Case Study: Food/Beverage — HACCP-Certified Coffee Exported to Singapore at 41% Cost Reduction

## The Client A specialty coffee roaster based in Adelaide SA had secured a significant contract to supply private label instant coffee to a distribution partner in Singapore. The order called for 2,400kg of private label instant coffee — a meaningful volume that justified direct sourcing from origin rather than purchasing through the Singapore distributor's mark-up pricing. The client needed to find a Chinese roaster capable of meeting both Chinese export documentation requirements and Singapore's food import regulations. ## The Challenge The primary challenge the Adelaide roaster faced was navigating the difference between Chinese domestic "food grade" certifications and international food safety standards. Several Yunnan roasters they contacted claimed to have "food grade" certification, but when WAG's team reviewed documentation, it became clear that domestic Chinese food safety certifications did not automatically meet the standards required for export to Singapore. Additionally, Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has specific documentation requirements including HACCP certification, Certificate of Analysis (COA), and health certificates that needed to be prepared correctly for submission. ## How WAG Helped ### Step 1: HACCP-Certified Roaster Identification WAG identified 3 roasters in Yunnan province that held HACCP certification recognized for international export. Rather than relying on supplier-provided documentation, WAG's team requested copies of actual HACCP certificates and verified them against registration databases. This due diligence eliminated one supplier whose certificate had been issued by a non-accredited body. ### Step 2: On-Site Sensory Evaluation and Documentation Review WAG arranged a 2-day visit to Yunnan province for the Adelaide roaster to conduct sensory evaluations of potential production runs and review HACCP documentation in person. During this visit, the client's head roaster was able to evaluate cup quality directly, assess production facility conditions, and work through the HACCP documentation requirements with factory technical staff. WAG's interpreters facilitated detailed discussions about processing parameters, quality control checkpoints, and packaging specifications. ### Step 3: Export Documentation Coordination With a roaster selected, WAG coordinated the preparation of all documentation required for Singapore AVA submission, including Certificate of Analysis documenting chemical and microbiological test results, health certificates for export, and AQSIQ (now CAIC) approval documentation. Each document was reviewed for accuracy and completeness before the 2,400kg shipment was dispatched. ## The Results - 2,400kg shipment delivered to Singapore with zero documentation issues at customs - 41% cost reduction compared to previous Singapore distributor pricing - AQSIQ export approval secured before first shipment - Singapore AVA documentation accepted without queries - Ongoing supply relationship established with HACCP-certified Yunnan roaster ## FAQ — Food and Beverage Exports for Australian Businesses **What HACCP certification is required for exporting food products to Singapore?** Singapore's AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) requires food exporters to provide HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification from a recognized certification body. Chinese exporters must hold current HACCP certification from an accredited certification body, and this certification must be documented in the export documentation package. WAG verifies HACCP certification validity directly with certification bodies before recommending suppliers. **What are the Australian food import requirements for Chinese food products?** Chinese food products imported to Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and be accompanied by documentation demonstrating food safety compliance. Products must come from manufacturers approved by AQSIQ/CAIC (now CNCA) and registered with the Australian Department of Agriculture. WAG helps clients understand the specific documentation and compliance requirements for their product categories. **What are typical minimum order quantities for private label coffee from Chinese roasters?** Private label instant coffee MOQs from Chinese roasters typically start at 500-1,000kg for initial production runs, with many factories accommodating 1,000-2,000kg for international private label orders. Some facilities offer smaller runs for test batches at higher per-unit pricing. WAG helps clients find roasters that match their volume requirements and coordinates sample runs before committing to full production.