Define the exact commercial product
Specify fruit or nut type, variety where relevant, cut, size or grade, pitted or whole format, roast or raw state, sweetening, preservatives, coatings, filtration, crystallization expectations, retail or bulk pack, and intended use. For honey, discuss declared origin and product description carefully and agree which laboratory or authenticity evidence is appropriate for the market.
Evaluate processing and food safety
Ask how raw material is received, sorted, washed, dried, roasted, filtered, stored, and protected from contamination. Review hygiene, pest control, foreign-body controls, allergen segregation, cleaning, traceability, testing, and recall readiness. Requirements differ by destination, so confirm the plan with qualified food-safety and regulatory specialists.
Approve a representative quality range
Natural foods vary by harvest and batch. Agree acceptable colour, size, texture, flavour, defects, moisture or other relevant parameters using multiple representative samples, not one perfect piece. Define how each shipment will be sampled and what happens when results fall outside the agreed range.
Plan packaging, shelf life, and supply
Choose barriers and pack sizes that protect against moisture, oxygen, light, leakage, pests, and physical damage. Confirm label, allergens, lot coding, dates, storage, cartons, pallets, and transit conditions. Discuss harvest calendar, available stock, processing capacity, forecast, lead time, and how the supplier will maintain consistency between seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Are all Armenian dried fruits naturally dried?
No assumption should be made. Ask the supplier for the exact drying method, additives, sweeteners, preservatives, and specification for each product.
Why can honey crystallize?
Crystallization can be a natural physical change influenced by composition and storage. Buyers should agree the expected presentation and obtain product-specific guidance.
Should buyers start with a trial order?
A controlled commercial trial can validate quality, packaging, documents, transit, and buyer response before scaling.