FAQ · brand owners and buyers — Questions we often hear.
Answers for both sides of the house: brand owners and manufacturers who want their products sold in Israel and Russia, and retail chains, wholesalers and importers who want proven brands, or goods sourced and shipped.
For brand owners and manufacturers
How does CGC handle the Russian market despite sanctions?
We run our own operation in Russia under approved international structures, in full regulatory compliance, and we control the chain from purchase order to payment collection from the Russian retailers. That is what makes Russia reachable for brands that could not otherwise enter it.
What is the typical timeline from partnership to shelf?
Israel: 3–6 months, kosher certification included. Russia: 6–12 months, including product registration and the cold-chain set-up. Each hub does one job — sourcing in Hong Kong, operations in Bangkok, trading in Tel Aviv, distribution in Moscow — which is what keeps it short.
How do you protect my brand’s IP in localised markets?
We register trademarks for partner brands in each market before launch. Localised packaging stays the property of the brand owner — we adapt it, we do not own it — and our standard contracts carry non-compete and brand-protection clauses.
Do you charge a placement fee, or work on margin?
On margin. We charge brand owners no placement or slotting fees; we buy the inventory, carry the commercial risk and run the execution, and our revenue is the trade margin. For selected high-potential brands we also co-invest in marketing.
What does a “strategic partnership” mean, compared with regular distribution?
A commitment to execute across several markets, co-investment in marketing and virality, regulatory and payment infrastructure run by us, and a shared performance review every quarter. Franuí is the template: a multi-year partnership across markets, with growth planned together.
Can I send my brand deck for evaluation?
Yes. Use the contact form, choose “Brand owner or manufacturer” and attach the deck. We review every submission and reply with a fit assessment; if the brand scores well on innovation and momentum, we set up a call.
For retail chains, wholesalers and importers
How do you discover brands before our competitors do?
Our own AI system — many agents working together — scans thousands of F&B brands across 17 countries for TikTok velocity, retail sell-through, ingredient innovation and social signals, and researches demand among Gen Z and Millennials. We typically spot a viral brand 3–6 months before it reaches most buyers’ radar; subscribers see it first in the monthly Brand Radar.
Can I get exclusive distribution rights for my market?
Only for a brand whose exclusive rights we hold ourselves. Today that is Franuí in Israel, where our own company, N.D Delicacies, is the exclusive distributor. For the other brands we represent or supply, terms are agreed case by case.
What are the minimum order and lead times for your brands?
They vary by brand and format. As a rule, first orders are a full container, 20′ or 40′, and lead times run 4–8 weeks for Asian-sourced goods and 6–10 weeks for European. Stock we hold in Bangkok and Hong Kong shortens replenishment.
How do I get the full Brand Radar report?
Subscribe on the Brand Radar page. The monthly report, as PDF and Excel, is free for qualified retailers and buyers in Russia, Israel, Asia and Europe, with scores, notes and our “next hit” predictions.
Which categories do you source for Russian buyers?
Functional drinks with a gut-health claim, high-protein snacks, premium frozen desserts and novelty confectionery are growing fastest in Russia. Brands like Franuí and viral Thai snacks suit the Russian palate and carry premium margins.
What does the sourcing & export service cover?
Sourcing, consolidation and export from South Korea, Thailand, China, Japan and a range of European countries, built around each customer’s brief: from scouting trending goods to OEM and ODM, with customs clearance, certification, labelling and localisation for the destination.
What does consolidation mean?
Several suppliers, sometimes in several countries, shipped as one order: one container, one set of documents, one partner responsible for all of it. It is how a buyer gets a mixed container without running five supplier relationships.
Container consolidation, explainedWhat is the difference between OEM and ODM?
OEM: an existing product made under your brand. ODM: a product developed and manufactured for you, to your brief.
OEM, ODM and private label in foodHow long does a sourcing order take, from brief to delivery?
We come back with options, minimums and lead times within days of the brief. Once ordered, goods ship in 4–8 weeks from Asia and 6–10 weeks from Europe, plus transit; repeat orders are faster from stock held in Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Not answered here?
Write to us; we get back to you as soon as possible.