Guide
Chocolate Minimum Order Quantity: How to Plan Your First Export Order
Importers often ask for the minimum order before anything else. This guide explains how minimum quantities are usually built in confectionery export and how to plan a sensible first order.
By Ender Çikolata Team Published 1 min read
A minimum order in confectionery rarely means a single number. It usually combines the factory's production run, the carton configuration and the transport unit, such as a pallet or a container.
What shapes the minimum
- Production run: each product and pack is made in batches
- Cartons and pallets: orders are counted in cartons and pallets
- Transport: a full container usually gives the best cost per carton
- Labels: market-specific labels may need their own run
Planning a first order
- pick a focused range of three to six products for your channel
- ask for sample packs first and test them in your market
- decide the delivery term; see FOB, CIF and EXW
- calculate your landed cost; see how to calculate landed cost
- plan shelf life against your sales rate
Mixed loads
Confectionery is often shipped as a mixed container with several products. Tell the supplier your target product list so that carton and pallet configuration can be planned together.
What to send with your enquiry
Destination, products, formats, yearly volume, first-order target, label language and delivery term. Use the contact page and see the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order less than a full container?
Smaller shipments exist but they cost more per carton. Ask your supplier and forwarder about consolidated options.
What is a sensible first order?
One that you can sell within the shelf-life window and that proves the market before you scale.
Do minimums differ by product?
Yes, they depend on the product, pack and label. Ask for them per item.