I. Is it mandatory to use an intermediary platform for food exports?

For food companies entering international trade for the first time, an agency platform can significantly reduce the risks of going global. According to 2024 data from the World Trade Organization, companies using a professional agency platform have a 42% higher export success rate than those using a self-operated model. However, note:Established enterprises with annual export volumes exceeding USD 5 million, it is recommended to gradually establish independent overseas channels.

II. How to screen for a compliant proxy platform?

2025 FoodExport agentPlatform screening criteria should include:

• Qualification verification: Check whether the platform is equipped
  • Import and export operation rights (verifiable via the customs registration number)
  • Food Circulation License (focus on verifying the license category)
  • International certifications (such as BRC, IFS, etc.)
• 16. Channel capabilities: Request to provide
  • Export data of similar products over the past two years (note: desensitized)
  • Target-Market Customs Clearance Cases (Especially for Perishable Foods)
  • Cold Chain Logistics Collaboration Network Diagram

3. What are the operational models of mainstream proxy platforms?

In 2025, there are three primary collaboration models:

• Commission System(Suitable for new product trial sales)
  • Platform commission: 8–15%
  • Lowest price protection required
• One-time purchase(Suitable for mature products)
  • The platform will prepay 30% of the purchase price.
  • Payment terms: 60–90 days
• Hybrid system(Emerging Collaboration Models)
  • First-order buyout + subsequent commission
  • Request to share market data

4. How to Choose a Platform for the Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern Markets?

Recommendations for Hot Emerging Markets in 2025:

• Southeast AsiaGive priority to choosing
  • Lazada Cross-Border Division (Halal Certification – Fast Processing)
  • FoodMarketHub (B2B food ingredient procurement platform)
• middle East31. Handling of logistics anomalies: Whether there is a backup port switching plan
  • Alibaba Dubai (localized warehousing advantage)
  • Talabat (integrated food-service supply chain platform)

5. What are the key details that must be paid attention to in the contract clauses?

Based on 2024 international trade dispute cases, the contract must explicitly state:

• Quality dispute resolution
  • Designated third-party testing agency (e.g., SGS)
  • Standards for Liability Allocation in Spoilage Cases (Temperature Recording Requirements)
• Intellectual property clauses
  • Prohibition of registering trademarks similar to platform trademarks
  • Copyright ownership of packaging design
• Exit mechanism
  • Inventory Product Repurchase Clause
  • Customer Data Handover Standards

VI. How to verify the platform’s actual operational capability?

The three-step verification procedure is recommended:

• Field inspectionAt least 3 partner factories
• Simulated customs clearanceSend test samples
• Request to provide
  • Proof of tax payment for the most recent quarter
  • Bank Credit Report
  • Real-time monitoring permissions for overseas warehouses

7. What emerging collaboration models will appear in 2025?

Innovation models worth noting include:

• Blockchain TraceabilityPlatform
  • Te-Food (Global Food Traceability System)
  • IBM Food Trust
• Subscription modelDistribution platform
  • Hungryroot (healthy food subscription service)
  • Misfits Market (Surplus & Imperfect Produce Specialists)