pjexportblog

5 Common Mistakes New Exporters Make and How to Avoid Them Starting your export journey is exciting, but one small mistake can turn your first shipment into a costly lesson. Many first-time exporters assume that exporting works just like selling locally, only with international shipping added. The reality? It’s much more complex. Here are five common mistakes new exporters make and practical advice on how to avoid them. 1. Treating Documentation Like “Just Paperwork” New exporters often think documentation is a formality, something you fill out and forget. But one missing signature, incorrect HS code, or mismatched invoice detail can stop your entire shipment at customs. What goes wrong: - Containers get delayed at the port - Goods are rejected at the destination - You face penalty fees or even confiscation How to avoid it: Treat every document like a legal contract, because that’s what it is. Learn the difference between a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and b...

Why International Buyers Reject African Produce—And How Grading Standards Fix It Every year, thousands of tons of African ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, and sesame get rejected at international ports. Not because the produce is bad, but because it doesn’t meet international grade levels for agricultural products. Understanding these grading standards is the difference between a profitable export contract and a costly rejection. If you’re an exporter or supplier, knowing international grade levels for ginger turmeric hibiscus sesame isn’t optional,  it’s essential. International buyers don’t purchase based on appearance alone. They demand specific moisture content, purity percentages, color uniformity, and foreign matter tolerance. Miss one standard, and your shipment gets sent back. This guide breaks down export grade ginger turmeric hibiscus sesame specifications so you understand exactly what international buyers require, and how to position your products for acceptance and premium ...

Top Countries Buying African Spices in 2025: Complete Export Destination Guide The Africa spice trade 2025 is experiencing unprecedented growth. Understanding which countries import the most African spices in 2025 has become crucial for exporters looking to expand their international reach. African spices global demand 2025 continues to surge as consumers worldwide discover the authentic flavors, health benefits, and culinary versatility these products offer. Let’s explore the leading countries importing African spices and what makes each market unique for exporters ready to grow. 1. United States - Dominating USA African Spice Imports 2025 The United States leads as one of the top countries buying African spices in 2025. USA African spice imports 2025 data shows remarkable growth across multiple product categories, making America the single largest destination for many African spice exporters. The growing African diaspora in cities like New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Washington DC cr...

  Bulk Buyers Guide: Export-Ready Gaari, Spices & Palm Oil (USA, UK, Canada) Buying African food products in bulk isn’t just about price. For the USA, UK, and Canada, how the product is processed, packaged, and documented matters just as much as quality. At PJ Export, this is our everyday work, from sourcing export ready gaari directly from trusted processors to preparing African spices and palm oil to meet international standards. This guide walks you through how export ready African food products are prepared, packed, and shipped. What Makes Gaari Export-Ready? At PJ Export, export ready gaari starts long before packaging. We work directly with processors who understand moisture control, food safety, and consistency. The question “what makes gaari suitable for export” comes down to three things: proper processing, correct moisture levels, and food-grade packaging. How export ready gaari is processed: First, the gaari goes through proper sifting to remove fiber and impurities...

  How to Source Authentic Nigerian Food Products Directly ( PJ Export: How We Do It) When you open a bag of egusi or ugwu that was grown in Nigeria, dried properly, and handled with care, you know it immediately. The aroma hits you first. Then the color. Then the taste when you cook with it. That’s authenticity. But finding authentic Nigerian food products  outside Nigeria isn’t as simple as it should be. Many products labeled Nigerian have been blended, relabelled, or over-processed beyond recognition. At  PJ Export , we’ve built our business on one principle: if it doesn’t meet the standard we’d serve our own families, we don’t export it. This is how we do it. Why Authentic Nigerian Food Products Are Hard to Find The problem starts long before products reach shelves abroad. Once Nigerian food export begins, quality can disappear at multiple points. • Blending and dilution- Some exporters mix premium Nigerian products with cheaper alternatives. The label says “Nigerian,”...

  Why African Chilli Pepper Is So Hot: The Science Behind the Fire If you’ve ever bitten into a piece of African chilli pepper and felt like your mouth was on fire, you’re not alone. African peppers like atarodo, shombo, Cameroon pepper, and the infamous African bird’s eye pepper are known worldwide for their intense heat. But what makes African chilli pepper hotter than others? And why does African pepper burn so much more than peppers from other parts of the world? Let’s explore the spicy truth behind these natural fire starters.  The Secret Weapon: Capsaicin in Chilli Pepper The burning sensation you feel when you eat African hot peppers comes from a chemical compound called capsaicin. This natural oil is found in the white membrane inside the pepper, not in the seeds as many people think. When capsaicin touches your tongue, it triggers pain receptors that send a burning signal to your brain, even though there’s no actual heat or damage happening. Why African chilli is spic...

Egusi vs Pumpkin Leaves ( Ugwu ): Which is the King of Overseas? When it comes to African food exports conquering international markets, two ingredients consistently dominate: egusi ( melon seeds ) and ugwu (pumpkin leaves). Both are fundamental to West African cuisine , particularly Nigerian cooking , and both are finding their way into kitchens across Europe, North America, and beyond. But which one truly deserves the crown in overseas markets? The answer reveals will be revealed at the end of this article.  Understanding the Contenders Egusi refers to the seeds of certain melon species that are ground to create the rich, nutty base for one of West Africa’s most beloved dishes - egusi soup . These cream-colored seeds are nutritional powerhouses that carry the distinctive flavor defining authentic African cooking. Ugwu (pumpkin leaves or fluted pumpkin leaves ) are the dark green, tender leaves from the pumpkin plant . These leaves are a staple vegetable across West Africa, us...

Product of the Week: Dried Hibiscus (Zobo) — Why the World Can’t Get Enough Did you know dried hibiscus, also called zobo, is now one of the most sought-after botanical ingredients worldwide? From teas and natural juices to organic syrups and skincare products, global brands are racing to source clean, vibrant African hibiscus. But exporting hibiscus isn’t as simple as sending petals in a bag—quality, grade, and packaging matter. In this post, we’ll break down how hibiscus is graded, what buyers look for, current prices, and the countries driving demand in 2025 . Why Dried Hibiscus Is Suddenly in High Demand The global trend toward natural, healthy, and functional drinks has put hibiscus at the center of attention. Its vibrant red colour, strong antioxidants, and versatile flavour make it a favourite for: Herbal teas Natural juices and flavour infusions Organic syrups and concentrates Skincare and wellness products African hibiscus, especially from Nigeria and S...

When it comes to African exports, palm oil is one of the most scrutinized products on the international market. Buyers in the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia want more than just bright red oil, they want proof of hygiene, purity, consistency, and responsible processing. That’s why our palm oil doesn’t leave the production line until it passes a strict set of quality checks that meet global export standards. In this behind-the-scenes guide, you’ll see exactly what international buyers look for, and how we ensure our palm oil exceeds every requirement. 1. Colour & Freshness: The First Test Buyers Never Ignore One of the first things buyers check is the natural reddish-gold colour of the oil. If the colour is dull, brownish, or faded, they instantly assume poor processing or old stock. Our process makes sure: A. Fresh palm fruit is used within hours of harvesting B. The oil is boiled and processed under clean, temperature-controlled conditions C. No artificial co...