Frozen lime peel is sourced in IQF slices and IQF wedges, two procurement decisions that require different supplier qualifications. Filter by origin and certification on Nutrada to find GFSI-certified suppliers and request bulk quotes.
| Value | Description |
| Botanical name | Citrus latifolia (Persian/Tahiti), Citrus aurantifolia (Key lime) |
| Available forms | IQF slices, IQF wedges, IQF zest, BQF |
| Origins | Mexico, Brazil, Spain |
| Certifications | GFSI (BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000), EU Organic, GlobalGAP, Kosher, Halal |
| Common applications | Foodservice beverage garnish, cocktails, Thai/Mexican cuisine, ready meals |
| Packaging | 10-20kg poly bags |
| MOQ | 20kg |
| Category | Frozen Fruits Wholesale |
| Form | What it means for procurement | Typical application |
| IQF slices | Primary garnish format, individually frozen to prevent clumping | Gin and tonic, cocktails, beverage service |
| IQF wedges | Thicker cut for foodservice convenience | Margarita garnish, seafood accompaniment |
| IQF zest | Fine grated peel for flavoring applications | Thai cuisine, ready meal production |
Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) dominates commercial supply due to larger size and higher juice content compared to Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia). Color ranges from green to yellow depending on harvest timing.
Brazil is the dominant supplier of limes to the European market, providing 80–90% of EU lime import volumes year-round with Tahiti (Persian) limes from the São Paulo region shipped by sea freight to the Netherlands, UK, and Spain as the primary entry points.
Mexico is the world's largest lime exporter by volume, but the vast majority of Mexican limes go to the United States, European buyers see Mexican lime mainly as a premium, often air-freighted option for applications requiring authentic Key lime provenance, such as certain Mexican cuisine or cocktail formulations, rather than as a mainstream volume origin.
Frozen lime slices and wedges are commonly paired with frozen lemon by cocktail, beverage, and foodservice buyers sourcing a matched citrus garnish range from a single processor.
High citric acid content makes lime peel susceptible to cold chain breaks that cause ice crystal formation and texture deterioration. Standard packaging uses 10-20kg poly bags with storage at -18°C maintaining 18-24 month shelf life. Flash-freezing occurs at -35 to -40°C without blanching to preserve natural oils and color. Check the latest CoA for fungicide residue levels before ordering, as peel applications often involve direct consumption where residue limits are stricter than juice-only uses.
Mexican and Spanish suppliers offer EU Organic certified frozen lime peel, with Mexico providing dual EU Organic and USDA NOP certification on select volumes. Organic supply depth is limited compared to conventional, particularly for IQF wedges where processing yields are lower.
Consumer packaging includes retail pouches (250g-1kg), foodservice containers (2.5kg), and cocktail bar portions for branded lime garnish products. MOQ for private label typically exceeds bulk orders due to packaging setup requirements. Fix the slice thickness specification before production starts, as consistency affects garnish presentation and customer acceptance.
Mexican manufacturers concentrate in Michoacán and Veracruz states where lime cultivation and processing infrastructure align with export requirements. Brazilian suppliers operate from São Paulo region with established frozen fruit export capabilities. Spanish processors focus on Valencia region and apply local citrus expertise. Request batch-specific CoAs showing fungicide residue analysis, microbiological testing, and cold chain temperature logs.
Nutrada lists GFSI-certified frozen lime peel suppliers from Mexico, Brazil, and Spain, covering IQF slices and wedges across conventional and organic supply. All orders are placed directly with certified suppliers, with no intermediary.
Last updated: Apr 7, 2026
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