Resources

B2B Glossary

International trade, logistics, quality and product terms we use in every nut and dried-fruit operation. A clear reference for importers, distributors and the food industry.

Trade & logistics

Trading company: An intermediary that connects producers with international buyers and manages sourcing, negotiation, logistics and documentation. Raíz Andina is neither a producer nor a retailer: it operates as a B2B trader.
B2B (Business to Business): Company-to-company commerce. Operations target importers, distributors and the food industry, not end consumers.
Incoterms: Standard rules from the International Chamber of Commerce that define who bears the costs, risks and responsibilities at each stage of an export operation (FOB, CIF, CFR, DDP, etc.).
FOB (Free On Board): Incoterm under which the seller delivers the goods loaded onto the vessel at the origin port; from that point, freight and risk are borne by the buyer.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): Maritime Incoterm under which the seller pays for the goods, ocean freight and minimum insurance up to the agreed destination port. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the origin port.
CFR (Cost and Freight): Maritime Incoterm under which the seller pays for the goods and freight to the agreed destination port but does not arrange insurance. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are loaded on board the vessel at the origin port.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The Incoterm with maximum seller responsibility: goods are delivered at destination with all import costs, duties and taxes paid.
FCL (Full Container Load): A full container for a single client. Net capacity depends on the product, packaging format and container type; dried fruit is usually shipped in 20' or 40' High Cube containers.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Consolidated cargo: shipments from several clients share one container. Useful for volumes below a full container.
Pallet: A logistics loading unit. For Raíz Andina, the recommended minimum order is 1 pallet, approximately 2,100 kg, depending on the product and format.
Big bag: A large flexible bulk container (500–1,000 kg) in food-grade polypropylene, used for bulk packaging.
Bill of Lading (B/L): An ocean transport document that evidences receipt of the goods, serves as proof of the contract of carriage and, in certain cases, as a document of title to the goods.
Letter of Credit (L/C): A bank payment instrument that guarantees payment to the seller once the agreed documentary conditions are met. It reduces risk in international operations.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): The minimum quantity per operation. At Raíz Andina it is 1 pallet (~2,100 kg); smaller quantities or samples are assessed on request.

Quality & certifications

HACCP: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points: a preventive food-safety system that identifies and controls risks throughout the chain.
Aflatoxins: Mycotoxins produced by molds that can appear in nuts. They are tested by lot and must comply with legal maximum limits before shipment.
Regulation (EU) 2023/915: European legislation that sets maximum levels of certain contaminants in food, including aflatoxins. It replaces the former Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 and is the main reference for goods bound for the European Union.
Phytosanitary certificate: An official document issued by the origin country's authority (SENASA, SAG, USDA-APHIS, DALRRD, GACC) certifying the product is free of pests.
Certificate of origin: A document attesting the country where the goods were produced; required for customs clearance and to apply preferential tariffs.
Traceability: The ability to track each lot's journey from producer to final destination, ensuring control and transparency.
Microbiological analysis: Testing for pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli, molds and yeasts) carried out on the product before each shipment.
GLOBALG.A.P.: An international good-agricultural-practice standard certifying responsible, safe and traceable production at origin. Available on request.
BRCGS: A global standard for food safety, quality, legality and product integrity, required by many retail chains and the food industry. Available on request.
Kosher: Certification attesting that the product complies with Jewish dietary law. Available on request.
Halal: Certification attesting that the product complies with Islamic dietary law. Available on request.

Product & varieties

Caliber: The size of the nut, measured in millimeters (e.g., Chandler 32–36 mm) or by category. The larger the caliber, the higher the commercial value.
Kernel: The edible grain of the nut once the shell is removed. In international trade it refers to the shelled nut.
Kernel color: Visual color grading of the walnut kernel, such as extra light, light, light amber or amber. Lighter colors generally command a higher commercial value in international markets.
Shelling yield: The proportion of usable kernel obtained relative to the in-shell nut. Varieties such as Serr stand out for their high yield.
Moisture: The water percentage of the nut. A controlled level (≤ 6% in walnuts) is key to preservation and shelf life.
Chandler walnut: A walnut variety (Juglans regia) leading worldwide for its mild flavor, consistent size and light color. Raíz Andina trades it from Argentina, Chile and the USA.
Pecan: A sweet, buttery nut with a creamy texture, widely used in baking and pastry. Argentine origin.
Serr walnut: An early-maturing variety with a thin shell and high shelling yield. Chilean origin.
Macadamia: A buttery, creamy-textured nut considered one of the finest in the world. From South Africa, the world's largest producer.
D'Agen variety: A plum variety used for drying, with a sweet, intense flavor. The basis of Mendoza's dried prunes.
Flame Seedless / Sultana: Seedless grape varieties used to produce raisins. From San Juan, Argentina.

Need guidance on an operation?

Our commercial team will answer your questions about products, calibers, Incoterms and documentation.

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