A food export company manages the entire process of moving food products from a producer in one country to buyers in another. This includes finding qualified buyers, arranging freight and customs clearance, preparing all required documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating delivery. At Global Trade Solution, we handle all of these stages under one roof — so producers can focus on making great food while we handle the complexity of getting it to global markets.

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We primarily export to markets across Africa and the Middle East — including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. We also handle shipments to other regions on request. Our strongest trade corridors are West Africa, North Africa, and the Gulf states, where we have established buyer networks and regulatory knowledge. Contact us with your target market and we will confirm availability and advise on requirements.

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Starting food export involves five key steps: (1) identifying a viable target market with demand for your product, (2) understanding that market's import regulations and certification requirements, (3) finding qualified, vetted buyers or distributors, (4) arranging compliant logistics and documentation, and (5) managing customs clearance at both origin and destination. Working with a specialist trade partner like Global Trade Solution significantly reduces the time, cost, and risk of each step — especially for first-time exporters entering African or Middle Eastern markets.

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Delivery time depends on the shipping method and destination. Sea freight to West Africa typically takes 10–21 days from a European port; East Africa and the Middle East 14–28 days. Air freight is significantly faster at 2–7 days door-to-door but is more expensive and suited to perishable or urgent shipments. We advise the optimal method based on your product type, shelf life, volume, and budget — and provide realistic timelines before every shipment.

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Export costs vary based on product type, volume, destination, and shipping method. The main cost components are: freight (sea or air), export packaging, documentation and certification fees, customs clearance charges at origin and destination, cargo insurance, and our service fee. A 20-foot container of dry goods to West Africa typically ranges from €2,000–€5,000 in freight costs, excluding product. We provide a full cost breakdown with no hidden fees before any commitment. Request a free quote via our contact page.

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Sea freight is the right choice for most food exports — it is significantly more cost-effective for bulk volumes and suits shelf-stable products like grains, canned goods, nuts, and beverages. Air freight is the better option for perishable or time-sensitive products (fresh produce, seafood, premium meats) where speed outweighs cost. Some exporters use air freight for initial trial shipments to a new market, then transition to sea freight once demand is established. We help you evaluate both options and recommend the most efficient route for your specific product and destination.

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The standard documents required for international food export include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (sea) or Airway Bill (air), Certificate of Origin, Health Certificate (for animal-based products), Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant-based products), Certificate of Conformity, and destination-specific import permits. For Middle Eastern and some African markets, a Halal Certificate is also required. The exact set varies by product type and destination country. Our compliance team prepares and verifies all documentation before every shipment.

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Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardised codes that define who bears cost and risk at each stage of an international shipment. The most common for food exporters are: FOB (Free On Board — seller delivers to port, buyer handles freight and import), CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight — seller covers shipping and insurance to buyer's port), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid — seller handles everything to buyer's door). For new exporters, FOB or CIF are the most balanced starting points. We advise the right Incoterm for each trade relationship and destination market.

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Halal certification is mandatory for all meat, poultry, and animal-derived products exported to Muslim-majority markets — which includes most of West Africa, North Africa, and the entire Middle East. For plant-based products and beverages, halal certification may be required depending on ingredients (particularly additives and flavourings). We work exclusively with halal-certified suppliers for relevant product categories and can advise on whether your specific product requires certification for your target market.

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