Ask Your Food Supplier These 4 Crucial Questions

Choosing a food supplier isn't just another business decision — it's a partnership that directly affects your kitchen's quality, consistency, and profitability. For restaurants, cafés, and caterers across Singapore, the right wholesale food supplier determines whether your menu delights customers or disappoints them.

At Alkemal Foods Singapore, we believe that great supply relationships start with the right questions. Before signing a contract or confirming your first order, here are four essential questions every F&B business should ask their food supplier — and why they matter.

1. How Do You Ensure Safe and Reliable Delivery from Warehouse to My Kitchen?

Delivery is where your ingredients make their final, most important journey — from supplier to kitchen. The way your supplier handles this process directly affects freshness, food safety, and consistency in every dish you serve.

What to Ask and Listen For:

• Do they have dedicated vehicles for different types of goods?
  → Prevents contamination and ensures proper handling for all items.
• How do they monitor delivery timelines and routes?
  → Ensures products reach you fresh and on time, every time.
• Are delivery staff trained in proper food handling?
  → Guarantees hygiene and care throughout the delivery process.

At Alkemal Foods, we take delivery as seriously as sourcing. Our logistics team ensures timely, hygienic, and well-handled deliveries from our warehouse to your kitchen — so every ingredient arrives exactly as it should: fresh, safe, and ready to cook.

2. Where Do Your Products Come From, and How Do You Ensure Sourcing Transparency?

Knowing where your ingredients come from matters just as much as how they're handled. Your customers care about authenticity, and as a business owner, you should too. A reliable supplier should be open about their sourcing network, brand partnerships, and quality assurance processes.

What to Ask:

• Do they import directly from trusted, well-known brands?
• Can they clearly tell you where key ingredients come from?
• Do they follow proper food safety practices and maintain high quality standards?

At Alkemal Foods Singapore, we're proud to import products from around the world — partnering with some of the most reputable and loved brands such as Tem Tem, Thai Dancer Sauces, and The Healthy Binge.

Our goal is to bring authentic global flavours and premium-quality ingredients to Singapore's foodservice industry, ensuring transparency and trust at every step. When you order from us, you know exactly what's on your menu — and where it comes from.

3. What Are the True Costs and Flexibility of Your Minimum Order Size?

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) can make or break your food cost planning. It's important to know whether your supplier's policies match your business volume and storage capacity.

What to Ask:

• Is the MOQ based on value (e.g., $300 minimum) or quantity (e.g., 10 cases)?
• What happens if you're slightly under the minimum — are there penalties or delivery fees?
• Can you mix and match across product categories to meet the MOQ?

At Alkemal Foods Singapore, we understand that every kitchen operates differently. That's why we offer flexible ordering options and customised MOQs, helping you manage costs without overstocking your storeroom.

4. What Are Your Standard Payment Terms and Available Discounts?

Managing your cash flow is just as important as managing your inventory. Understanding your supplier's payment structure keeps your finances predictable and stress-free.

Things to Confirm:

• Payment Period
• Early Payment Discounts
• Credit Review

At Alkemal Foods, we believe in building long-term, transparent relationships. Our payment terms are designed to support steady cash flow for F&B operators — and we always explore flexible arrangements for our loyal partners.

Conclusion

A good food supplier doesn't just deliver boxes — they deliver reliability, safety, and peace of mind. By asking these four questions before you commit, you'll understand not just what your supplier offers, but how they operate. That insight helps you make smarter, safer, and more profitable decisions for your business.

At Alkemal Foods Singapore, we pride ourselves on being more than a supplier — we're your trusted partner in food quality, consistency, and success.

Ready to work with a supplier who values your kitchen as much as you do? Get in touch with Alkemal Foods Singapore today and let's build your next great menu together.