What should I ask about a specialty food shop’s imported product supply chain?

Begin with a map. Ask the owner to list the imported lines, the countries or regions they come from, and the party who brings each one into the country. Direct purchases carry different risks from buying through a distributor. Find out which products have no easy substitute, since those are what customers come for.

Then test the chain under stress. Ask what happened the last time a shipment was held up, a price jumped or a supplier stopped. How long did the shelves stay empty? Were customers told? Ask whether the shop keeps backup suppliers for its key products, and whether any lines are sold to the shop under an exclusive arrangement that would end with the owner.

Finally, ask about quality and compliance. Who checks labels and storage on arrival? How are recalls tracked, and has the shop ever had to pull a product? Request a copy of the recall plan if there is one. Ask your lawyer which import and labelling requirements apply to the products and who bears the responsibility. A buyer should also meet the key suppliers before closing, if the seller will allow it.

Key takeaways

• List each imported line, its source and who brings it in.
• Ask how past delays, price jumps and supplier losses were handled.
• Find out whether any supplier relationships are personal or exclusive.
• Ask to see the recall plan and how labels are checked on arrival.