Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

General Business Questions

What makes your products different?

We offer direct sourcing from West African suppliers, EU-compliant processing standards, complete traceability, and comprehensive quality assurance. Our focus on building long-term partnerships ensures consistent quality and reliable supply.

What regions do you serve?

We currently serve the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, with plans to expand to other European markets.

Where are you located?

Our UK headquarters is in the Midlands, UK, with our main processing facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This strategic location allows us to efficiently serve the UK and European markets.

What products does East River Foods Trading specialize in?

We specialise in shea butter and other West African nuts and nut butters. Our primary focus is sourcing raw materials from West Africa, processing them in our Rotterdam facility, and distributing finished products across European markets.

Product Questions

What is the shelf life of your products?

Raw shea butter: 24 months when properly stored. Refined shea butter: 18-24 months. Custom products: varies based on formulation. All products include specific storage recommendations.

How do you ensure product quality?

Every batch undergoes comprehensive testing including microbiological analysis, chemical composition verification, and sensory evaluation. We provide Certificates of Analysis with every shipment.

Can you provide custom formulations?

Absolutely. Our Rotterdam facility specialises in custom processing and formulations. We work closely with customers to develop products that meet specific requirements.

Do you offer organic certification?

Yes, we can source and process organic-certified shea butter and other products. Organic certification requirements must be specified at the time of ordering.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Minimum orders vary by product: Raw shea butter starts at 500kg-1000kg, depending on grade, refined shea butter at 250kg, and custom products are negotiable. Sample quantities of 1kg are available for evaluation.

Sourcing & Supply Chain Questions

How long does delivery take?

Standard delivery is 2-3 weeks from order confirmation. Express delivery (1 week) is available for urgent orders. We also offer scheduled delivery programs for regular customers.

What happens if there's a supply disruption?

We maintain a diversified supplier base and keep strategic inventory levels. Our supply chain team proactively monitors potential disruptions and has contingency plans in place.

How do you ensure ethical sourcing?

We work directly with suppliers, conduct regular site visits, pay fair trade prices, and support community development initiatives. Full traceability is maintained for all products.

Where do you source your raw materials?

We source directly from suppliers and cooperatives across West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali. We maintain direct relationships with our suppliers.

Technical & Regulatory Questions

Do you offer private labelling?

Yes, we provide private labelling services, including custom packaging design, regulatory compliance, and brand development support.

Can you provide technical support?

Our technical team provides formulation assistance, application guidance, and regulatory compliance support. We work closely with customers on product development projects.

Are your products compliant with EU regulations?

Yes, all our products are processed to meet EU food safety and import regulations. We maintain HACCP certification and provide all necessary documentation.

Pricing & Payment Questions

Do you offer financing options?

Yes, we can arrange trade financing through our banking partners. We also offer inventory financing programs for qualified customers.

What payment terms do you offer?

We offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit, bank transfers, and, for established customers, extended payment terms. Specific terms are negotiated based on the order size and the customer's relationship.

How is pricing determined?

Pricing is based on product grade, order quantity, processing requirements, and current market conditions. We provide detailed quotations for all inquiries.

Partnership Opportunities

Can we visit your facilities?

Yes, we welcome customer visits to our Rotterdam processing facility. Please get in touch with us to arrange a visit and tour of our facilities.

Do you work with distributors?

We work with qualified distributors in markets where we don't have direct presence. Please get in touch with us to discuss distributor opportunities in your region.

Are you looking for new suppliers in West Africa?

Yes, we're always interested in partnerships with quality-focused suppliers. Please get in touch with us to discuss partnership opportunities and our supplier qualification process.

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