centuries later.
FAQs about Akbari Mandi Dry Fruits
Visitors frequently ask key questions about navigating Akbari Mandi’s vibrant marketplace. Below are answers to the most common inquiries I receive.
Where is Akbari Mandi located in Lahore?
Akbari Mandi is situated inside the Walled City of Lahore, specifically near Delhi Gate. For easier access, you can enter through either Delhi Gate or Akbari Gate. The market represents the oldest spice market in the subcontinent, nestled within Androon Lahore.
What are the wholesale dry fruit rates in Akbari Mandi?
Prices vary daily based on quality, availability, and season. Overall, wholesale rates typically run 15-20% lower than retail stores. Currently, pistachios and premium dry fruits are experiencing stable pricing compared to previous months.
Can individuals (not just shopkeepers) buy from Akbari Mandi?
Absolutely! Although primarily a wholesale market, individual consumers are welcome. Actually, many households visit directly to benefit from better prices, as visiting Akbari Mandi offers significant savings over local retail markets.
Is bargaining possible in Akbari Mandi?
Bargaining is not only possible but expected at Akbari Mandi. Vendors often provide better deals on first sales of the day, considering them lucky transactions.
Which is the most sold dry fruit in Akbari Mandi?
Based on vendor reports, pistachios (pista) rank as the most popular dry fruit. Fresh pistachios, especially the newly arrived varieties, consistently attract the most customers.
