After years of working on the production side of chocolate spreads, there is one thing that continues to amaze me. When buyers examine prices, they will spend hours comparing them. When it comes to the product itself, they will spend very little time examining how it is made. Just three months later, they are complaining about oil separation, gritty textures, and late deliveries.
This is the advice I would give a buyer sitting across the table from me. Whether you are in the food business, here is what you need to know about picking a reliable wholesale chocolate spreads supplier.
Open The Jar And Check The Ingredients
The ingredient list is usually listed in order of predominance. The first ingredient is usually the most predominant.
In cheaper options, sugar and palm oil are usually the first ingredients, with the real cocoa and nuts further down the list. Look for a spread with a higher percentage of real cocoa, and if it is a hazelnut spread, look for a higher percentage of hazelnut paste as well. Be sure to ask the supplier for these percentages. If the supplier is vague or avoids the question, take that to mean they don’t want to disclose the information.
Also, ask about the type of fat used. Cocoa butter is often used to replace palm oil in the spread, and a blend of both can be used as well. Each option alters the spreads price and behavior in hot climates. In a country like India in the month of May, this can make a large difference.
Samples Are Key
A bulk order should never be placed based on a brochure. Samples should always be tested like a true trial.
- Taste testing at room temperature versus straight from the fridge is important.
- Check for oil separation by leaving a sample out for a day.
- Spreading it on bread and a waffle will show if it holds its shape or melts.
- For a bakery, it needs to stand up to heat. Some products that taste amazing straight out of the package turn bitter or flat when heated.
A true supplier has no problem with any of this. We love sending samples because we believe products should sell themselves. Reluctance to send samples says something about a supplier’s consistency.
Check The Paperwork
It’s required, but often boring. But, it protects you. A good manufacturer should have the following
- Valid FSSAI license (and the number should be on the package)
- Proper GST invoicing
- Quality certifications
- Allergen information
- Batch and manufacturing dates
If you plan to export, or sell through large retail chains, they will require this of you, so it helps to have a supplier that is prepped and organized.
Understand Minimum Order Quantities
Each manufacturer has their own minimum order quantity (MOQ). This can vary significantly from one manufacturer to the next. Some factories will not run a batch unless you order a few hundred kilograms. Others are not fussy.
I suggest starting smaller than you initially think you need. Order a trial batch. See how it performs. Then you can scale it up. If a supplier is flexible for your first order, they are the kind of suppliers you want to have for the long-term.
Be conscious of your repeat order cycle. If a supplier takes a long time to fulfill a repeat order, and they are the only supplier that provides this product, you are at risk of losing sales.
Packaging Is Just As Important As The Product
I have seen great products lose sales due to bad packaging. A few things you should look out for.
- Pack sizes. Do they provide what your business needs?
- Tamper-proof seals. A leaking jar in a carton ruins the entire case.
- Shelf life. Ask what tests were performed to assess its shelf life
- Labeling. Is it legible, accurate and compliant?
When considering selling under your own brand, ask if they do private labelling. Not every supplier does this and the ones that do may have various restrictions on things like minimum order quantities and label design.
Consistency Is King
The most important consideration for any manufacturer should be whether batch 12 tastes the same as batch 1. Any manufacturer can make batch 1 of a product great, the challenge is to make the 12th batch the same.
How do they ensure quality is the same from one batch to the next? Do they maintain a sample from the previous batch as a reference? Do they test each batch? Do they have procedures in place to handle quality complaints?
The prices may vary quite a lot for a reason. It may be because they use cheaper ingredients, shorter fats, or shorter fill weights. It may be because they use cheaper, lower quality ingredients. Be very careful if the price looks too good to be true.
It’s important to evaluate costs equally. For example, when considering costs for spreads, evaluate costs per kilo, not costs per jar. The costs per kilo take into account slower sales and more complaints as the bulk of the spread may be hard to sell, e.g. cut-rate specials.
How A Supplier Acts Before You Buy From Them Speaks Volumes
Observe how your supplier treats you before you make a purchase. Do they respond to your messages in a timely manner? Do they give you straight forward answers, or do they just coerce you into buying by telling you to place an order? Are you able to contact a product expert?
Choose a supplier who is responsive and helpful. When issues arise, you need a wholesale chocolate spreads supplier who proactively addresses the issue, not disappears.
Quick Checklist
- Are you able to understand the ingredient list?
- How do the samples perform in your end use environment?
- Can they show you their permits, certs, and licenses?
- Are their MOQ and delivery time reasonable for you?
- Do their package sizes and cartons work for your sell environment?
- How do they ensure batch to batch quality is consistent?
- Do their prices align with the competition?
- Are they clear and prompt communicators?
- If you can answer yes to most of these, you may be dealing with a reliable supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average MOQ for wholesale chocolate spreads?
Depending on the manufacturer, there are minimum orders quantities (MOQs) of 200-300 kg or a multiple of cartons. Multiple manufacturers are flexible for smaller trial orders, so it’s worth contacting them.
How long do chocolate spreads stay good?
9-12 months if stored unopened in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Be sure to check the date on the pack.
Can I have my own label? Can you create a flavor for me?
Some manufacturers will make custom flavors, but the minimum order will usually be higher than your average order quantity. Talk to them early on to set expectations.
Why does oil sometimes rise to the top of your chocolate spread?
Oil rising to the top of chocolate spreads can be due to change in temperature, or formulation. A small amount of separation can be corrected by stirring, however, heavy separation can indicate a poor formula and/or storage.
Final Thoughts
When considering a supplier, it is a long term commitment. Choosing the right one means they are committed to helping you provide your customers with the best quality at the price that works for you, while taking the hassle of order fulfillment each month. Don’t be afraid to ask the ‘tough’ questions and do your due diligence before making a big purchase.
