Why Source IQF Products from China?
China produces more than half of the world's IQF frozen fruits and vegetables. Understanding why can help you make informed sourcing decisions.
Key Advantages
Why major food manufacturers and distributors source from China.
Unmatched Scale
China produces more than 50% of the world's IQF fruits and vegetables. This scale means competitive pricing, consistent supply, and diverse product options.
Cost Efficiency
Lower labor costs combined with modern processing facilities result in 20-40% cost savings compared to European or South American alternatives.
Quality Infrastructure
Major Chinese IQF facilities hold BRC, IFS, and HACCP certifications. Modern equipment rivals any facility in Europe or North America.
Product Diversity
From tropical fruits to temperate vegetables, China's diverse growing regions produce nearly every IQF product type year-round.
Year-Round Supply
Multiple growing regions with different harvest windows ensure consistent supply even during off-seasons.
Established Logistics
Major ports like Qingdao and Tianjin have well-developed cold chain infrastructure with regular sailings to all major markets.
Source Comparison
How China compares to other major IQF sourcing regions.
| Factor | 🇨🇳 China | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇪🇺 Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Product Range | Very Wide | Limited | Moderate |
| Year-Round Supply | Yes | Seasonal | Seasonal |
| EU Certifications | BRC/IFS | Limited | BRC/IFS |
| Min Order Qty | 1 Container | Varies | 1-2 Containers |
| Transit to EU | 35-40 days | 25-30 days | 3-7 days |
| Transit to US | 25-35 days | 7-14 days | 14-21 days |
Comparison is generalized. Specific product/route combinations vary. Request a quote for accurate landed cost analysis.
Major Growing Regions
China's diverse climate zones enable production of nearly every IQF product type.
Shandong
Hebei
Zhejiang
Fujian
Yunnan
Xinjiang
Addressing Common Concerns
Honest answers to questions we frequently hear from buyers considering China sourcing.
Q:Quality concerns
Leading Chinese facilities hold the same BRC, IFS, and HACCP certifications as European factories. Our network has supplied FRoSTA AG (Germany's #1 frozen food brand) since 2017 with zero quality recalls.
Q:Long transit times
Proper planning mitigates this. IQF products have 24-month shelf life. Most buyers plan 2-3 months ahead for inventory replenishment. Transit time becomes irrelevant with proper supply chain management.
Q:US tariffs on Chinese goods
Yes, additional duties apply (currently 7.5-25% depending on product). However, Chinese IQF often remains cost-competitive even after tariffs due to significantly lower base pricing. We provide landed cost analysis for each inquiry.
Q:Communication challenges
Crestwood Global is a US-based company. You communicate with us in English, and we manage all China-side coordination. No time zone juggling or language barriers for you.
Q:Pesticide residues
Every shipment includes Certificate of Analysis with pesticide residue testing. Our facilities test to EU MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits), which are among the strictest globally.
Ready to Explore China Sourcing?
Get competitive pricing on premium IQF products. As a US-based company with 40+ years of China relationships, we make sourcing simple.