Food importer questions
Clear answers before your next order.
Practical sourcing questions for importers, distributors, food manufacturers and private-label brands. Choose a topic to compare products and prepare a useful inquiry.
Updated October 9, 2026. Availability, specifications and commercial terms are confirmed for the selected product and order.
Buyer FAQ
Orders, samples & shipping
Clarify the quote, MOQ, sample plan, freight and shipment documents before placing an order.
Back to topics ↑Can I see indicative prices before deciding on products and quantities?
We can prepare indicative pricing for a preliminary product and pack selection. Final prices and minimum order quantities are confirmed once the products, quantity per item and delivery location are clear. Transport costs are calculated separately.
What information do you need for an accurate sauce quotation?
Please send the product names, pack sizes, estimated quantity per item and destination. For private label, include your branding and label requirements. We can then confirm product pricing and separately calculate the transport services required.
Is MOQ calculated per SKU or per order? Is every product subject to 200 cartons?
MOQ depends on the product, formula, packaging and order plan. Some standard-pack sauce OEM projects use 200 cartons per item as a quotation starting point; kimchi, bulk containers and frozen products may have different conditions. List each flavor and quantity separately, and use the SKU scope and MOQ stated in the quotation.
Can a first trial order be below the standard MOQ?
Send the products and quantity per item you want to test so we can assess a trial order. Whether a lower MOQ is possible depends on the selected products and quantities and must be confirmed in the quotation.
Can different sauces share a container? Can kimchi be included?
Send the product list for a mixed-container assessment. Each item must meet its applicable MOQ, and packing and storage conditions must be compatible. A refrigerated shipment combining kimchi and selected sauces requires product-specific temperature confirmation. Ambient, chilled and frozen products cannot automatically be mixed.
Do you have a warehouse or local distributor in Canada?
As of September 2026, we did not have a Canadian warehouse or distributor and supplied orders directly from China. Buyers with their own local import or distribution partner can discuss purchasing through that partner. Confirm the current partner network when you inquire.
Are samples and sample shipping free?
Sample charges and freight depend on the products, quantities and delivery address. Costs are confirmed before dispatch. Small evaluation samples may be discussed for suitable projects; free samples or free shipping should not be assumed.
What should I send when requesting product samples?
Please share the products, target specifications or reference photos, application, testing requirements and expected purchase volume. Include the recipient’s name, phone number and full delivery address. We will assess the sample and shipping plan and separately confirm sample fees, freight and any cold-chain requirements.
Do you have experience exporting to Vietnam?
We have exported to Vietnam. Relevant product experience and import documents can be discussed once the project is defined. Past export experience does not mean that every new product automatically meets local entry requirements.
Can the packing list include batch information and expiry dates?
Tell us before dispatch which batch and date details your warehouse needs. Product expiry dates can be shown in the agreed packing-list format; if you also need separate batch numbers, confirm the available data. Dates must match the actual shipment batches, and the final confirmed document version should be used.
Do you provide a commercial invoice and packing list?
Commercial invoices and packing lists are prepared for shipment according to the agreed trade terms. Company names, addresses, products, quantities and values should be checked before the final version is used. A pro forma invoice and commercial invoice serve different purposes.
How are electronic copies and original shipping documents provided?
Confirm the required documents, consignee details, electronic or paper originals, and bill-of-lading release method before shipment. Available electronic copies can be sent for review first. Issuance and dispatch timing are confirmed separately for each consignment, using the final agreed versions.
Can a quotation include carton dimensions, net weight and gross weight?
We can provide confirmed data for the selected products and packs. Unconfirmed outer-carton dimensions or gross weights should remain marked as pending. Container loading should not be calculated using a different product’s carton specification.
Can I inquire about surplus or short-dated stock?
Availability is checked against stock at the time of inquiry. If suitable stock exists, confirm the quantity, pack, production and expiry dates, remaining shelf life and specific quotation. Stock opportunities are not a commitment to continuous availability.
Can you provide a formal quotation for procurement approval?
Yes. Once the product, packing, quantity and delivery requirements are confirmed, a corresponding formal quotation can be provided for procurement review and records. Later changes should follow the latest version agreed by both parties.
How many cartons fit in a 20-foot container, and how is a mixed load calculated?
Capacity depends on the actual products, net and gross weight per carton, carton dimensions, pallet requirements, container type and storage conditions. Confirm the product specifications and planned carton quantities before finalizing the mix and loading plan. One carton count cannot be applied to every combination.
Can food-grade salt be assessed against a buyer’s technical specification?
Please provide the full specification, target packaging, quantity and quotation terms. Product parameters and document requirements must be checked before we can confirm whether supply is possible and prepare a quotation.
Can we check company names and addresses before shipping documents are finalized?
Please provide accurate company names, addresses and other document details in advance. Draft documents can be sent for review. Flag any spelling or information errors so the revised version can be jointly confirmed before shipment processing.
When will I receive confirmation of a telex-release bill of lading?
If telex release is agreed for the shipment, we will send the relevant documents when issued and communicate the confirmed processing status. Agree the release method and required documents before dispatch. Timing depends on the shipment and the carrier’s processing.
Can I visit the factory for a tasting and arrange language assistance?
Contact us in advance to arrange a Qingdao factory visit and tasting. Tell us the products, packs, ingredient restrictions, reference samples, visit date, group size and language needs so reception, samples and language assistance can be confirmed.
What product and quotation details should I request when evaluating a food supplier?
Start with product photos, net weight, units per carton, minimum order quantity, shelf life, storage conditions and quotation terms. Share your destination market, sales channel and expected carton quantities so the quotation and shipping plan can be checked against the same specifications.
Can I request a quotation on FOB or EXW terms?
Please specify the trade terms you need when requesting a quotation. Once the products, pack sizes and quantities are confirmed, we can check the corresponding price. FOB and EXW prices and responsibilities should be stated separately in the order and should not be treated as interchangeable.
How should food manufacturers, foodservice buyers and retailers choose products and packaging?
Tell us how you plan to use or sell the products. Manufacturers and foodservice buyers need to assess seasonings and packaging against their specific applications. Retail buyers need to check consumer pack sizes, labels and shelf life. Confirm the intended use before selecting products and first-order quantities.
Can I discuss exclusive distribution for my country?
You can submit your target market, sales channels and expected purchasing plan for discussion. Whether an exclusive arrangement is available, and its duration, scope, volume commitments and responsibilities, must be assessed separately and agreed in writing.
Does the soy sauce minimum order quantity apply per SKU or to the whole order?
The quotation should specify the product, packaging and basis for the minimum order quantity. Confirm whether the minimum applies separately to each SKU and whether different SKUs can be combined. The quantity and rules depend on the producer's confirmation and the final quotation.
What specifications are needed for a baked beans in tomato sauce inquiry?
Provide the bean variety, sauce requirements, can net weight, minimum drained weight percentage, expected quantity and destination. We first need to check feasibility with a supplier before confirming the specification, case pack, minimum order quantity, lead time and quotation.
Can samples have English labels and an English packing list for kitchen testing?
English sample identification and a sample list can be discussed before dispatch. Each sample should show its product name and match the corresponding entry on the list. Check the samples against the list on arrival before beginning your tests.
Why do packaging and loading quantities need confirmation before a CIF quotation?
A quotation needs the product, net weight, carton format, pallet requirements, container quantity and destination port before current freight costs can be calculated. Tell us whether pallets or special inner bags are required. The quotation should state the included charges and its validity period.
If I commit to the total order quantity, can production and delivery be split into batches?
You can propose a production and delivery schedule for assessment against your order. The total commitment, batch quantities, replenishment schedule, production conditions for each batch and payment arrangements need to be agreed in advance. Any approved batch arrangement should be included in the confirmed order.
Can a small order be delivered to a consolidation warehouse in China, and can I discuss shared-container shipping?
Provide your designated warehouse and expected cargo volume so we can check domestic delivery arrangements and costs. Shared-container options can also be discussed. Confirm the warehouse's receiving requirements, transport temperature, number of packages and responsibility for the onward export shipment.
Can shipping marks and carton labels be checked against my warehouse's requirements before dispatch?
Send the receiving warehouse's shipping-mark and carton-label requirements before dispatch so both sides can check the final version. Carton identification should match the product names, package counts and corresponding goods on the packing list. Confirm any revisions before use to reduce receiving errors.
What should I check if only part of a shipment has arrived?
Use the packing list and tracking references to check the total number of packages, the quantity received and the quantity still outstanding. Ask the carrier to confirm the transport and delivery status of the remaining packages. Track any split deliveries through to actual receipt and proof of delivery; the first arrival does not establish that the whole shipment has been received.
Buyer FAQ
Kimchi packs & cold chain
Compare cuts, jars and bags, then confirm the specification and refrigerated route for your project.
Back to topics ↑Can cabbage kimchi be supplied whole, halved or cut?
State whether you need whole, halved or cut cabbage, together with the net weight per bag and quantity per item. We have quoted halved and cut cabbage kimchi. Whole-cabbage availability and order conditions require separate confirmation.
What kimchi packs can I request? Are 480 g and 500 g equivalent?
Quoted cabbage kimchi options have included 480 g × 24 jars, 1 kg × 12 jars, 2 kg × 5 bags, 5 kg × 2 bags and 10 kg × 1 bag. A 480 g jar is not a 500 g pack, and 1 kg bags and jars have separate specifications. The catalogue’s 1 kg bag × 10 is a different format from the quoted 1 kg jar × 12. Tell us the cut, sales channel and quantity to confirm current availability and ordering conditions.
Can you supply kimchi containing Shingo pear?
Please submit the required recipe or ingredient requirements. We need to check feasibility with the producer before confirming samples, packing and order conditions. A specific Shingo-pear kimchi option is not currently confirmed.
Can kimchi samples be sent before an order? Why is ordinary courier delivery unsuitable?
Kimchi samples require continuous temperature control. Ordinary courier transport, customs handling and storage may not provide refrigeration, and ice packs alone cannot guarantee suitable conditions. Please confirm a workable cold-chain arrangement with us first. A factory tasting can also be arranged.
Can kimchi use round jars, and what is the packaging MOQ?
Submit your preferred jar format for assessment. Previous discussions have included 480 g and 1 kg square jars and a 300 g round jar. Other round-jar sizes and packaging MOQs require separate confirmation with the packaging supplier.
Can kimchi be packed in 100–300 g pouches?
You can submit requests for 100 g, 200 g, 250 g or 300 g pouches for assessment. State the application, pouch type and expected quantity so production feasibility, packaging MOQ and pricing can be checked.
Can I see photos of the kimchi cut and request a different size?
Discuss the required pack and cut appearance and request photos of the corresponding product. Cut size can be considered as a customization requirement. The confirmed sample and product specification should define the final result.
Can kimchi flavor, crunch and cut size be adjusted to a target product?
Explain the flavor, crunch, cut size and application you want, and provide a reference sample if available. We can discuss recipe and processing options and evaluate actual samples or a factory tasting. The bulk order follows the specification approved by both parties.
Can kimchi buyers check salt content, pH, the full ingredient list and ingredient origins?
List the specification details you require when making an inquiry. Salt content, pH, the full ingredient list and ingredient origins need to be verified with the producer for the specific product before the information is provided. Data from another product or an old batch should not be substituted.
Buyer FAQ
Sauce selection & kitchen testing
Match Korean sauces, gochujang and seasoning systems to your channel and actual application.
Back to topics ↑Which Korean sauce packs can foodservice buyers request?
Foodservice proposals have included 1 kg sauce pouches and 14 kg Korean paste packs; some products also have 500 g retail packs. Confirm units per carton, carton dimensions and labels for each SKU. One product’s packing should not be applied to the whole range.
Are your Korean-style sauces manufactured in Korea?
Our Korean-style products are made in China, with a focus on export supply, OEM and private label. Confirm the actual country of origin against the specification and label for the selected product.
Which Korean sauces should a new importer evaluate first?
A starting shortlist can include gochujang, tteokbokki sauce, sweet-spicy fried chicken sauce, soy-garlic fried chicken sauce and Korean BBQ sauce. Narrow the selection by retail or foodservice channel, pack and quantity. This is a sourcing shortlist, not a sales ranking.
Is a product name enough to match a sauce I already use?
Please also provide photos of the current product and label, its application and any grade or flavor requirements. Products with similar names may have different specifications. For example, garlic sauce and garlic soy sauce are different sourcing requests and should be clarified before sampling.
Can soy sauce or tomato products outside the catalogue be sourced together?
Send the required products, specifications and quantities for assessment. Some soy sauce and tomato products can be sourced through partner factories. The source, samples, packaging and quotation are confirmed for the specific project.
Can restaurant chains request 3–5 L packs or 5 L rigid containers?
You can submit a bulk-pack requirement for assessment. Container type, size, MOQ and price must be checked for the specific product. Although 3–5 L foodservice packs and 5 L rigid containers have been discussed for projects, they are not standard options across the entire range.
Do all Korean sauces have the same shelf life and storage conditions?
Check the specific SKU and pack. Some ambient sauce quotations state a 12-month shelf life and ambient storage, but this must not be applied to kimchi, frozen products or every custom formula. The relevant specification is checked before the order is confirmed.
How can I choose additional sauce samples after placing an initial order?
Tell us which products you already carry, your sales channels and the flavors or applications you want to add. A small selection of related sauces or seasonings can be evaluated together for those uses. Use the test results and sales feedback to decide what to order next.
Can different finishing sauces create several flavors for one fried chicken menu?
Different fried chicken sauces can be evaluated against your menu requirements. Test the chicken preparation, marinade, coating, frying conditions and finishing sauce together, then confirm the flavors and preparation method that suit your dine-in or takeaway service.
Should foodservice samples be tested in the actual kitchen workflow?
Evaluate samples using your planned dishes, preparation methods and service conditions. Record the flavor, ease of use and any other requirements that matter to your kitchen. Sharing those results helps us assess the product choice and any changes needed.
Can I verify the soy sauce producer, amino acid nitrogen level, grade and production method?
Please identify the soy sauce specification you want to assess. We need to check the actual sample and producer's documentation to confirm the manufacturer, amino acid nitrogen level, product grade and whether the sauce is brewed or blended. Those details also help explain price differences between products.
Can a freshly fried chicken process be used directly for a frozen ready-to-cook product?
Freshly fried trials can provide a reference, but they do not validate a frozen production process. A frozen ready-to-cook product needs separate validation under your production conditions, including marination, freezing, cooking instructions and finished-product shelf life. Its performance after thawing or heating also needs to be checked.
How do I determine the right quantities of marinade, coating and finishing sauce?
First confirm the exact sample and product concentration. Run comparative trials using your chicken specification, preparation method and target flavor. Record ingredient quantities, finished texture and service results, then validate the selected quantities in your own production or kitchen workflow.
Which retail and bulk pack sizes can I discuss for gochujang?
Initial options to review include 500 g tubs packed 20 per carton and a 14 kg carton format. The current specification should be confirmed for your order. Larger pails or IBC packaging require separate checks on packaging feasibility, minimum order quantity and price.
What information is needed to develop an instant noodle seasoning powder or sauce sachet?
Provide the noodle type and serving weight, soup or dry-noodle application, seasoning quantity per serving, target flavor and heat level, and any reference samples. Include ingredient and allergen restrictions, sachet weight, destination market, sample quantity and expected first-order volume so we can assess the formula and sample plan.
Can an opened dipping sauce be resealed and refrigerated, and how long can it be kept?
Follow the specific product label and confirmed storage conditions. Whether a pack can be resealed and how long the contents can be kept after opening are separate questions. The refrigeration temperature and use period must be based on the formula and relevant validation results.
How should I choose between mala hot chicken noodle sauce and mala fried chicken sauce?
Compare each product's flavor and use in your intended application. Tell us whether you need it for noodles, fried chicken, burgers or another dish, then test the corresponding samples in your actual recipe. Choose based on the flavor and performance you need rather than the product name alone.
Buyer FAQ
Private label & custom formulas
Set the flavor brief, packaging, artwork and validation requirements before approving production.
Back to topics ↑Who designs the private-label artwork and cartons? Are design fees included?
We can discuss assistance with label and carton design. The buyer reviews, revises and approves the artwork. Explain your branding, packing and label requirements at the quotation stage so the offer can specify the design service, fees and any other customization charges.
Can you share another customer’s brand or exclusive formula as a reference?
We respect customer brand and formula confidentiality. Please share your own target flavor, packaging and application requirements so we can discuss an appropriate product proposal for your project.
Can I start with an existing brand and move to private label later?
We can discuss existing-brand products for your retail or foodservice channel, then assess a private-label project based on your market feedback. Start with the products, packs and estimated quantities. Existing-brand availability and order conditions are confirmed per product.
Can labels be in English or Korean, and how should country of origin be stated?
Label languages can be discussed for your target market, while the stated origin must reflect where the product was actually made. Korean-style food produced in China must be identified truthfully as Chinese origin; a Korean-language label does not make it Korean origin. Confirm the final label and origin wording before production.
Are English labels available when buying products under an existing brand?
Please confirm the products, destination market and required label language. Whether an English version already exists, relabeling is needed, or particular ordering conditions apply must be checked for each product.
Can a custom sauce in a sachet use the same shelf life as an existing product?
A custom formula and new packaging need to be assessed together. Ambient shelf life must be based on validation of the final formula, filling process and intended sachet. It should not be copied directly from another product.
Can sauce production and sachet filling be completed at the same factory?
This can be assessed for your project. Please provide the formula requirements, fill weight per sachet, packaging material and planned quantity so we can check the relevant production line and proposed arrangement.
How long does it take to prepare a custom-formula sample?
First confirm the formula requirements, ingredients to exclude, sample quantity and packaging. The technical team can then provide a timetable. Formula revisions, special packaging and shelf-life validation are assessed separately, so the same lead time does not apply to every project.
Can a sauce's sweetness, heat or mala flavor be adjusted for my application?
Tell us the sweetness, chili heat and numbing character you want to adjust, together with the intended use. We can discuss suitable products or a possible custom formulation. Reference products and specific test feedback are helpful. Confirm the flavor with the corresponding sample before finalizing the order specification.
Buyer FAQ
Certificates, ingredients & labels
Check current documents against the actual product, formula, factory and destination.
Back to topics ↑What should I specify if my project has FDA or HALAL requirements?
State the destination country, exact product and pack, and the registration, certificate or recognition requirements. If JAKIM recognition is required, say so. We need to check the actual manufacturing site and relevant documents before confirming suitability for the project. FDA registration should not be treated as product certification.
Does my shipment need a health certificate or a phytosanitary certificate?
The document requirements depend on the product, destination and import clearance requirements. Applicable document drafts can be provided for buyer review before shipment, with final documents arranged for that consignment. No single certificate can be assumed to apply to every food or country.
Which factory credentials and product documents can buyers request?
First identify the product and destination, then check the applicable documents and their scope. Past projects have involved BRCGS, HACCP, HALAL and OU/Kosher documents, FDA registration and SMETA audit information. Relevance to the actual product and manufacturing site must be confirmed individually. Registration and audit records are not product certifications.
Can you provide nutrition, ingredient and certificate information for Australia?
Available nutrition information, ingredient lists and relevant certificates can be provided for buyer review. Share the destination and label requirements in advance so documents, testing and the label plan can be checked. The final version must be confirmed against the destination’s requirements.
Can products made by a partner factory be supported by that factory's certificates?
Please identify the product, actual producer and documents you require. Certificates must be checked against the relevant factory and product scope; documents from another factory or company are not a substitute. The certificates available for your order need to be confirmed individually during the quotation process.
How should Malaysian buyers check Halal certificates and JAKIM recognition?
Identify the product and production factory, then request the corresponding Halal certificate. Check the issuing body, validity period, factory and product scope, together with the destination market's current recognition requirements. The assessment should be based on valid documents for the actual product.
Can I request gochujang without added preservatives?
Please provide your target market and the ingredients you need to exclude. We will check the ingredient list, product specification and possible versions for the specific formula before confirming packaging, shelf life and a quotation.
Does a seasoning without animal-derived ingredients automatically meet Halal purchasing requirements?
Formula requirements and certification requirements need separate checks. Please specify the target market, exact product and certification you require. We will check the ingredients, possible formulas and certificate coverage, and identify the documents available for your review.
Does every catalog product already have Kosher or OU certification?
Certification needs to be checked product by product. Tell us the exact product, formula and destination. A Kosher version can be assessed, but the applicable current OU certificate, products available and lead time must each be confirmed.
How should I confirm a gluten-free Korean sauce option?
List the sauces you want to buy, the destination market and your gluten-free requirements. We will assess the specific formula, production conditions and available verification documents to confirm an appropriate version before arranging samples.
Buyer FAQ
Chili powder, flakes & paprika
Specify heat, grind, color, seed content and acceptance criteria for a comparable quotation.
Back to topics ↑What specifications are needed when buying chili powder or flakes for kimchi?
Provide the application, target heat or SHU, grind or mesh, color requirement or ASTA, packaging, estimated quantity, purchase frequency and destination port. We can then check suitable products and samples and prepare the corresponding quotation and specification information.
What specifications and third-party testing requirements should a whole chili or paprika inquiry include?
Specify the variety, whole or processed form, stem requirement, heat level, color and color variation limits, pod size, maximum moisture, packaging, quantity and destination port. If third-party testing is required, agree on the testing body, test items and acceptance criteria in the quotation and order, then check the actual batch documents against those requirements.
Why can paprika quotations differ so much, and how can I compare them fairly?
Check that both quotations use the same variety, stem requirement, color, heat level, pod size, moisture specification and packaging. Then align the order quantity, testing requirements and delivery terms. Comparing only the name 'paprika' and price per tonne may compare different grades or delivery scopes. Reference photos and complete specifications help identify a suitable option.
Are chili powder and chili flakes always deseeded if no seeds are visible?
No. The seed content must be checked against the specific product specification. Seeds may be finely ground in chili powder, so their absence to the naked eye does not prove that the product is deseeded. Seeds are usually easier to see in flakes. Specify any deseeding or seed-content requirement when requesting a quotation, and ensure label descriptions match the actual product.
Buyer FAQ
Frozen vegetables & loading
Confirm vegetables, cuts, packing, mixed loads and the cold-chain plan by SKU.
Back to topics ↑What information is needed for a wholesale frozen vegetable quotation?
Please specify the vegetable, pack size and expected quantity. Once these details are clear, we can check the product information and prepare a corresponding quotation.
Can I combine different frozen vegetables, cuts and pack sizes in an order?
Provide the vegetable types, cuts and dimensions, packaging and quantity allocation. We can then check available specifications, minimum order conditions and possible mixed-load arrangements, along with the required cold-chain transport conditions.
Why must container loading quantities be checked separately for each frozen vegetable?
Loading calculations depend on the product, measured carton net and gross weights, carton and pallet dimensions, permitted stacking height and container type. The packing arrangement also needs to be checked. Different vegetables and packs occupy different volumes, so another product's carton count is only a reference and initial estimates need confirmation before shipment.
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