In the food industry, everything revolves around continuity. A disruption in the supply of raw materials such as quark can shut down your entire production line. That’s why having a reliable backup supplier is not only wise, but essential for your business continuity. Whether you use quark for bakery products, fillings, or ready-to-eat meals, a second supplier provides the security you need to consistently serve your customers.
What is a backup quark supplier and why do you need one?
A backup quark supplier is a secondary, fully qualified supplier who can step in when your main supplier cannot deliver. This supplier has proven they can deliver quark that meets your specific quality requirements, technical specifications, and volume needs, and is ready to quickly scale up during supply problems.
The necessity for a second quark supplier becomes clear when we look at the risks in the supply chain. Supply chain disruptions can arise from various factors: production capacity problems at your supplier, transportation issues, quality problems, or even unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or pandemics. Without a backup supplier, you are powerless when these situations occur.
For producers in the food industry, the absence of quark means immediate production loss. Your customers count on timely delivery of their orders, and one missed delivery can lead to contract penalties, loss of trust, and possibly even the loss of important customers. A backup supplier functions as insurance against these risks and gives you negotiating power in price discussions with your main supplier.
When should you start looking for a second quark supplier?
The ideal time to start looking for a backup quark supplier is when your production is running stable and you have no acute supply problems. This gives you time to thoroughly evaluate without the pressure of a crisis situation, usually 6-12 months before you actually think you’ll need a second supplier.
Specific signals that indicate it’s time for a second supplier include: when quark represents more than 20% of your raw material costs, when you notice your main supplier regularly hitting capacity limits, or when you have plans for significant growth in production. Also when your main supplier indicates they’re implementing major changes in production processes or ownership, it’s wise to explore alternatives.
The selection and qualification process for a new quark supplier can take three to six months. This includes identifying potential suppliers, requesting and evaluating samples, conducting production tests, negotiating contracts, and going through your internal approval procedures. By starting early, you prevent having to make suboptimal choices under time pressure.
What are the key criteria when selecting a backup quark supplier?
The key selection criteria for a backup quark supplier are technical specifications, delivery reliability, quality certifications, production capacity, and flexibility. The quark must exactly meet your technical requirements such as dry matter content, pH value, microbiological parameters, and functional properties like pumpability and freeze stability.
Quality and food safety form the basis of any selection process. Your backup supplier must at minimum have relevant certifications such as IFS Food, BRC, or FSSC 22000. Additionally, specific certifications like Halal, Kosher, or organic are essential if your end products carry these claims. Ask for audit reports and check whether the supplier has a track record of consistent quality.
Production capacity and scalability are crucial for an effective backup strategy. The supplier must not only be able to handle your normal volumes, but also quickly scale up when needed. Evaluate their current capacity utilization, seasonal fluctuations, and investment plans. Geographic location also plays a role: a supplier within reasonable distance reduces transport times and costs, which is especially important for fresh quark with limited shelf life.
Technical support and innovation capability distinguish good from excellent suppliers. Can the supplier think along about product optimizations? Do they have expertise in different applications of quark? A supplier who proactively suggests new possibilities and has a well-equipped laboratory for quality control and product development offers value beyond just backup capacity.
How do you test whether a new quark supplier meets your production requirements?
Testing a new quark supplier begins with laboratory analyses of product samples, followed by small production runs and evaluation of end product quality. Start by requesting representative samples and have them analyzed for all critical parameters that you also check with your current supplier.
The testing protocol must be systematically structured. Begin with laboratory tests where you verify the technical specifications: dry matter content, fat content, protein composition, pH, and microbiological quality. Also test the functional properties that are crucial for your process, such as viscosity, pumpability at different temperatures, and stability during freezing and thawing if relevant.
After successful laboratory tests, practical tests in your production follow. Start with a small test batch where you process the quark under normal production conditions. Carefully monitor how the quark behaves during all process steps: mixing, heating, filling, and possibly freezing. Document deviations in processing time, machine settings, or end product properties.
The evaluation must go beyond just technical parameters. Also assess the logistical aspects: do deliveries arrive on time, is the packaging adequate, are the accompanying documents complete? Conduct shelf life tests to verify that the quark achieves the specified shelf life in your application. Involve your quality department, production, and if possible also your customers in the evaluation of test products.
What contractual agreements do you make with a backup quark supplier?
Contractual agreements with a backup supplier include at minimum purchase volumes, response times for emergency deliveries, pricing agreements, quality guarantees, and conditions for capacity reservation. These agreements must provide flexibility while giving both parties certainty about mutual obligations and expectations.
Volume agreements often form the biggest challenge. A typical construction is a minimum annual purchase of 10-20% of your total quark needs, with the ability to scale up to 100% within 48-72 hours during emergencies. Some suppliers work with a stand-by fee where you pay for reserved capacity without purchase obligation. Other models include regular test orders or seasonal purchases to keep the relationship warm.
Pricing agreements require a balance between certainty and market conformity. Consider a pricing model with a base price agreement linked to raw material indices (such as milk prices), with clear agreements about price adjustments and notification terms. For emergency deliveries you can accept an urgency surcharge, but establish maximum percentages to avoid surprises.
Quality and delivery guarantees must be specific and measurable. Define exactly which specifications are guaranteed, including tolerances. Establish response times for different scenarios: planned extra orders, urgent reorders, and real emergency situations. Also include agreements about liability, recall procedures, and insurance. Don’t forget to include confidentiality clauses, especially if you share specific formulations or processes.
How do you maintain the relationship with a backup supplier without purchasing large volumes?
Maintaining an active relationship with your backup quark supplier without substantial volumes requires regular communication, strategic small orders, and mutual involvement. Plan at least quarterly reviews, place monthly or bi-monthly test orders, and involve the supplier in product developments to keep the relationship lively and productive.
Communication is the key to a successful long-term relationship. Organize quarterly business reviews where you discuss market developments, volume forecasts, and potential collaboration opportunities. Share relevant information about your production planning, new product launches, or seasonal patterns. This transparency helps your backup supplier to keep capacity available when you might need it.
Strategic order planning keeps the operational connection intact. Consider structurally purchasing specific products or variants from your backup supplier, for example seasonal products or specialties. Plan test orders around new product developments or use the backup supplier for overflow during peak periods. These regular orders, however small, keep the logistical and administrative processes smooth.
Invest in the relationship beyond transactions. Invite your backup supplier to supplier days, involve them in innovation projects, or ask for their input in optimizing quark applications. Some companies organize annual audits or facility visits to show involvement. These investments in the relationship increase the chance that your backup supplier will actually prioritize your needs when you really need them.
How DeJong Cheese helps with backup deliveries of quark
As a traditional family business with more than 25 years of experience, we at DeJong Cheese understand the critical role of reliable quark deliveries in your production chain. Our quark, available in both cow and goat variants, is specially developed for industrial processing and offers the flexibility and security you seek in a backup supplier.
Our quark distinguishes itself through:
- Adjustable dry matter content between 35% and 45% for optimal processability
- Excellent freeze stability without whey loss or quality loss
- Fully pumpable and stirrable for problem-free processing
- Available with specific additions such as salt, preservatives, or herbs
- IFS Food certified with additional Halal and Kosher certification
- Flexible packaging options in MAP or 15 kg buckets
- Shelf life of 4 weeks fresh or 2 years frozen
We offer flexible collaboration models that fit your need for a reliable backup partner. Whether you choose regular small test orders, seasonal purchases, or pure emergency capacity, we’re happy to think along with you about a solution that works for both parties. Our location in Alphen (North Brabant) ensures short lines and quick delivery within the Benelux.
Would you like to discover how our quark fits in your production process? Request product samples today for your own tests. Contact us via our contact page or visit our product page for more information about our complete industrial range. For a personal introduction you are also welcome in our showroom, you can find us via the sales points page. Discover why companies have trusted DeJong Cheese as their partner in cheese specialties since 1995.
Veelgestelde vragen
How long does it take before a backup supplier can fully operationally deliver in an emergency situation?
This depends on your contractual agreements and the preparations you have made. With good agreements and regular test orders, a backup supplier can scale up to full capacity within 48-72 hours. Without an active relationship and pre-tested processes, this can extend to several weeks due to the time needed for order processing, production, and transport.
What are the typical additional costs of working with a backup quark supplier?
The additional costs vary per collaboration model. With a minimum purchase obligation of 10-20% you might pay 5-10% more than with your main supplier due to smaller volumes. Stand-by fees without purchase obligation usually cost 2-5% of your annual quark budget. For acute emergency deliveries, urgency surcharges can amount to 15-25% on top of the normal price.
How do you prevent quality differences between quark from different suppliers in the same end product?
Develop detailed quark specifications that go beyond just technical parameters – also include sensory properties and functionality in your specific application. Always test new batches first in small productions and document any adjustments in formulation or process parameters. Consider not mixing quark from different suppliers within one production run for critical products.
What insurance or guarantees should I ask from a backup supplier?
Ask for at minimum a product liability insurance of $5-10 million, recall insurance, and written guarantees on specifications with clear measurement methods and tolerances. Also arrange for compensation agreements in case of non-conformity, including production costs and consequential damage. Have your insurance broker assess your backup supplier’s coverage for compatibility with your own policies.
How do I manage the administrative complexity of working with multiple quark suppliers?
Implement a supplier management system where you centralize specifications, certificates, audit reports, and performance data. Standardize where possible order processes, packaging requirements, and documentation between suppliers. Plan fixed moments for updating certifications and specifications. Consider an ERP system that supports multiple suppliers per raw material with automatic alerts for expired documents.
When is it better to choose regional versus international backup suppliers?
Regional suppliers like DeJong Cheese offer advantages for fresh quark: shorter transport times (24-48 hours), lower transport costs, better traceability, and faster response during emergencies. International suppliers can be interesting for specialized quark variants or with very large volumes where economies of scale compensate for higher logistical costs. For acute backup situations, a regional partner is usually more effective.
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