Production and Export of Sohan: From Ingredients to International Markets
Sohan is one of the most famous traditional Iranian sweets, renowned for its unique taste and nutritional properties. Due to its special production process and nutritious ingredients, Sohan has a special place in Iranian culinary culture and has gained significant popularity in both domestic and international markets. This article will explore the production process, types, and characteristics of Sohan, its export potential, and the opportunities and challenges in the domestic and international markets.
Production Process of Sohan
Producing Sohan requires skill and experience. The production process generally includes the following steps:
- Preparation of Ingredients: The main ingredients of Sohan include wheat germ, sugar, saffron, cardamom, butter, and nuts (such as pistachios and almonds). The high quality of these ingredients significantly affects the taste and shelf life of Sohan.
- Cooking and Mixing: Wheat germ is mixed with water and boiled for a while, then combined with sugar and other ingredients. This mixture must be continuously stirred to reach the desired consistency.
- Adding Nuts and Saffron: In the final stages of cooking, nuts and saffron are added to the mixture to give Sohan its distinctive aroma and flavor.
- Spreading and Cutting: The prepared mixture is spread on a flat surface and cut into various shapes.
- Cooling and Packaging: The Sohan pieces are cooled and then packaged appropriately to be ready for market.
Types and Characteristics of Sohan
Sohan is produced in various types, each with its unique features and flavors:
Honey Sohan: Made with a combination of honey and wheat germ, this type of Sohan has a sweet taste and long shelf life.
Sesame Sohan: Sohan made with sesame seeds, featuring a crunchy texture and a mild sesame flavor.
Pistachio Sohan: This type of Sohan is made with plenty of pistachios and is one of the most popular varieties.
Bite-sized Sohan: These Sohan are cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easier consumption.
Export of Sohan
The export of Sohan is growing due to its unique taste and good shelf life. The main export markets for Iranian Sohan include Gulf countries, Europe, and the United States. The export process includes the following steps:
Obtaining Necessary Licenses: This includes health certificates and compliance with international quality standards.
Appropriate Packaging: Packaging that preserves the quality of Sohan while being visually appealing.
Marketing and Advertising: Using modern advertising methods to introduce Sohan in target markets.
Opportunities and Challenges in Domestic and International Markets
The Sohan market is always faced with opportunities and challenges that need attention:
Opportunities:
High Demand in Foreign Markets: Given the popularity of Sohan in various countries, there are many opportunities to increase exports.
Developing New Products: Creating product diversity and producing Sohan with new flavors can help attract more customers.
Using Digital Marketing: Utilizing digital platforms and social media for advertising and selling Sohan, especially in foreign markets.
Challenges:
Competition with Foreign Producers: Some other countries have also started producing sweets similar to Sohan, making competition tougher.
Quality and International Standards: Maintaining quality and adhering to international health standards is a significant challenge for producers.
Price Fluctuations of Raw Materials: Changes in the prices of raw materials can affect the final price of Sohan, reducing its competitiveness.
Sohan, with its unique taste and characteristics, is a popular Iranian sweet that holds a special place in both domestic and international markets. Given the precise production process, various types, and opportunities in domestic and international markets, the production and export of Sohan can be a significant and profitable sector of Iran’s food industry. Addressing challenges and working to overcome them are crucial points that producers need to consider to capture a larger share of the global market.
