Milk tea

When sourcing ingredients, prioritize Grade A tea leaves (Black, Green, or Oolong) with clear origin documentation. For powders and syrups, ensure the Brix level (sugar content) and viscosity meet your recipe standards. Non-dairy creamers should be evaluated for solubility in both hot and cold liquids and the absence of trans-fats to meet modern health trends.

Food safety is paramount. Ensure suppliers hold HACCP, ISO 22000, or FSSC 22000 certifications. For specific markets, verify FDA approval (USA), EFSA compliance (EU), and Halal or Kosher certifications if targeting those demographics. All packaging must include multi-language ingredient lists and allergen warnings (e.g., milk, nuts, or gluten).

For equipment, focus on output capacity (cups per hour) and mechanical durability. Sealing machines should offer adjustable temperature controls for different film materials (PP/PET). Fructose dispensers must have a precision error of <1ml to ensure flavor consistency. Always request CE or UL certification to ensure electrical safety in your region.

Tea leaves and powders typically require a cool, dry environment with a shelf life of 12–24 months. Liquid syrups and fruit jams may require refrigeration after opening. Ensure the supplier uses vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags for tea and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for liquids to prevent oxidation and leakage during long-transit shipping.

The primary risks include customs seizure due to lack of health certificates and leakage during transit. To mitigate this, use reinforced pallet packaging and ensure the supplier provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for every batch. On Made-in-China.com, prioritize Audited Suppliers who have experience with food exports.

Start by requesting a sample kit to verify taste profile. Negotiate based on annual volume rather than single orders to secure 10-15% discounts. Ask for OEM/Private Labeling services, which are often included for free if you meet a specific Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), typically 50-100 cartons.

For large volumes, Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) is most economical. However, for sensitive ingredients like fruit pulps, consider Reefer Containers (refrigerated) to prevent fermentation. Ensure the Incoterms are clearly defined; CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) is often preferred for new buyers to ensure the seller handles the complex logistics and insurance to the destination port.

Always use secure payment channels provided by reputable platforms. Utilize Escrow-based services where payment is only released to the supplier after you confirm receipt of goods. Avoid direct wire transfers to unknown personal accounts; instead, use verified corporate accounts listed on Made-in-China.com to ensure traceability and dispute resolution support.