Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh kohlrabi in the United States is a niche fresh-vegetable item within the Brassica (cole crops) category, sold primarily for domestic consumption rather than as a major export commodity. Commercial volumes are typically handled through specialty vegetable supply chains and mainstream produce distribution alongside other brassicas. Public trade statistics and many market reports commonly aggregate kohlrabi within broader brassica categories (e.g., HS 0704), which limits kohlrabi-specific sizing and trade-flow attribution without custom data work. Market access and commercial acceptance are shaped mainly by produce food-safety programs and (when imported) U.S. entry compliance under USDA APHIS, FDA, and CBP processes.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with specialty production; kohlrabi-specific trade flows are often not separately visible due to aggregation under broader brassica categories
Domestic RoleNiche fresh vegetable item in retail and foodservice produce assortments
Specification
Physical Attributes- Firm, swollen stem (“bulb”) with intact skin; free of cracking, pithiness, and decay
- Uniform size and shape for retail packs and foodservice portioning
- Trim specification varies: topped/leaf-removed vs. bunched with leaves
Packaging- Foodservice cartons/crates for bulk heads
- Retail units sold loose or in consumer bags, depending on retailer program
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Field harvest and trimming → washing/cleaning (as specified) → rapid cooling and refrigerated staging → packing → refrigerated distribution to wholesalers/retail DCs/foodservice
Temperature- Refrigerated handling is important to preserve texture and slow deterioration; temperature breaks can accelerate quality loss.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is sensitive to dehydration/shriveling and physical damage; robust packaging and cold-chain discipline reduce loss.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor imported fresh kohlrabi, U.S. entry can be delayed or refused if USDA APHIS phytosanitary/admissibility conditions for the commodity and origin are not met, or if FDA/CBP import compliance steps (including required filings) are incomplete; because the product is perishable, inspection holds can rapidly convert into quality loss and commercial claims.Pre-validate commodity/origin admissibility and documentation using USDA APHIS import requirement tools; align exporter paperwork with broker checklists; plan cold-chain-contingent inspection logistics and maintain temperature control during any holds.
Food Safety MediumFresh vegetables face microbial contamination risk from on-farm and packing operations; buyers may reject shipments or delist suppliers after food-safety incidents or audit failures.Operate to GAP-based programs, verify sanitation and water management controls, and maintain robust traceability and recall readiness consistent with buyer expectations.
Logistics MediumReefer capacity constraints, temperature excursions, and delay events can cause shrink and downgrade for fresh kohlrabi; the economic impact is amplified when freight rates spike or inspection delays occur.Use validated cold-chain lanes, monitor temperature with data loggers, and contract contingency capacity during peak produce seasons.
Sustainability- Water use and irrigation reliability in vegetable supply regions can affect consistency of supply and quality for brassica vegetables sold into U.S. channels.
- Packaging waste and retailer sustainability requirements (e.g., reduced plastics, recyclable packaging) can influence acceptable pack formats for specialty produce.
Labor & Social- Specialty vegetable production can involve seasonal farm labor and H-2A use; noncompliance with wage, housing, and working-condition obligations can create supplier approval and reputational risk.
- Worker safety and heat-stress management are recurring compliance themes in U.S. agriculture supply chains.
Standards- USDA Harmonized GAP
- GLOBALG.A.P.
- PrimusGFS (common in produce supply chains)
FAQ
Which U.S. authorities and documents are commonly involved when importing fresh kohlrabi?Imports generally clear through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with standard entry documents (commercial invoice, packing list, and transport documents). Because it is a food, FDA import steps such as Prior Notice may apply, and plant-health admissibility for fresh vegetables can be governed by USDA APHIS, which may require a phytosanitary certificate depending on the commodity and origin.
Where can an exporter or importer check U.S. phytosanitary import requirements for fresh kohlrabi by country of origin?USDA APHIS publishes commodity- and origin-specific import requirements through its fruits and vegetables import requirement resources. Checking these requirements before shipment helps confirm admissibility, any phytosanitary certification needs, and any special conditions that could trigger holds or refusal.
Do U.S. buyers commonly require third-party food-safety audits for fresh kohlrabi suppliers?Many U.S. retail and foodservice buyers expect GAP-based verification for fresh produce suppliers. Common approaches include USDA AMS GAP/Harmonized GAP auditing and private schemes such as GLOBALG.A.P. or PrimusGFS, with the exact requirement depending on the buyer program.