The short answer
IQF (individually quick frozen) means each piece is frozen on its own, so pieces stay separate and you can take out only what you need. Block frozen means product is arranged in a tray or mould and frozen together as one solid block. Neither is “better”: the right choice depends on how you will store, portion and process the product.
IQF vs block frozen at a glance
| IQF | Block frozen | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is frozen | Each piece (fish, fillet, steak, shrimp) frozen separately | Pieces packed together and frozen as one block |
| Portion control | Take out only the quantity you need | The block is handled and thawed together, or cut |
| Typical use | Retail and foodservice portions, mixed-quantity orders | Bulk handling and further processing |
| Ice / glaze | Each piece may carry a protective ice glaze | Ice forms around and between the pieces |
| Weight to check | Net weight and whether it excludes glaze | Block net weight and count per block |
| Size grading | Graded per piece | Graded range per block |
| Watch-points | Dehydration or freezer burn if packaging is damaged | Dehydration or freezer burn if packaging is damaged; repeated thawing |
Both methods exist in our catalogue for many species — for example Bacha is listed both as IQF cleaned and as block cleaned. Packing details vary by producer and are confirmed on the quotation.
How to choose
- Choose IQF if you sell or cook in portions, order in smaller or mixed quantities, or need to take product from the pack in stages.
- Choose block if you handle product in bulk, will process it further, or want a pack format that stacks and stores as solid units.
- Ask for both when you are comparing prices: the cost, packing weight and glaze can differ between the two formats.
What to include in your inquiry
- Species and processing form (whole, gutted, cleaned, steak, fillet, mince).
- Freezing method (IQF or block) — confirmed in writing on the quotation.
- Size grade, with its unit (kg, g or inches).
- Net weight per pack, and whether it excludes glaze.
- Inner pack and master carton requirements.
- Destination port, Incoterm and target shipment timing.
- Documents you need for import.
Next steps
Browse the product catalogue, read our Shipping Policy and Payment Terms, or look at a featured product such as Frozen Hilsa or Frozen Bacha. This guide is general information; the freezing method, packing and documents for your order are confirmed on the quotation.
Tell us which format you need
Send your species, freezing method, size grade and destination, and we will check availability with producers.
Send an inquiry