Introduction
When importing food products such as A2 ghee, wood-pressed mustard oil, dry fruits, pickles, or private label Indian foods, the right export partner makes all the difference. But how do you evaluate whether your supplier is actually performing as expected? The answer lies in using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
At Manjulam Impex, we believe transparency and measurable outcomes are key to building long-term, successful trade relationships. Here are 5 KPIs every food buyer should track to ensure their export partner is delivering on promises.
On-Time Delivery Rate
Why It Matters:
Timely deliveries are critical for international food trade, especially when dealing with perishable or seasonal goods. Late shipments can cause stockouts, lost sales, and even penalties from your buyers.
How to Measure:
Formula: (On-Time Deliveries ÷ Total Deliveries) × 100
Benchmark: A good export partner should maintain 95% or higher on-time performance.
How Manjulam Impex Delivers:
We work with reliable freight forwarders, maintain clear shipping schedules, and use real-time tracking systems to ensure every order whether consolidated or full container reaches on time.
Documentation Accuracy
Why It Matters:
Incorrect export documentation can lead to customs delays, fines, or even shipment rejection. For food products, this includes:
HS Codes
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
Health Certificates
Halal Compliance Certificates
Commercial Invoices & Packing Lists
How to Measure:
Formula: (Error-Free Documents ÷ Total Documents Issued) × 100
Benchmark: Look for 99% or higher accuracy.
How Manjulam Impex Delivers:
We ensure every shipment whether ghee, mustard oil, pickles, or dry fruits is backed with complete, error-free documentation, avoiding costly port delays.
Product Quality Consistency
Why It Matters:
Even the best logistics cannot compensate for poor product quality. Buyers, especially those sourcing for private label or white label food brands, need uniform quality across all shipments.
How to Measure:
Check for lab test reports (like FSSAI or COA).
Monitor product rejection rates or customer complaints.
Use a simple scorecard: Excellent (no issues), Good (minor issues), Poor (frequent problems).
How Manjulam Impex Delivers:
We partner with certified processors, maintain batch traceability, and conduct regular lab testing to guarantee compliance with global food safety standards.
Responsiveness & Communication
Why It Matters:
A reliable export partner is quick to respond to queries, share updates, and solve problems. Poor communication can lead to delayed decisions and higher costs.
How to Measure:
Average response time to queries (measured in hours).
Frequency of proactive shipment updates.
Issue resolution time when problems occur.
How Manjulam Impex Delivers:
We provide dedicated account managers, offer proactive shipment status updates, and maintain transparent communication channels through email, WhatsApp, and calls.
Flexibility & Innovation
Why It Matters:
The global food market is constantly evolving. A good export partner should be able to:
Support low MOQ consolidated shipments for new buyers.
Offer private label packaging solutions.
Adapt to new compliance rules in markets like the UAE, UK, or Singapore.
How to Measure:
Check whether your supplier accommodates special requests like smaller trial orders, urgent shipments, or customized labeling.
Track how often they suggest cost-saving or compliance-friendly solutions.
How Manjulam Impex Delivers:
We offer flexible supply programs, private label packaging options, and trial batch orders to support buyers exploring new markets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right export partner is more than just finding the lowest price. It’s about measurable performance across on-time delivery, documentation accuracy, product quality, communication, and flexibility. By tracking these KPIs, you can ensure your supply chain remains efficient, compliant, and profitable.
At Manjulam Impex, we pride ourselves on being a performance-driven export partner for buyers worldwide. Whether you’re importing A2 ghee, mustard oil, dry fruits, or private label Indian foods, our focus remains on delivering consistent quality, reliable logistics, and complete documentation every single time.