Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for commercial purchases?

Greenwood Associates offers one of the most flexible Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) in the global ingredient sector. Our minimum standard order is just one 5-gallon pail (or single aseptic bag-in-box case). This low threshold allows commercial R&D teams, flavor houses, and craft beverage producers to cost-effectively run benchtop trials, pilot plant runs, and limited-edition product launches without committing to full container loads upfront.

How do global buyers place formal Purchase Orders (POs)?

To place an order, send your formal Purchase Order directly to our sales and customer operations desk. For new international or domestic accounts, please supply the following account setup credentials with your order documentation:

• Full legal business entity name and registered Trade Name / DBA
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) or VAT identification
• Complete corporate billing address and official accounts payable contact
• Primary delivery facility address, receiving hours, and preferred dock conditions
• Key procurement manager contact details (direct phone & official business email)

What sample evaluation policy and sample sizes do you offer?

We supply standardized 8 oz. and 16 oz. liquid or puree samples for analytical laboratory evaluation, sensory testing, and formulation development. Due to inventory controls and cold-chain compliance, sample requests are capped at 5 distinct product SKUs per submission (maximum 2 lbs per individual SKU). New industrial accounts must complete an account verification profile prior to sample dispatch.

Can Greenwood source specialty or custom non-stock fruit juices and purees?

Yes. If your required fruit juice concentrate, puree, or essential oil profile is not featured in our standard commercial inventory catalog, our global procurement network can source custom origin ingredients. Minimum order volumes for non-stock items depend on crop seasonality, origin harvest cycles, and minimal processor extraction runs.

Where can procurement teams access technical Specification Sheets, COAs, and Certifications?

Comprehensive technical data sheets—including target Brix range, titratable acidity, pH values, microbiological standards, and country of origin—are accessible via our dedicated web documentation portal. Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation and current FSSC 22000, Kosher, and ISA Halal certification records are issued for every lot prior to shipment.

What are the technical differences between Clarified and Cloudy juice concentrates?

Understanding the distinction between clarified and cloudy profiles is critical when matching ingredients to finished product mouthfeel and appearance:

• Cloudy Concentrates: Retain natural fruit pulps, pectin, and insoluble cell fragments. They deliver a rich, traditional appearance and full-bodied sensory profile (e.g., unfiltered traditional apple cider or fresh citrus juices).
• Clarified Concentrates: Processed with de-pectinizing enzymes and microfiltration to remove all suspended solids. This results in a crystal-clear liquid suitable for transparent beverages, jellies, and clear hard seltzers.

Commercial products available in both clarified and cloudy options include Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Tangerine, and Watermelon concentrates.

What does "GPL" mean in citrus concentrate technical specs?

GPL stands for Grams Per Liter of naturally occurring anhydrous citric acid. In high-acid citrus products—specifically lemon and lime concentrates—GPL is the universal industrial metric used to standardize concentration and acid strength, replacing standard Brix measurements.

How do Single Strength, Not From Concentrate (NFC), and Concentrates differ?

NFC (Not From Concentrate) juice is pasteurized directly from squeezed fruit without water evaporation, preserving original aroma profiles. Single Strength typically describes un-concentrated purees or re-constituted juices balanced back to FDA standard single-strength Brix levels. Juice Concentrates have water removed under vacuum evaporation, reducing shipping volume and providing shelf stability at higher Brix densities.

What are the recommended thawing and handling protocols for frozen products?

To preserve color, volatile aroma compounds, and microbiological integrity, frozen drums and pails should be transferred into temperature-controlled coolers at 38°F (3.3°C) for several days prior to processing. High-Brix concentrates thaw significantly faster due to lower free-water content, while single-strength purees require longer lead times similar to solid ice blocks.

What regions do you ship to, and how is international logistics structured?

Greenwood Associates dispatches shipments across North America and coordinates export logistics worldwide. Our logistics team handles freight arrangements via refrigerated LTL, full truckload (FTL), and ocean container shipping with complete export documentation and temperature-monitored cold chains.

What are standard industrial packaging formats and pallet configurations?

Products are packed into heavy-duty 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon steel/poly drums, 275-gallon aseptic totes, and sanitized bag-in-box containers. Standard export pallets measure 40" x 48" x 4" (101.6 cm x 121.9 cm x 10.2 cm).

Where are Greenwood's primary distribution warehouses located?

Our primary processing and central warehouse center is located in Niles, Illinois (Chicago metro area). To ensure fast delivery and short transit lead times, inventory is strategically pre-positioned in regional logistics centers across California, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.