INGREDIENTS

Are all ingredients you use organic?

No, where possible we obtain our ingredients from sustainable growers, and preferable from those who are certified. Although we have tough purchase and selection procedures, not all ingredients can meet our preferred origin due to market circumstances and availability. Nevertheless, all ingredients must meet our minimum standards. And if we cannot source them, we will not produce that particular flavour for the time being. We source our ingredients locally, which enables us to follow the ingredients while growing. Our quality team visits the producer regularly, announced and unannounced and takes samples when possible. And if a supplier does not meet the agreed quality or if we detect irregularities in the production process, we will shake hands and say goodbye, as your health and maintaining our quality is our concern. We try to avoid transport over more than 100 kilometres also resulting in supporting local farmers and growers and their communities. Have a look at OUR PROMISES.  By the way, we never had to shake hands so far, other than "How are you going?"  ones.

Are you testing your ingredients and products?

Yes, all ingredients are visually checked and tested on arrival, during production and storage. We examine them for the presence of chemicals like pesticides, fungicides and herbicides and heavy metals, hormones, preservatives, added water and biological contamination (bacteria, fungi). If the levels are above the set limits, the products will be rejected or destroyed. We test not only what you eat, but also what brings them to you: the packaging. 

 

What does the percentage of main ingredients and seal colour mean?

We produce several quality levels of products: Bronze (15%), Silver (20%), Gold  (25%) and Platinum (30%, hospitality only).  The main ingredients are meat, seafood, vegetables and cheese. If you choose Bronze, this means that at the beginning of the production the main ingredient that goes into the filling is at least 15%. For example, Bronze Dutch Beef 15% means that at least 15% of beef is used to make the filling of the croquette. If you bought GOLD, this means that at least 25% of meat was used to make the filling.  The higher the percentage, the better the quality (and a little more expensive, too, but still with the same great taste). The Green seal indicates the product is 100% made of plant-based ingredients.

What are you adding if the main ingredients is less in percentage?

The main ingredients are the most expensive ones. To get the same great taste, generally, we will add more vegetables and herbs. The quality and the amount of broth/stock remain the same. The lower percentage in our meat, poultry and seafood croquettes means that you get a croquette with lesser meat and more veggies. So, maybe the Bronze must be labelled Gold?!

DO YOU HAVE GLUTEN-FREE CROQUETTES?

Unfortunately, we do not (yet) produce gluten-free products, as in our boutique factory wheat gluten is present at all times. We work on a gluten-friendly assortment, which means that the ingredients we will use are gluten-free, but the product is not manufactured in a gluten-free environment.

DO YOUR CROQUETTES CONTAIN ALLERGENS?

Yes, they do. There are about 36 known allergens of which four will be present, or eight could be present in our croquettes. The allergens are no added chemicals, but natural substances to which certain people have developed a high and even extreme sensitivity that can make them feel uncomfortable, sick or even can cause death. Each package will contain a warning with the allergens you may expect to be present, or likely to be present, but also that most suitable absent. Before purchasing, please check the packaging. In case of an allergic reaction immediately seek medical assistance from your GP or call 000. If the allergic response probably causes by one of our products, please contact us 24/7 through consumers@blackboxsnacks.com.au with the reference "ALLERGENS".  Please, if possible, keep a sample of our product (even cooked) including the original packaging in the freezer. We will be in touch as soon as possible.


DO YOU USE THE VISCERA AND ENTRAILS?

No, we only use high-quality meat from selected parts of the animals.

DO YOU PROCESS PORK MEAT?

No, we only use beef, lamb and poultry.

ARE THE USED VEGETABLES AND HERBS FRESH, CANNED OR FROZEN?

 

It depends. During the season, we use only fresh vegetables and herbs straight from the farmer. If the fresh green is not available, we source the closest to that. In general, that is the frozen one. We hardly use canned vegetables (some tomato paste). We always make sure you will not taste a difference as we still chose the highest quality available. Therefore, our suppliers sometimes freeze ingredients straight from the field to guarantee supply outside the season without the loss of nutrients and flavour.

HOW DO YOU PROCESS YOUR WASTE?

Waste management has a very high priority at Black Box Snacks. Our waste generally consists of three groups: compostable, recyclable/reusable and general waste. We ask our suppliers to deliver their products,  where possible, in reusable or recyclable containers to minimise the general waste. We strive a percentage of 10 % or less of general waste compared to the total. The water we use is filtered naturally and the water that leaves our boutique factory is processed to remove particles that may be harmful to the environment, fauna and flora or micro life. The waste that comes from this process is compostable and biodegradable. We use green electricity for all our operations. Our staff use refill bottles made from stainless steel for water, in our canteen porcelain refill mugs and plates, real glasses and stainless steel forks and knives instead of plastic. We want to be a plastic-free factory.  We use biodegradable cleaning products, without compromising on food safety. It is all possible without a high cost.

SALES & DELIVERY & QUALITY

DO YOU HAVE EFTPOS AVAILABLE OR IS THERE A CREDIT FACILITY?

Yes. You can pay with all major debit and credit cards, bank transfer (upfront and not at delivery) and cash. We do not accept cheques, third party coupons and cryptocurrency. If you are a professional retailer, you can apply for a credit account. T&C applies. The first three purchases are always cash or through EFTPOS/TAP&GO before you can apply for a credit account.

DO YOU DELIVER?

To avoid much transport and the increase in our carbon footprint, we only deliver to qualifying customers. Most of our customers make use of existing cold chain transport companies or pick the products from our warehouse. Sometimes we provide door-to-door in case of urgency (like you run out of stock during an event). 

DO YOU SELL TO THE PUBLIC?

Yes, normally we do. Due to recent international and national developments, we however decided to stop sales to consumers temporarily. Normally, all our products sell through our factory outlet against the Recommended Retail Price. If you have a customised order (like the mix of several flavours), please remit your order 24 hours before pick-up. 

WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS HOURS?

Our factory and warehouse are open Monday until Saturday from 6 am-6 pm. If there is an urgency, we may allow different moments. We are closed on Sunday and during National Holidays.

CAN I ORDER UPFRONT?

Yes, we accept orders upfront (50% down payment if delivery is requested 30 days later and more) and up to six months before delivery. Especially around Christmas, Easter and other holidays it is recommended to order early. Although we prepare stock levels that should meet the demand, we cannot guarantee the availability of certain flavours all the time.

DO YOU HOLD STOCK ON REQUEST OR STANDBY?

Yes, but only limited amounts and only 48 hours if frozen. For daily fresh only 24 hours. We may ask for a deposit. Standby orders are products we hold for you in stock and ready for immediate delivery in case it is uncertain how much you will sell, for example, if you cater to an event.

IS THERE A PURCHASE LIMIT IN PLACE?

Yes and No.  As we have contracts with several parties, we are obliged to deliver. If there is no issue with that, there are no limits, but still, the management can decide differently due to the actual circumstances. We advise that you make use of our upfront orders to avoid disappointments.

WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED (CONSUMERS ONLY)?
 

Although we believe that we deliver the best quality possible, we guarantee that you will receive a full refund of the purchase price if you are not 100 % satisfied with our products. Please, keep your purchase ticket as you will need this to upload as well will we ask you to complete a questionnaire with your details and motivation. Whatever that may be. We want to learn, improve our products and service wherever and whenever possible. If you bought our product in a store, you could also return the product to that outlet and the friendly staff will help you to get a refund or replacement.

Not applicable to professional buyers or businesses. T&C apply.

Tell your friends if you like our products and tell us if you don't. 


PROMOTIONS / SPONSORING

 

DO YOU INITIATE PROMOTIONS?

Yes, we do. We offer discounts, special offers and more through our resellers, at our factory outlet and through third parties with whom we cooperate. You will receive other discounts and maybe great gifts (like tickets to events or concerts) if you subscribe to our website.


CAN WE VISIT OR FILM IN THE FACTORY?
 

Unfortunately, no. We produce food and maintain a very high standard of food safety and do not want to risk any contamination. That is why we do not allow visitors in our production facility. But you can have a look at some videos showing how croquettes produce. We only make an exception for a few students (max 4) who study food technology or to professional film crews. Applications are necessary, and for students an introduction letter from the school /TAFE, the university must be provided with that application.  The visitors must follow our instructions strictly. Filming, taking a video or pictures of any kind or publicise them is not allowed without the written consent of the management.

DO YOU SPONSOR?

Yes, we do. The events we sponsor must have a significant impact on either the local community, the environment, preservation for future generations, human and animal welfare or health.  That is why we are selective as we only can spend a good dollar once. Our sponsor relationship can last years, but also a once-in-a-lifetime donation is possible. Unfortunately, we do not sponsor or fund individuals or commercial activities of any kind. If you seek sponsorship, please, email your documented proposal to office@blackboxsnacks.com.au. You will always receive an answer. We do not correspond with the applicant(s) unless initiated by us.