Chili RFQ Checklist: Compare Samples and Quotes on the Same Basis

昌丰茂农
2026-10-30
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A chili RFQ built around a product photo can leave important questions unanswered. The image may show pod shape and stem ends, but it does not define the material a processor needs or the basis of a supplier's quotation.

For food manufacturers and spice importers, a written specification helps make sample evaluation and commercial comparisons more useful. Begin with the intended application, then separate product requirements from order details.

Start with the Form and Application

The accompanying images show whole dried peppers, not a powder production line or laboratory test. For whole material, specify stem condition and permitted breakage. If the enquiry is for flakes or powder, state the required finished form rather than assuming the supplier will infer it from the photograph.

Fields to Include in the Enquiry

Application: Sauce manufacturing, seasoning production, grinding or another defined use.

Product form: Whole, cut, flakes or powder; include stem and seed requirements where relevant.

Physical specification: Pod condition for whole material. For processed products, state particle size, sieve standard and required passing percentage; a mesh number alone may be incomplete.

Color and heat: Separate targets for ASTA color value and Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with agreed methods. ASTA 20.1 is one method that can be specified for extractable color.

Moisture and water activity: State each required limit separately. Water activity, or aw, is not interchangeable with moisture percentage.

Testing and traceability: List destination-specific tests and documentation. Ask for the sample reference and the lot covered by the Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Commercial details: Quantity, packaging, destination, requested Incoterm with named place or port, and required delivery window.

Connect Sample Approval to the Lot

Clarify whether a sample represents an identified lot or is for preliminary product evaluation. Check that the COA identifies the material tested, methods and results relevant to the agreed requirements. Do not assume approval of one sample establishes the quality of every later lot.

Changfeng Agro is a chili supplier based in Jiaozhou, Qingdao, China. Send your completed requirements to discuss product selection. Request a free 200g evaluation sample at [email protected]; availability and shipping arrangements are subject to confirmation.

Buyer FAQ

Can an unspecified parameter simply be left blank?

Mark it as “to be agreed” and explain the application so both parties know a decision is still needed.

Does one moisture result establish water activity?

No. If water activity is required, specify it separately with an agreed measurement method and conditions.

Website: https://cfmagro.com/

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +86 13355329772