Agricultural Products

Sourcing Notes

What to settle before you enquire about Agricultural Products

Spices and coffee are graded, and the grade is what you are actually buying. Cloves, black pepper and arabica each have their own grading conventions covering moisture content, defect count and bean or bud size, and two lots described by the same name can differ substantially. Ask for the grade specification in writing before comparing prices between suppliers, because a lower quotation frequently reflects a lower grade rather than a better deal.

The phytosanitary certificate is the document that governs whether a shipment enters at all. It is issued per consignment after inspection and confirms the goods are free of the pests the destination country regulates. Requirements differ by market and change from time to time, so verify against the current rules of your destination rather than a previous shipment's paperwork.

Organic and Fair Trade claims carry certificates tied to specific lots and specific certifying bodies. If you intend to market the product on those claims, obtain the certificate covering the lot you are buying — a supplier holding organic certification does not make every lot they ship an organic lot.

Harvest timing shapes availability more than in the other categories. Cloves, pepper and arabica each have their own season, and pricing outside it reflects stored stock. For annual contracts it is worth aligning shipment schedules to harvest rather than to your own calendar.