For any successful food based business to function without any major problems it goes without saying that quality food distributors and food importers are essential. Even though many FDA rules and regulations have been formulated for safe importing of fruits and vegetables, many fruit importers or vegetable importers still manage to avoid regulation, thus making food consumption unsafe. To ensure that you choose the right food distributors and importers here are a few helpful suggestions.
When looking for a quality fruit or vegetable importer and distributor it’s always best to research and find out how long they have been in business and most importantly what their track record is. Find out how reliable they are and if they actually deliver within the stated delivery time. Make sure your food importer or food distributor is honest and reliable. Try to consider working with local vegetable and fruit distributors. There is always a reduction of overhead costs if your food importer or distributor could be found locally.
Take a tour of their plant. Make sure that before deciding on one particular food distributor you insist on seeing what happens in their plant. If one particular food distributor or food importer just doesn’t want you to see their plant then you know for sure there is something going on that they don’t want you to see. A rat infestation or unclean working area or eventually unhealthy handling practices may be the reason.
You should always insist on inspecting your produce once your products are delivered from your fruit and vegetable importer. What has been ordered by you and how much is there should always be seen by inspection. To check if your importer has hidden any rotten produce underneath everything else it would be a good idea to flip over your vegetable and fruit boxes. All the possible signs should be looked for. Look for signs both on the box and also on the produce itself.
Always deal with multiple food distributors any time as a rule. If many food importers are more expensive since you are not placing a large order, then look for one who would be able to give you better deals. Always find out about their payment terms before agreeing to anything. People who place large scale orders are more obligated to the food distributors. Small vendors as well as many food distributors who have good payment terms can be found.
There are a lot of things that you need to pay attention to when choosing the right distributor. This particular process can actually intimidate most people especially the small-scale buyers when they are buying from huge fruit and vegetable import houses.No matter how intimidating the process seems, do not take a step back. You have to show them that you are a buyer and that you are doing them a service.
Choosing the right fruit and vegetable importer is very important to source your food based business which should always be remembered. Going out shopping is not much different from this. I am sure that on a shopping trip you never would buy from an unfriendly guy. There is very little difference between the two. Unfriendly or unprofessional food distributors should not be dealt with on any level.
Hopefully these time tested tips will help you find the best food importer or food distributors for your food based business.
Source by Christopher J Houghton