Top 10 Important Questions to Ask Before Buying IQF Vegetables from Egypt
Egypt has become one of the leading global suppliers of IQF vegetables, serving markets in Europe, the USA, Asia, and the Middle East. With competitive prices and strong agricultural capacity, Egyptian suppliers attract many international buyers.
However, before choosing a supplier, importers should ask the right questions to ensure quality, compliance, and long-term reliability.
Below are the top 10 essential questions every buyer should ask before purchasing IQF vegetables from Egypt.
1. What Certifications Does the IQF Factory Hold?
This is the first and most important question.
Reputable Egyptian IQF factories should be certified with:
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ISO 22000
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HACCP
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BRC
These certifications confirm compliance with international food safety standards required by Europe and the USA.
2. Which IQF Vegetables Are Available?
Not all factories offer the same product range.
Ask clearly about available items such as:
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IQF peas
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IQF broccoli
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IQF carrots
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IQF mixed vegetables
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IQF okra and spinach
A strong supplier should offer stable volumes across multiple products.
3. What Is the Quality Specification of the Product?
Important quality points to confirm:
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Color consistency
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Uniform cut or floret size
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Defect tolerance
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Texture after cooking
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Free-flowing IQF (no clumping)
Professional suppliers provide clear product specifications and lab results when requested.
4. Are the Vegetables Suitable for Food Service or Retail?
IQF vegetables may be processed differently depending on usage.
Ask whether the products are intended for:
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Food service (hotels, restaurants, catering)
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Retail (supermarket private-label bags)
Leading Egyptian suppliers can customize grading and packaging for both segments.
5. What Packaging Options Are Available?
Packaging flexibility is essential.
Ask about:
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Bulk cartons (10 kg / 20 kg)
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Retail bags (400 g – 2.5 kg)
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Private-label packaging
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Custom branding and artwork
This is especially important for supermarket and distributor programs.
6. What Is the Shelf Life and Storage Condition?
Standard IQF vegetables from Egypt should have:
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Shelf life up to 24 months
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Storage at –18°C
Make sure the supplier follows strict cold-chain management during storage and shipping.
7. Which Export Markets Does the Supplier Serve?
Experience matters.
Ask if the supplier already exports to:
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Europe
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USA
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Asia
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Middle East
Suppliers with existing export experience understand documentation, customs, and compliance requirements.
8. How Competitive Are the Prices Compared to Other Origins?
Egypt is known for competitive pricing, but prices vary depending on:
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Product type
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Grade and size
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Packaging
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Order volume
A reliable supplier offers transparent pricing and stable contracts without compromising quality.
9. What Is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
Typical MOQs for Egyptian IQF vegetables are:
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One 20ft or 40ft refrigerated container
Clarify this early to avoid misunderstandings during negotiations.
10. Is the Supplier Capable of Long-Term Supply?
Finally, ask about:
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Annual production capacity
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Seasonal availability
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Contract farming
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Ability to support long-term partnerships
Strong Egyptian companies like Alfa Organic work closely with farms and operate modern IQF facilities to ensure consistent supply year after year.
Why Many Buyers Choose Egypt for IQF Vegetables
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Competitive export prices
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High-quality agricultural raw materials
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Advanced IQF technology
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Strong certifications
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Flexible packaging and private-label options
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Reliable shipping to global markets
Final Thoughts
Buying IQF vegetables from Egypt can be a highly successful decision when the right questions are asked.
By evaluating certifications, quality standards, pricing, packaging, and export experience, importers can build strong and profitable long-term partnerships with Egyptian suppliers.
As Egypt continues to grow as a global IQF hub, working with experienced exporters ensures quality, safety, and consistency in every shipment.
