INGREDIENTS

What is the difference between a croquet and croquette?

None. In the Netherlands the snack is called "Kroket", straight translated into "Croquet." The word "croquette" originates from the French language: CROQUE means crispy. Different way of writing.

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: Gold  (30%) and Platinum (30%, hospitality only).  The main ingredients are PRIME meat, certified seafood, locally grown 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 croquet. 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 croquets means that you get a croquet with lesser meat and more veggies. So, maybe the Bronze must be labelled Gold?!

DO YOU HAVE GLUTEN-FREE CROQUETS?

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 cs@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?

Our products contain pork or ingredients retrieved from pork.

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

 

It varies based on the season. We prioritize using fresh vegetables and herbs sourced directly from farmers. When fresh greens are unavailable, we opt for the next best option, typically frozen produce. We ensure that you won't notice any difference in taste, as we select only the highest quality ingredients. Our suppliers often freeze items right after harvest to maintain their nutrients and flavor, allowing us to provide you with exceptional quality even outside of the growing season.


HOW DO YOU PROCESS YOUR WASTE?

At Black Box Snacks, waste management is a top priority. We categorize our waste into three main groups: compostable, recyclable or reusable, and general waste. To reduce general waste, we encourage our suppliers to use reusable or recyclable containers whenever possible, aiming to keep our general waste to 10% or less of our total output. Our water is naturally filtered, and any wastewater is treated to eliminate harmful particles, resulting in compostable and biodegradable waste. We operate on green electricity and promote sustainability among our staff by providing stainless steel refillable water bottles, porcelain mugs, and real cutlery, striving to maintain a plastic-free environment. Additionally, we utilize biodegradable cleaning products that ensure food safety without incurring high costs.

SALES & DELIVERY & QUALITY

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

You can conveniently make payments using all major debit and credit cards, bank transfers (which must be made upfront, not at delivery), or cash. However, we do not accept cheques, third-party coupons, or cryptocurrency. If you are a professional retailer, you have the option to apply for a credit account, though please note that terms and conditions apply. For your first three purchases, payment must be made in cash or via EFTPOS/TAP&GO before you can qualify for a credit account.

DO YOU DELIVER?

To minimise transportation and reduce our carbon footprint, we deliver exclusively to qualifying customers. Most of our clients utilise existing cold chain transport services or personally collect their orders from our warehouse. However, in urgent situations, such as running low on stock during an event, we do offer door-to-door delivery.


DO YOU SELL TO THE PUBLIC?

We certainly do offer our products at the Recommended Retail Price through our outlet. Please note that items are available for pick-up only on Mondays or by appointment. We do not provide delivery services without a confirmed order, so it's essential to create an account with us to facilitate your purchase. Unfortunately, we cannot process any orders without an account. Thank you for your understanding.

WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS HOURS?

Our facilities are available from Monday to Saturday, operating between 9 am and 8 pm for suppliers. In cases of urgency, we may accommodate different times. Please note that we are closed on Sundays and during National Holidays. Online order pick-ups are exclusively on Mondays, and we will provide a specific timeframe for collection.

CAN I ORDER UPFRONT?

We gladly accept orders in advance with a 50% down payment, allowing you to secure your items up to six months prior to delivery. It is particularly advisable to place orders early during peak seasons like Christmas, Easter, and other holidays. While we strive to maintain stock levels that meet demand, we cannot always guarantee the availability of specific products.


DO YOU HOLD STOCK ON REQUEST OR STANDBY?

Yes, we can accommodate limited quantities, with frozen items available for up to 48 hours and fresh items for just 24 hours. A deposit may be required. We also offer standby orders, which allow us to keep products in stock for you, ensuring immediate delivery when you're uncertain about your sales volume, such as during event catering.

IS THERE A PURCHASE LIMIT IN PLACE?

Yes and No. We have contractual obligations with various parties that require us to fulfill our commitments. While there are generally no restrictions if everything proceeds smoothly, management retains the discretion to make different decisions based on current circumstances. To prevent any potential disappointments, we recommend utilizing our upfront orders.

WHAT IF I AM NOT SATISFIED (CONSUMERS ONLY)?

We take pride in the quality of our products, and your satisfaction is our top priority. If you find yourself less than completely satisfied, we offer a full refund of your purchase price. To initiate this process, please retain your purchase receipt, as it will be necessary for your refund request. Additionally, we kindly ask you to fill out a brief questionnaire detailing your experience and reasons for your dissatisfaction. It’s important to keep the product frozen and not discard it, as we may wish to collect it for further analysis related to your complaint. Our goal is to learn from your feedback to enhance our products and services. If you purchased our product from a retail store, you can also return it there, where the staff will assist you with a refund or replacement. Please note that this policy does not apply to professional buyers or businesses, and terms and conditions do apply.

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We appreciate your feedback on our products, so please share your thoughts with your friends if you enjoy them and let us know if there are any concerns. Your opinions are important to us, and we are here to listen.
cs@blackboxsnacks.com.au

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?
 

We regret to inform you that we cannot allow visitors in our production facilities. Our commitment to producing food with the highest safety standards means we must prioritise preventing any potential contamination. Thank you for your understanding.


DO YOU SPONSOR?

We certainly do support events, but we focus on those that create a meaningful impact on the local community, the environment, future preservation, and the welfare of both humans and animals. This selective approach is essential, as we aim to allocate our resources wisely. Our sponsorships can be long-term partnerships or one-time contributions, depending on the situation. However, we do not provide funding for individuals or commercial ventures. If you are interested in seeking sponsorship, please send your detailed proposal to office@crunchys.com.au, and rest assured that you will receive a response. We typically do not engage in correspondence unless we reach out first.