Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ section. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our flavor products, ordering process, and services. If you cannot find the information you need, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
1. What types of flavors does Xiantai Flavor manufacture?
We specialize in four major flavor categories: Dairy Flavors (milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt), Beverage and Ice Cream Flavors (fruit, coffee, tea, chocolate), Mixing Wine Flavors (rice wine, liquor essence, juniper berry), and Functional Beverage Flavors (energy drink, sports drink, vitamin-enhanced). Our portfolio includes over 200 flavor profiles designed for diverse food and beverage applications.
2. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our standard MOQ is 5kg for liquid flavors and 1kg for powder flavors. For custom-developed flavors, the MOQ may vary depending on the complexity of the formulation. We are happy to discuss flexible ordering options for long-term partnerships. Please contact our sales team for specific MOQ details related to your desired product.
3. Do you provide free samples?
Yes, we provide complimentary samples (typically 50-100g) for evaluation purposes. Customers are only responsible for the shipping cost. For multiple sample requests, we may request a nominal deposit that is fully refundable upon placing a production order. Samples are usually dispatched within 3-5 business days via international express courier.
4. What is the shelf life of your flavor products?
Our liquid flavors typically have a shelf life of 24 months when stored properly in sealed containers at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight. Powder flavors have a shelf life of 18 months. Each product comes with a detailed specification sheet indicating the recommended storage conditions and expiration date.
5. Are your flavors certified and compliant with international standards?
Absolutely. All our flavors are manufactured in ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certified facilities. We comply with FDA regulations (21 CFR), EU Flavoring Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and JECFA specifications. Our products are available with Kosher and Halal certifications upon request. We provide complete documentation including Certificate of Analysis, MSDS, and allergen statements for every batch.
6. Can you develop custom flavors for specific applications?
Yes, custom flavor development is one of our core strengths. Our R&D team, with over 15 years of experience, works closely with clients to create bespoke flavor profiles tailored to specific product requirements. The development timeline typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks depending on complexity. We sign non-disclosure agreements to protect your intellectual property and product concepts.
7. What is the typical production lead time?
For standard catalog flavors, the production lead time is 7-10 business days after order confirmation and payment receipt. For custom formulations, the timeline includes 2-6 weeks for development plus 7-10 days for production. Rush orders can be accommodated with an expedited surcharge. We maintain strategic inventory of our most popular flavors for faster turnaround.
8. What packaging options are available?
We offer flexible packaging options to suit various needs: 1kg and 5kg HDPE bottles, 20kg and 25kg plastic jerry cans, 200kg steel drums, and 1000kg IBC totes. Powder flavors are available in 1kg aluminum foil bags, 25kg fiber drums, and custom packaging upon request. All packaging materials comply with food-grade standards.
9. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. We have extensive experience exporting to North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America. We work with reliable freight forwarders to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. Shipping options include express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS), air freight, and sea freight. We handle all export documentation including certificates of origin, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
10. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept wire transfer (T/T), PayPal for sample orders, and letters of credit (L/C) for large orders. Standard payment terms are 50% deposit with order confirmation and 50% balance before shipment. For established customers, we offer flexible credit terms. Please discuss your preferred payment method with our sales team.
11. How do you ensure consistent quality across batches?
Quality consistency is maintained through our rigorous quality management system. Every production batch undergoes multiple quality control checkpoints including raw material testing, in-process monitoring, and finished product analysis using GC-MS, HPLC, and sensory evaluation panels. We retain samples from every batch for 24 months for traceability purposes.
12. What is your production capacity?
Our manufacturing facility has a monthly production capacity exceeding 200 metric tons of liquid flavors and 50 metric tons of powder flavors. We operate multiple production lines with batch sizes ranging from 50kg pilot scale to 5000kg industrial scale. Our facility operates 24 hours a day during peak demand periods to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Have more questions? Contact our team — we respond within 24 business hours.