Seasoning Supplier Evaluation Checklist
Most seasoning supplier evaluations focus on unit price and turn into a race to the bottom. This checklist replaces price-first with 8 operational checkpoints. Use it in the RFP, in the plant visit, or in the annual supplier review.
1.Certification stack
Ask: What certifications does the supplier hold, and are they current?
Benchmark: FDA registration is the minimum for US import. FSSC 22000, SQF, or BRC is the food safety benchmark. FISA Lab: FDA registered and FSSC 22000 certified.
2.Sample and reorder lead time
Ask: What is the stated lead time for initial samples and for reorders of approved formulations?
Benchmark: Ask for it in business days, not calendar days. FISA Lab: 15 business days for both samples and approved-formulation reorders. New custom production runs land in 5 weeks.
3.Clean label baseline
Ask: Is clean label the manufacturing baseline, or a premium tier with a separate price?
Benchmark: A supplier that formulates clean label only on request will treat it as an exception. FISA Lab: every SKU ships clean label with no artificial colors and no MSG at standard price.
4.Minimum order and pack size
Ask: What is the production MOQ per SKU and the pack size the buyer will actually receive?
Benchmark: MOQ that outpaces buyer velocity creates aged inventory. FISA Lab: 551 lb (250 kg) per SKU on snack seasoning systems and 309 lb per SKU on signature prepared meat SKUs, all in 44 lb bags, with full pallets available for larger runs.
5.Formula ownership and IP
Ask: Who owns the developed formula? Can the buyer manufacture elsewhere in the future?
Benchmark: Some suppliers retain shared IP that locks the buyer in. FISA Lab: custom development transfers formula ownership to the buyer under the sample and development agreement. NDAs on request.
6.Documentation package per shipment
Ask: What documentation ships with every order, and in which format?
Benchmark: A supplier that treats documentation as a special request will fail buyer audits. FISA Lab: Certificate of Analysis, allergen statement, ingredient specification, kosher letter when applicable, and USMCA origin documentation on every shipment.
7.Batch consistency and CoA parameters
Ask: Does the supplier commit to reship batches that deviate from the approved specification?
Benchmark: A vague 'we work with you' answer is a red flag. FISA Lab: written commitment to reship any batch that deviates from spec, with fixed raw material sourcing, formulation, and production protocol per SKU.
8.Business continuity plan
Ask: What is the supplier's plan for holiday windows, border delays, and single-source ingredient risk?
Benchmark: Silence here is the answer. FISA Lab: 30-day buyer safety stock recommendation, pre-holiday production runs before Semana Santa and December, and documented backup sourcing on critical raw materials.
Run FISA Lab through your checklist
Send the RFP or supplier questionnaire and FISA Lab returns documented answers against each of the 8 checkpoints within 5 business days.
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