Key points
- Quote flowers by agreed counts and herbs or chillies by net weight.
- Ask for order-specific minimums instead of assuming a universal MOQ.
- Compare cost per saleable unit after packing and destination charges.
By Zavora Fresh Exports · Nairobi, Kenya
Choose a product basket you can sell promptly
Build the first order around confirmed customer demand. Zavora’s fresh catalogue includes cut flowers, culinary herbs and chillies. Cashew nuts are a separate line with different storage and packing considerations; do not automatically add them to a fresh-produce cold-chain plan.
For flowers, map colour and stem-length requirements to your florist or wholesale customers. For herbs, decide whether you sell retail packs or bulk stock. For chillies, define the variety, colour and acceptable size range rather than ordering an unspecified hot pepper mix.
Check the current produce catalogue before constructing your wholesale buying list.
Translate demand into clear quantities
Flowers may be quoted by stems, bunches or boxes, but box dimensions and counts must be explicit. Herbs and chillies need agreed net weights and pack formats. Gross shipment weight includes packing materials and should not be mistaken for saleable produce.
Ask for an order-specific minimum and an economical shipment option. Neither a website MOQ nor a general air-freight estimate proves that your mixed basket is viable on a given date. Availability, pack configuration and carrier conditions all affect the answer.
- Flower variety, stem length, bunch count and stems per box
- Herb species, net weight per pack and packs per carton
- Chilli variety, colour, net kilograms and carton specification
- Expected frequency and the quantity needed for the first arrival
Have a question while you read?
Send us your produce, volume and destination airport and we will reply with availability and pricing.
Plan mixed-order packing with care
Consolidation may reduce coordination work, but it does not remove product-specific handling needs. Ask how the packing protects each line, whether temperature requirements are compatible and how cartons will be labelled for receiving checks.
Custom labels and retail packs may affect preparation time and cost. Share approved artwork, barcode requirements and language instructions before packing starts. Confirm whether substitutions or changes require your approval.
Discuss mixed orders through Zavora’s consolidation and custom packaging services so each product has an agreed packing plan.
Budget for freight and receiving costs
Air-freight quotations can depend on weight and shipment dimensions. Request the packing assumptions used in the estimate and compare both freight and product costs on a like-for-like basis. Treat the quotation as order-specific, not a permanent rate.
Your receiving budget should include clearance, inspections where applicable, local transport, cold storage and normal handling losses. Cost per saleable stem or net kilogram is more useful than an attractive price that excludes essential charges.
Agree the arrival and replenishment plan
Allow your clearing agent to review documents before departure and arrange prompt collection. Confirm the proposed delivery point and arrival window in writing; departures, transits and harvest conditions can affect feasibility.
After the first order, compare the received quantities and quality with your sales plan. Use that evidence to adjust the next basket rather than increasing volume simply because a supplier offers a larger shipment.
Request a wholesale order quotation with quantities, packaging and your destination airport for a practical feasibility check.
Start your first shipment
Message us on WhatsApp or email our sourcing team. We will confirm availability, packing options and pricing for your market.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum wholesale fresh produce order from Kenya?
- There is no single minimum for every product and route. Ask for an order-specific quantity and freight assessment based on your basket, packing and destination.
- How should flower quantities be specified?
- State the variety, stem length, bunch count, stems per box and number of boxes. Do not compare box prices without confirming the contents.
- What costs should wholesale buyers compare?
- Compare product, packing, documentation and freight charges, plus destination clearance, transport and storage costs that may be outside the exporter’s quote.
Plan for your destination market
Buying from Kenya for Africa, Europe, the Middle East or Asia? Start with the relevant regional guide, then confirm your country’s product eligibility, documents, airport handling and proposed routing. Regional guidance is not a guarantee of supply, direct flights or destination approval.
Sources and further checks
Import requirements can change. Verify current rules for your product and destination with the relevant authority and your clearing agent before ordering.