A practical, copy‑paste RFQ blueprint to get apples‑to‑apples 2025 FOB quotes for Indonesian blue swimming crab pasteurized meat. Exact grade definitions, pack specs, MOQ/lead time, port choices, documents, and commercial terms processors need to price firmly.
If you’ve ever tried to compare blue swimming crab FOB quotes and felt like you were reading four different languages, you’re not alone. We’ve seen buyers lose weeks to back‑and‑forth only to realize they were comparing lump vs backfin, 8 oz vs 16 oz, and Semarang vs Surabaya port costs in the same spreadsheet. Here’s the exact RFQ structure we use to get firm, comparable 2025 FOB quotes from Indonesian crab processors in days, not weeks.
The blueprint that cut our quote chaos by 70%
When we tightened our RFQ to three pillars—clear spec, pack/logistics, and commercial terms—processors stopped guessing. Quotes came back firm. Apples to apples. If you want the same outcome, build your “Indonesian crab FOB quote template” around these pillars.
The 3 pillars of a firm FOB crab price
- Product spec. Exact grade definitions, QC tolerances, and microbiology. No adjectives like “premium.”
- Pack and logistics. Can size, carton configuration, pallet plan, and nominated port. No room for interpretation.
- Commercial terms. MOQ by grade, lead time, price validity, payment, documentation, and claims. This is where quotes go from soft to binding.
Takeaway: If any of the three is vague, your “blue swimming crab FOB” number will float.
Weeks 1–2: Prep the spec. Tools and templates you can copy
What information do Indonesian crab processors need to issue a firm FOB price?
In our experience, processors quote fast when they get this exact list:
- Species and product: Portunus pelagicus, pasteurized crab meat. Frozen is a different workflow and price base.
- Grade mix and exact definitions (see below). Target percentage by grade if you’re buying a blend.
- Pack: cup/pouch weight, material, lid/foil, labeling language, date code format.
- Carton: units per carton, net weight per carton, carton dimensions, pallet pattern.
- Order volume by grade and total, plus any allocation plan by month.
- QC tolerances: shell counts, foreign matter, moisture/drain weight, micro limits (APC, coliforms, Listeria), and sensory.
- Shelf life and storage: pasteurized, chilled 0–4°C, requested life on delivery.
- Documentation: health cert, certificate of origin, FDA/EG number, IUU catch cert (for EU), MSC CoC if applicable, Halal if required.
- Port and Incoterm: FOB Surabaya, FOB Semarang, or FOB Jakarta. One port only.
- Payment terms and price validity window.
How do I define pasteurized crab meat grades so quotes are comparable?
Use precise, industry‑standard descriptions. Here’s a practical set that works with Indonesian crab processors:
- Jumbo Lump: Large, intact muscular lumps from the swimmer fins. Minimum 2–3 g per piece. Whole lumps predominant. Shell fragments ≤3 pcs per lb, none >5 mm.
- Lump (Backfin): Mix of broken jumbo and large backfin pieces. Predominantly pieces 1–2 g. Shell fragments ≤5 pcs per lb, none >5 mm.
- Special: Small broken backfin and body meat. Fine flake and small piece mix. Shell fragments ≤7 pcs per lb, none >5 mm.
- Claw: Darker meat from claws. Intact and broken pieces. Shell fragments ≤7 pcs per lb, none >5 mm. Optional grades: Super Lump (between jumbo and lump) and Cocktail Claw (claw with pin). If you don’t want them, say so.
Pro tip: Specify your acceptance for occasional grade substitution during shortages. Example: “Up to 5% of Lump may be substituted with Special at a proportional price reduction by line item.”
What pack sizes and carton configurations should I specify?
For pasteurized blue swimming crab, processors in Indonesia commonly offer:
- Cup sizes: 16 oz (454 g) and 8 oz (227 g) plastic cups with foil seal + tamper lid. Also 1 kg vacuum pouch for foodservice.
- Carton: 12 x 16 oz cups, or 24 x 8 oz cups. Net weights: 5.44 kg (12 lb) or 6.8 kg (15 lb) depending on configuration. State your choice.
- Coding: Production date, best before, lot, and plant code printed on cup and carton. Define format, e.g., DD-MMM-YYYY.
- Palletization: Specify pallet size, cases per layer, layers per pallet, stretch wrap, and corner boards. Ask suppliers for their standard to avoid over‑customizing.
How many cartons per 20’ reefer? Realistically 800–1,100 cartons of 12 x 16 oz depending on cup height, carton size, and pallet plan. A 40’ HC reefer usually takes 1,800–2,200 cartons. Always verify with the processor’s load plan.
Weeks 3–6: Build and test your RFQ
Here’s a copy‑paste “Indonesian crab FOB quote template” you can drop into your email or document. Fill the brackets before you send.
- Buyer: [Company, address, contact]
- Product: Pasteurized Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Meat (Portunus pelagicus)
- Grades and definitions: [Insert the definitions above or attach your SOP]
- Grades and quantities: [Jumbo Lump: X kg] [Lump: X kg] [Special: X kg] [Claw: X kg]
- Pack: [16 oz cups, foil seal + tamper lid] or [8 oz cups] or [1 kg pouch]
- Carton: [12 x 16 oz] or [24 x 8 oz]. Carton dimensions and gross weight to be confirmed by supplier.
- Label: [Private label artwork vX attached] or [Processor brand]. Languages: [EN/FR/ES]. Date code format: [DD-MMM-YYYY]. Barcodes: [EAN/UPC].
- Shelf life: [12 months] chilled 0–4°C from production. Remaining life on delivery: [≥9 months].
- QC and limits: Shell fragments per lb [max X]. No pieces >5 mm. Drain weight [N/A for pasteurized cups]. Micro: APC ≤ [X cfu/g], Coliform ≤ [X], Listeria negative/25 g.
- Certifications required: [HACCP, BRCGS ≥ Grade B or IFS ≥ Foundation Level], FDA registration [Yes], EU approval no. [if EU], MSC CoC [Yes/No]. Provide copies.
- Documentation: Health Certificate, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Commercial Invoice, Catch Certificate (IUU) if EU, MSC trace docs if applicable.
- Port and Incoterm: FOB [Surabaya | Semarang | Jakarta]. One port only.
- Lead time request: First shipment in [X weeks] after PO and label approval.
- MOQ by grade: [e.g., 300 kg per grade]. Total MOQ: [e.g., 1,200 kg].
- Price validity: [14 days] from quote date. Price adjustment only by mutual written agreement.
- Payment terms: [30% deposit, 70% before shipment] or [LC at sight]. State preference and alternatives.
- Claims and penalties: Late shipment grace [7 days], then [0.5%/week] discount. Quality non‑conformance procedure attached.
- Requested quote format: Unit price per lb/kg by grade. Cartons per pallet and pallets per container. Free time and THC exclusions noted.
If you’d like a quick sanity check on your draft before you send it to multiple processors, feel free to Contact us on whatsapp. We’re happy to make it bulletproof.
What’s a realistic MOQ and lead time for 2025?
- MOQ: We see 300–500 kg per grade as a typical starting point, with total order MOQs of 1–2 metric tons. Private label may push MOQs higher due to packaging.
- Lead time: 2–3 weeks for standard spec with available raw material. 4–6 weeks for new private label cups or artwork approval. Around holiday and monsoon windows, add 1–2 weeks.
Ask for a rolling production/ETD window instead of a hard date. You’ll get fewer “TBD” responses and more realistic planning.
Which Indonesian ports are typical for FOB and does port choice change price?
Common crab FOB ports are Surabaya (Tanjung Perak), Semarang (Tanjung Emas), and Jakarta (Tanjung Priok). Port choice can shift FOB by a small amount because of inland freight and terminal handling, usually a few cents per pound. If your processors are East Java based, FOB Surabaya is the cleanest option. Keep the port consistent across all quotes.
Weeks 7–12: Scale and optimize your supplier panel
Which certifications should I request and how do they affect price?
- Must‑haves: HACCP and national health registration. FDA registration for the US. EU plant approval for Europe.
- Retail requirements: BRCGS or IFS. Expect a modest premium to cover audit and compliance overhead.
- Sustainability: MSC Chain of Custody if you need MSC labels. It adds segregation and paperwork. Specify if logo use is required.
- Halal: Common in Indonesia. If your market needs it, ask for the certificate copy and logo use approval.
The reality is most plants can meet these, but you’ll pay a bit more for documented compliance. Decide what’s mandatory versus “nice to have.”
Price validity, delivery windows, and keeping suppliers committed
We recommend this language in your RFQ:
- Price validity: 14 days from quote date. Extensions only by written confirmation.
- Delivery window: ETD within 10–14 days of agreed week. Force majeure terms defined.
- Adjustments: No unilateral changes for currency or raw material. Any revision requires mutual sign‑off and updated PI.
- Rejections and remedies: Define sampling plan and remedy ladder. Replacement, discount scale by defect rate, and response time.
Payment terms that work in Indonesia
- 30/70 (deposit/balance) is the most common. It speeds scheduling and is fair to both sides.
- LC at sight works for larger buyers but can slow things down and add bank fees. If you choose LC, share a specimen early to avoid clause conflicts.
Pro tip: Tie the balance payment to receipt of original docs and confirmed ETD. It keeps everyone aligned without playing gotcha.
Consolidating crab with other Indonesian seafood
If you’re building a mixed container to spread costs, say so in the RFQ. We regularly consolidate crab with whitefish or tuna SKUs on the same reefer. If you need ideas, you can View our products to see what pairs well on temp and pack.
The 5 mistakes that kill crab RFQs (and how to avoid them)
- Vague grades. “Premium lump” means nothing. Paste in the definitions above.
- Mixed ports. Quote all suppliers on one port, ideally FOB Surabaya if factories are East Java.
- Missing pack details. 16 oz vs 8 oz changes not just price per lb, but carton count and container fill.
- Soft terms. No price validity or lead time language invites “subject to change” emails.
- Over‑customization. Exotic carton sizes and one‑off labels add weeks. Use supplier standards unless you truly need something different.
Resources and next steps
- Quick RFQ email you can send today: “Hello [Name], Please quote FOB [Surabaya] for pasteurized blue swimming crab meat per the attached RFQ: grades, pack [12 x 16 oz cups], MOQ, lead time [3 weeks], certifications [HACCP + BRC], and documents. Price validity 14 days. Payment 30/70. Please include pallets per container and carton dimensions. Thanks, [You].”
- Want a second opinion on grade definitions or pack plans for a 20’ reefer? Contact us on whatsapp and we’ll tune your RFQ so processors can price accurately the first time.
When you control the spec, the logistics, and the terms, you control the quote. Build your 2025 request around this template and you’ll turn “can you confirm?” into confirmed PIs a lot faster. And with far fewer surprises at the port.