Bulk Tea Supplier: How to Choose the Right Wholesale Partner

Finding a reliable bulk tea supplier can make or break your business. Whether you’re a tea brand, a packaging factory, or a distributor, the right partner ensures consistent quality, export-ready documentation, and on-time deliveries. In this guide, you’ll learn how to evaluate suppliers, compare grades, negotiate pricing and Incoterms, and set up packaging that protects freshness—so you can scale with confidence.

Take the next step—get export-ready tea, fast

If you’re sourcing from Iran or considering a new bulk tea supplier, APS Trading provides premium Iranian black and green tea with full export support (samples, lab tests, certificates, and logistics). Request a bulk quote or a sample today via our Contact page.

Why a dependable bulk tea supplier matters

A dependable bulk tea supplier safeguards your margins and your brand reputation. The right partner delivers stable quality across batches, traceable sourcing, and transparent pricing. They also help you navigate market fluctuations (harvest season, currency, freight costs) and keep your supply chain resilient.

What this means in practice 

• Consistency: uniform taste, color, and infusion time—batch after batch

• Documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, and lab test results

• Speed & reliability: predictable lead times and proactive communication

• Scalability: MOQs and production capacity aligned with your forecast

Key evaluation criteria for wholesale tea partners

Choosing a bulk tea supplier isn’t only about price—it’s about total landed cost and downstream risk.

1) Sourcing & traceability 

Look for suppliers who disclose tea origins and harvest windows. Traceability protects your brand and streamlines audits for retail compliance.

2) Certifications & quality control

ISO/HACCP processes, third-party lab tests, and pesticide/heavy-metal screenings are essential for export markets in the EU, Middle East, and CIS.

3) Capacity, MOQs, and lead time 

Confirm monthly output, safety stock, and realistic lead times. Ensure your supplier can scale during seasonal peaks without compromising quality.

4) Pricing structure & Incoterms 

Request clear quotes under FOB, CIF, or EXW. Clarify what’s included (insurance, inland trucking, port charges) to avoid surprises.

Popular export grades & best use-cases

Different buyers need different performance in the cup. Here’s a quick rundown, especially useful for industrial blends and tea bags:

Black tea grades

• BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): Balanced liquor; great for everyday blends.

• FBOP (Flowery BOP): Includes tips; richer aroma, premium blends.

• BPF (Broken Pekoe Fanning): Smaller particles; stronger color and faster infusion.

• Dust: Very fast brew, bold color; ideal for high-speed tea-bagging lines.

Pricing, terms, and total landed cost (H2)

Your per-kg price is only part of the picture. Freight, insurance, and domestic handling can swing profitability.

How to structure negotiations

• Ask for FOB and CIF quotes to compare real landed costs.

• Lock sample-approved specifications (sieve profile, liquor color, moisture).

• Define AQL for acceptance, plus dispute resolution and replacement terms.

• Use quarterly price reviews tied to harvest and currency indices.

Export packaging & private label options 

Packaging influences shelf life, flavor retention, and compliance.

Bulk & private label 

• Bulk: 25–50 kg jute/PP with food-grade liner; foil-lined inner bags for aroma protection.

• Private label: retail cartons, pouches, and sachets with barcodes, batch/lot codes, and origin labels.

• Ensure print files, die-lines, and compliance (e.g., EU labeling) are part of the project plan.

Quality assurance that scales 

A professional bulk tea supplier provides pre-shipment and post-shipment assurance.

What to request 

• COA for each lot (moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash).

• Microbiological checks as required by destination market.

• Retained samples for each batch for 12–24 months.

• Periodic cupping notes and photos from production.

APS Trading: your export-ready bulk tea supplier 

APS Trading sources premium Iranian black and green tea and supports global buyers with:

• Export-ready grades (BOP, FBOP, BPF, Dust; OP and Dust 1 for green)

• Samples and lab test reports on request

• Flexible MOQs for pilots and scale-ups

• Private label and custom packaging

• End-to-end export documentation and logistics support

Ready to move forward? Request a sample or a bulk quote via the Contact page.