Buyer frequently asked questions
What is your minimum lot?
One full 20′ container: 25 tonnes for cocoa, 18 tonnes for raw cashew nuts. We do not consolidate part loads.
Which Incoterms do you offer?
FOB Abidjan, CFR and CIF destination port, under Incoterms® 2020. For containerised shipments we recommend FCA over FOB: risk transfers on handover to the carrier, which reflects how the operation actually works and avoids grey areas if something happens at the terminal.
What are your payment terms?
Three options: irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a first-class bank; cash against documents (CAD); or 30% advance on confirmation with the balance against shipping documents. Terms are set in the contract, according to volume and trading history.
How long does your price hold?
5 working days from the date the quote is issued.
Can I get a sample before ordering?
Yes. We ship a 500 g to 2 kg sample by express courier within 5 working days. Shipping costs are for your account and are credited against your first order.
How long between order confirmation and shipment?
21 to 30 days, depending on commodity and season. The exact lead time is fixed in the contract.
How long is the transit?
Indicative, ex Abidjan: 18–22 days to Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg; 12–14 days to Algeciras; 25–30 days to Nhava Sheva; 30–35 days to Ho Chi Minh City. Subject to carrier schedules.
What throughput can you hold?
259 containers shipped since 2023 — an average of 6 to 8 containers per month across all commodities. For annual volume programmes we commit to sourcing ahead of the harvest, which allows higher throughput; we discuss that at contract stage.
Who inspects quality?
An independent third party, before loading: SGS, Cotecna, Bureau Veritas or Intertek. You choose the inspector. We do not issue our own quality certificates.
What happens if a lot is off-specification?
It is not loaded. Inspection takes place before stuffing, precisely to avoid a dispute at destination. For cocoa, contracts and the arbitration mechanism fall under the Federation of Cocoa Commerce, in London.
Do you supply EUDR compliance data?
Yes, for cocoa, and before shipment: plot geolocation, post-31/12/2020 deforestation analysis, proof of legality and chain of custody. See our dedicated EUDR compliance page.
What about cashew and fishery products?
The Regulation does not cover them. It applies to seven commodities — cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, timber, cattle and rubber — none of which includes cashew nuts or seafood. No due diligence statement is required on import for those lines.
Do you ship outside Europe?
Yes. We have delivered to ten countries since 2023, across Europe, Asia and Africa.
Do you offer annual contracts?
Yes, and it is our preferred format. An annual volume contract, with a shipment schedule and indexed pricing, lets us commit to sourcing ahead of the harvest — which means we serve you better.
