Bulk coco peat blocks: how to compare quotes fairly

Buying guide · 8 min · Updated 18 October 2026

Buyers search for bulk coco peat, cocopeat blocks and coir pith blocks, then receive quotes that look comparable but are not. A price per kilogram hides differences in grade, moisture, expansion and packing. This guide shows how to compare quotes fairly.

1. Compare per expanded litre, not only per kilogram

What you grow in is the expanded volume. Using supplier-stated figures, a 5 kg block gives about 65 litres, which is 13 litres per kilogram. A 1 kg block gives about 15 litres, and a 650 g briquette about 9 litres, about 13.8 litres per kilogram. Ask each supplier for the expansion figure and the test method behind it.

Supplier-stated figures. Measured expansion is confirmed on a sample and per lot.

2. Hold the grade equal

Washed, unwashed and buffered material are different products. A cheaper quote may simply be a different grade. Ask for the EC with units and test method for every quote, and read the EC guide.

3. Worked example

Suppose you need 2,000 litres of expanded media from 5 kg blocks. At about 65 litres per block, that is 2,000 ÷ 65 = 30.8, so 31 blocks, weighing about 155 kg dry. The block calculator does this for any format. Always round up, and add allowance for losses according to your own process.

4. Compare pack and pallet plans

Ask how many blocks are in a carton, how many cartons per pallet, and the gross pallet weight. Freight is usually charged on weight or volume, so the packing plan can move the delivered cost more than a small change in unit price.

5. Compare what is included

• Is the price ex-works, delivered or on a named Incoterm such as FCA?
• Are packing, labels, inspection and documents included?
• Is tax included or excluded?
• What is the quote validity, and how long is the lead time?

6. Compare checks before dispatch

Ask what is checked before shipping, who checks it, and what evidence you receive: batch record, retained sample, photographs. A lower price with no checks may cost more if a lot is rejected.

7. Start with a sample, then a pilot

For a new supplier, order a paid sample block, test it, then place a pallet pilot before a container. For importers, see coco peat export from India.

Next step

Use the RFQ checklist to prepare your brief, then request a block quote with grade, quantity and destination. For growers see blocks for growers.

Quick answers

What is a fair way to compare bulk coco peat prices?

Compare per expanded litre for the same grade, EC method, moisture basis, pack plan and delivery terms. A lower price per kilogram can be a different grade or a wetter block.

How many 5 kg blocks make a tonne?

Two hundred blocks make one tonne of dry weight (1,000 ÷ 5). On the supplier-stated 65 litres per block that is about 13,000 litres expanded, confirmed on a sample.

Should I buy a full container first?

No. Start with a paid sample, then a pallet pilot. Move to a container once the grade, packing and documents are proven.