granel

Granel is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe goods that are sold in bulk, without individual packaging for each unit. The products are offered by weight, volume, or quantity, and are typically handled and transported in large quantities. The word traces back to Latin granum, passing through historical forms in the Iberian languages to denote loose, unpackaged merchandise.

The concept applies to a wide range of products, including dry goods such as grains, legumes, sugar, salt, coffee and spices, as well as liquids, minerals and some chemicals. In agriculture and mining, “a granel” refers to seeds, grains, ore or aggregates sold loose or in bulk containers. In commerce and markets, bulk sales are common in wholesale operations and, in retail, in supermarkets or street markets where products are dispensed or sold by weight.

Logistics and handling for bulk goods involve specialized infrastructure, such as silos, hoppers, loading chutes, weigh scales, and bulk containers or sacks. Pricing is usually based on weight or volume, and records must support traceability and quality control. Bulk storage and transport require careful control of moisture, temperature, contamination, and pest protection, as well as routines to minimize losses.

Advantages include lower packaging costs and reduced waste, flexibility for customers, and the ability to purchase quantities tailored to need. Challenges involve hygiene, shelf life, quality variation, and regulatory compliance, particularly for food and chemicals. Regulations often require labeling, allergen information, and traceability for bulk products, along with safety standards for storage and handling.