Table Condiments: export from Canada to ASEAN

Table condiments are the hardest sub-category in this group to export successfully, because they compete directly against entrenched local manufacture on both price and taste familiarity. A Canadian condiment succeeds on a distinctive proposition rather than on being a better version of something already made locally.

That makes positioning the first question and formulation the second. Where the product is distinctive (a maple or berry-based condiment, or a category not made locally) the case is straightforward. Where it duplicates a local staple, the freight arithmetic rarely works.

The technical specification is pH, brix, viscosity, the preservation system and validated shelf life under destination conditions.

Registration and labelling apply as they do across processed foods, and the ingredient declaration on a condiment is usually long enough that the review takes real time. Sequence it before a production run.

Condiment classification turns on the specific product type, and sauces, mustards and mixed condiments sit in different lines. Send the formulation with the destination so the position matches the declaration.