A guide to sourcing fresh produce

Start with the counterparty, not the price

The most expensive mistake in produce is trading with an intermediary who presents as a grower. Confirm whether you are dealing with the producer or a broker, verify the operation exists at the scale claimed, and check trading history before you discuss price. The same discipline as supplier vetting applies here.

Agree the commercial terms clearly

• Incoterms. Decide who is responsible at each stage — FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP — and price accordingly.
• Payment. Understand the protection each method gives you; a letter of credit and a telegraphic transfer allocate risk very differently.
• Specification. Define variety, grade, size and packing precisely. "Good quality" is not a specification.

Meet compliance before the crop ships

Produce entering the EU and UK must meet marketing standards, maximum residue levels, contaminant limits and phytosanitary requirements — and since Brexit, EU and UK (GB) requirements are handled under separate, diverging regimes. This is documentation you prepare against the destination, not an afterthought at the port.

Protect quality through the cold chain

Many crops do not survive poor post-harvest handling. Curing, correct storage temperature and an unbroken reefer cold chain to destination are what keep product in specification through long transit. If any link breaks, the consignment can arrive out of grade.

Move from trial to programme

Sensible buyers start with a trial consignment, confirm quality and reliability, then move into programmed seasonal supply. This is exactly how our agriculture & fresh produce supply works — sourced from certified growers — and how we help clients source produce and other commodities.