Requirements for partners-suppliers of fresh fruits, vegetables and berries

Requirements for Partner Suppliers of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and BerriesThis document outlines the key requirements and cooperation conditions for suppliers of agricultural products intended for further repackaging and sale under a Private Label. Potential partners must meet high standards of quality, service, and reliability.

1. Key Principles of CooperationPartnership Approach: We seek long-term, mutually beneficial relationships based on honesty, transparency, and openness.
Competitive Advantage: A supplier is not merely a contractor but a strategic partner who helps strengthen our brand’s market reputation.
Proactivity: We welcome initiatives related to logistics optimization, assortment expansion, and quality improvements.

2. Product Quality RequirementsProduct quality is our absolute priority. It must meet the highest standards and ensure end-customer satisfaction.
2.1. General Parameters:

Grade and Appearance: Compliance with the declared variety. Produce must be of typical shape, size, and color for the variety, without deformities.
Ripeness: Delivered at optimal ripeness and ready for consumption (unless otherwise specified for individual products such as avocados or bananas).
Integrity: No mechanical damage (bruises, cuts, punctures) or signs of biological or physiological disorders.
Freshness: No signs of wilting, dehydration, or shriveling.

2.2. Safety and Documentation:

Phytosanitary Certificates: All required certificates confirming safety and compliance with importing countries’ regulations.
Quality Certificates: Provision of certificates of conformity and declarations of conformity.
Absence of Harmful Substances: Products must meet maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Suppliers must be ready to provide laboratory test reports upon request.
Traceability: Full transparency of the supply chain from field to warehouse, with the ability to trace each batch to a specific farm/plot.

2.3. Category-Specific Requirements:

Berries: No signs of mold, moisture damage, or discoloration.
Vegetables: Free from soil, sand, and excess moisture. Leafy vegetables and greens must show no yellowing or decayed parts.
Fruits: Free from residue, pest damage, and must have uniform coloration.

3. Packaging and LabelingSince final packaging is performed under our brand, the supplier’s primary packaging must meet the following requirements:
3.1. Transport Packaging (Primary Level):

Durability: Packaging must ensure full product protection during transportation and handling (reinforced wooden, plastic, or cardboard crates).
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is required for most product types to prevent sweating and spoilage.
Cleanliness: Packaging must be new or professionally sanitized, free of contaminants and foreign odors.
Standardization: Packaging dimensions should be standardized to optimize warehousing and logistics processes.

3.2. Labeling:

Information Required on Each Unit: Product name, variety, category (if applicable), country and region of origin, harvest/packing date, batch number, net/gross weight.
Legibility: Labeling must be clear, durable, and easy to read.
4. Logistics and Delivery ConditionsConsistency: Strict adherence to the agreed delivery schedule. Ability to scale volumes during peak season according to forecasted demand.
Temperature Control: Ensuring an unbroken cold chain throughout the entire transportation process. Temperature monitoring data (thermo-printer/thermo-recorder) must be provided for each delivery.
Transport: Use of specialized refrigerated vehicles that undergo regular sanitation.
Incoterms: Preferred delivery terms to be agreed individually.
5. Service and CommunicationDedicated Account Manager: A designated representative for prompt communication and issue resolution.
Flexibility and Responsiveness: Ability to promptly react to order changes (increases, decreases, or cancellations within contract terms).
Reporting: Willingness to provide regular stock reports, harvest forecasts, and market updates.
Claims Handling: Efficient resolution of quality issues, including on-site inspection, prompt removal, and replacement of non-compliant products.
6. Additional ConditionsPricing: Transparent and stable pricing policy. Long-term fixed or seasonal forecast pricing is encouraged. Any price changes must be reasonably justified.
Financial Terms: Negotiated individually, with preference given to suppliers offering competitive payment terms.
Confidentiality: Strict confidentiality regarding all cooperation terms, pricing, volumes, and any information related to our brand.
Backup Capacity: Availability of reserve production capacity and alternative sourcing to minimize supply disruption risks.

We are ready to consider suppliers who meet these requirements and share our commitment to quality and service. To initiate cooperation, please provide a comprehensive commercial proposal, including a description of your production capabilities, certifications, client portfolio, and financial terms.