What MOQ means for chocolate
MOQ (minimum order quantity) is the smallest quantity a factory will produce for one item. For chocolate, MOQ is usually set per product and per packaging, because each run needs mould or line set-up, cleaning and packaging changeover.
MOQ can be expressed in different ways, so always check the unit:
- Cartons (for example, a number of cartons per item)
- Kilograms or tonnes (common for bulk or loose products)
- Pieces or packs (common for printed packaging)
Custom foil, printed wrappers or private-label packaging often have their own minimums, because packaging materials are printed in runs.
Mixing products in one container
Many buyers want several products in one shipment. Ask your supplier whether you can combine different items in one container as long as each meets its own minimum. This is a common way to test several products in a new market.
Incoterms: who pays, who carries the risk
Incoterms® are standard trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce. They decide who pays for each part of shipping and when the risk passes from seller to buyer. The most common terms in chocolate trade from China:
| Term | Seller (factory) delivers… | Buyer pays for… |
|---|---|---|
| EXW — Ex Works | Goods ready at the factory | Everything from the factory onward, including export clearance |
| FOB — Free On Board | Goods loaded on the ship at the Chinese port | Sea freight, insurance, import duties, delivery |
| CFR — Cost and Freight | Goods on board; seller pays sea freight to your port | Insurance, import duties, delivery |
| CIF — Cost, Insurance and Freight | As CFR, plus minimum cargo insurance | Import duties, delivery |
| DDP — Delivered Duty Paid | Goods at your door with duties paid | Unloading |
Note: under FOB, CFR and CIF, risk passes to the buyer once the goods are on board in China, even if the seller pays the freight.
Getting comparable quotes
Quotes are only comparable if they use the same terms. Include in your inquiry:
- Products and specifications — unit weight, packaging, pieces per pack.
- Quantity — cartons, kilograms or containers.
- Incoterm and port — for example “CIF Manila” or “FOB China port”.
- Container type — and whether you need a refrigerated container in hot seasons.
- Documents — certificates and paperwork your market requires.
Chocolate-specific points
- Refrigerated containers cost more than dry containers. Ask for both options if you ship in hot months.
- Seasonal timing: for festival products, agree the ship date first, then work backwards.
- Chinese New Year: many factories and logistics services in China pause for this holiday. Plan around it.
About us
AOYUAN FOOD makes compound chocolate products in Jieshou, Anhui, China. Send us your products, quantity and destination port and we will reply with a quotation.