How to Import Coffee from Vietnam: A Complete Guide for Importers

Before diving into logistics, it’s worth understanding why Vietnam is becoming a key destination for coffee buyers:

• Diverse offerings: Robusta, Arabica, specialty blends, ground coffee, instant coffee, and 3-in-1 mixes
• Competitive pricing: Lower cost of raw materials and labor compared to Latin American or African producers
• Strong export infrastructure: Decades of B2B experience in global logistics
• Retail-ready brands: Growing number of consumer brands tailored for international markets

For companies looking to add flavorful, affordable, and bold coffee to their portfolio, Vietnam is an increasingly popular choice.

Start by deciding whether you need green coffee for roasting, finished branded products or a separately specified own-brand project. These are different sourcing briefs.

Finished MR.VIET products give practical examples:

• Whole bean or ground coffee in 250 g packs.
• Drip coffee in boxes of 10 bags of 10 g, or capsules in boxes of 10.
• Instant products such as Black Coffee in 20-pouch boxes and 3-in-1 coffee in 15- or 50-pouch boxes.
• Flavoured mixes such as Coconut Coffee in 15- or 30-pouch boxes, Salted Coffee in 15-pouch boxes and Luwak 3-in-1 in 12-pouch boxes.

Choose the proposed SKU, retail unit and preparation format before building the import file. Record the actual ingredient list and packing information for that version. The wholesale supplier questions help turn this shortlist into a comparable enquiry.

Prepare a MR.VIET coffee sample request. Name the formats and flavours you want to compare, your destination, sales channel and expected first-order quantity. Ask for available sample options, current ingredient and allergen labels, case quantities and pricing for those exact products.

Request MR.VIET coffee samples

Check the business and the offered product together:

• Identify the seller and producer: record the legal contracting company and the manufacturing or packing site for the proposed goods.
• Review an actual sample: match the product name, formulation, retail pack and preparation directions to the specification and quotation.
• Check relevant evidence: where your buyer or destination requires a certification or claim, verify the certificate holder, site, product scope and current validity.
• Define the service: ask which packing, artwork, shipping and document responsibilities are included in the written offer.

For a U.S. order, FDA requirements should not be treated as a generic product certificate. FDA states that it does not approve individual food importers, products, labels or shipments; use its official food-import guidance to identify the requirements relevant to the order.

For a branded Vietnamese range, compare the supplier and product-format options before choosing the sample and offer.

Each country has its own requirements for importing coffee. Make sure to check:

• Customs duties and taxes
• Labeling requirements (language, nutritional info, allergen declarations)
• Food safety documentation
• Whether the product requires registration or pre-approval
• Consult with a customs broker or import specialist if you’re unsure.

Before placing a bulk order:

• Ask for samples of all product variations
• Request pricing based on volume tiers
• Clarify MOQs, lead times, and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.)
• Align on payment terms (50/50, LC, etc.)
• Look for transparency and responsiveness — these are good signs of a reliable long-term partner.

Depending on your order size, choose between:

• Sea freight – Best for large shipments, more economical but slower
• Air freight – More expensive but faster for small urgent orders
• Courier/Express – Viable for samples or very small B2B orders

Ensure the supplier provides tracking, packaging specifications, and shipping documents like invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.

Once your product arrives, be ready to:

• Educate customers on Vietnamese coffee culture
• Use supplier media kits or request co-branded assets
• Plan launch campaigns or tastings
• Understand local price positioning vs. competitors like Lavazza, Illy, or Trung Nguyen

Working with a supplier that supports you beyond logistics can give you a huge competitive edge.

For a proposed MR.VIET order, bring a short product brief: the coffee format, selected product names, retail packs, destination, sales channel and expected first-order quantity. Include the sample or label questions that still need an answer.

Discuss the selected MR.VIET products and request a current wholesale offer. Match the agreed products, quantities and responsibilities to the final specification and shipment documents.

Request a MR.VIET coffee offer