Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Can you consolidate different products into one shipment?
Generally, the answer is yes. However, there are sometimes limitations because certain manufacturers can be located far away from each other making it logistically difficult and certainly less economical. Still, we can consolidate any American products into one shipment in most cases.

Are the products that you have listed on the website the only products that you provide?
No, we can source any American (or international) food and beverage products that our customers need in their markets. We may not carry it in our own brands, but we have a strong network of manufacturers and we can assist our export clients in finding the best suppliers in the USA for any products they may need. Please consult our Buyer's Guide page for a more extensive listing of the products we can source.

What countries can you export your food and beverage products to?
As exporters of American food products, we can export food and beverage products to almost any country in the world that has demand for American, and some international, food products. American products are renowned for their quality and we seek to make these products available to the world.

What products do you export?
We are, in effect, an American food exporter. We can, therefore, export any American product to our international clients. You will find the products that we currently promote in our brands on the Products page on the individual product pages. In addition to these products, we are also able to provide a whole host of other food and beverage products of American origin. For a listing of these products please go to our Buyers Guide page. Our aim is to be a one-stop shop for all American food and beverage products for our international clients.

Do you provide Promotional Assistance to those who buy your products?
In many cases we can assist our distributors in promoting the products they buy from us in their markets. Qualified Importers and Distributors will not only have the benefit to source a wide range of products from us but after a we have established our relationship we can also assist our partners in promoting the products in their markets. This service is available for all of our American products and is available for most countries, although some countries do not qualify. Please ask one of our representatives for additional details.

COSMIC Breakfast Cereals

What is the nutritional profile for Cosmic Breakfast cereals?
This largely depends on the particular product. All cereal products are high in fiber, and this has many beneficial health effects. Fiber helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer and helps to manage blood sugar levels. In addition to this, cereals contain important nutrients such as potassium, and Vitamin B. what’s more we have fortified our cereals so that you get most of your daily requirements of 10 vitamins and minerals.

Do Cosmic Breakfast Cereals contain any cholesterol?
No. Our cereals contain Zero Cholesterol.

How many varieties of breakfast cereals do you currently provide?
Currently, we provide the three varieties, corn flakes, sugar frosted flakes and choco puffs. However, we are in the process of adding new varieties so keep checking our website. We can also make available to our customers a whole range of cereal products, including cereals bars, granola and cereals in bulk. If the type you require is not on our website, please ask.

LA VITA Sauces and Condiments

What is the origin of your LA VITA products?
All of our LA VITA products are sourced in the USA. We took great care in selecting the suppliers that are at the top of their respective fields so that our customers can feel assured that all of our products are of the best quality.

Are you able to provide additional items in this category?
Yes, we can provide many products in this category. If it’s tomato products you are looking for, whether canned tomatoes, pizza sauce or pasta sauces, we have the products for you. If you are looking for America’s favorite mustard, BBQ Sauce, Steak Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Fat Free Salad Dressings, Cooking oil, Vinegars, or Mayonnaise we have the best suppliers for all of these products. Please contact us for additional information.

BELLA MARE Canned Tuna

Are your Tuna products Dolphin Friendly?
Absolutely. We would not have it any other way. The preservation of our oceans and their inhabitants is in the end in our best interest. We cannot destroy the hand that feeds us. Our packer’s facility is approved by Earth Island and they conduct regular inspections to ensure ongoing compliance. Therefore, all our tuna products are Dolphin Friendly, and this policy will not change.

Do you supply products which meet special religious and cultural requirements?
Yes, we have product lines that meet Halal and Kosher certifications.

Do you have traceability of your raw materials used?
Yes we do have complete traceability of raw materials used in production.

What is the shelf life of your tuna products?
Canned tuna has a recommended shelf life of up to four years provided that the product is stored under normal conditions, away from direct sun and heat, and the can is not damaged or dented. However, some countries have lower mandatory shelf life requirements, usually 2 years. The product though can last unopened for about four years.

What Tuna species do you pack?
There are essentially three types of tuna that are packed, skipjack, yellow fin and Albacore. The most widely canned species is of course the Skipjack species, followed by Yellow fin and Albacore. We generally pack Skipjack Tuna, but we also have available Yellow fin tuna. Both are light meat varieties.
We can pack these products in any medium, water, brine or vegetable oil, either in chunks or as solid.

What are the differences between Skipjack, Yellow Fin and Albacore Tuna?
The main differences between the three are really in the size of the fish, color of the meat, tenderness and moistness of the meat. Skipjack tuna is found practically in all the oceans of the world and its meat is a red-pink, moist and less compact than Yellow fin tuna. It is a favorite in many markets. Its flavor is intense and pleasing to the palette. This is the most widely canned species of tuna.

Yellow fin Tuna usually lives in Tropical waters and has the reputation for being a migratory fish, swimming great lengths in large schools. They are generally found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is differentiated from other tuna by its yellow fin, its tender rosy red meat, and its firm texture and delicate flavor.

Albacore Tuna, otherwise known as Bonito or white tuna, has a scaly, oval body. It has a dark blue back with a whitish belly. One of its most outstanding qualities is that the Albacore has very long fins that can sometimes reach back to its tail. Its meat is whiter, less flavorful and tends to be less moist. It has the taste and appearance that is similar to chicken. However, it has a higher concentration of protein to the other species of tuna.

Do you have any value added tuna items?
Currently we do not pack any value added items but we have a few that are in the pipeline. Of course, they will taste great and they will carry the BELLA MARE standard of quality.

How long can the can stay open before the contents are eaten?
To enjoy all the flavor and retain all the nutritional qualities of the product, we recommend that once the can has been opened, the contents should be eaten right away. If not eaten at the time of opening, it is possible to save the contents in a separate container for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

What are Omega 3 acids and what benefits do they provide?
Omega 3 is a special kind of essential fatty acid. Essential, because it is essential for our body. The human body does not produce its own source of essential fatty acids, so this is only found in our diet, especially in fish and some vegetables. Being a part of the unsaturated fat family, it is a beneficial fat and recent research has shown this to be the case. First, they reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and essentially reduce blood platelets. Second, it contributes to the good operation of the Immune System, by limiting the substances that produce irritation, pain and temperature, that seldom occur in certain inflammatory processes. The benefits of Omega 3 are still being discovered.

FIORI Pasta

How many shapes of Pasta do you provide?
We have 10 shapes as our standard pack products but we can make available any shape or cut of pasta which we do not currently carry. We are able to offer the complete line of short and long pasta cuts, as well as nests. So if there is a shape you want and don’t see it on our website, please ask.

Do you provide three-color pasta?
Yes, we have four varieties of Tricolor pasta: farfalle (bow-ties), Spirali, Penne Rigate and Shells. These colorful pastas are produced using high-quality durum wheat semolina, dehydrated tomato and spinach, and purified water. They will surely brighten up any dish.

What are the nutritional benefits of Pasta?
Pasta, like rice and potatoes, is a starchy food. However, it contains more protein and is also a good source of dietary fiber. The pasta fiber is one of the best natural laxatives. Pasta is low in fat and usually contains no added sugar or salt. Durum wheat pasta contains Vitamins B and E. Vitamin B is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, while Vitamin E keeps the heart, arteries and veins young.

Did you Know......?
Did you know that for most professional sportsmen that pasta is the food of choice before training or pre-competition? A plate of pasta with tomato sauce and olive oil will provide a sportsmen looking for pre-competition nourishment a good balanced diet without straining the digestive system.

SOLE Juices

Do you provide any other fruit juice or nectar products?
Yes, we can provide a wide range of fruit juices and nectars. We will soon be adding additional flavors of our Pomegranate Nectar. Also, we can provide other fruit nectars, such as Apple Juice Nectar, Mixed Fruit Nectar, Peach Nectar, Apricot Nectar, Orange Nectar and Sourcherry Nectar. Furthermore, we can provide 100% Organic juices in flavors such as Apple, Orange, Pomegranate, Grape, Mixed fruit and Sourcherry.

Are there any colors, flavors or preservatives in your products?
No, we absolutely do not use any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives in our products.

SOLE Canned Fruits and VERDURE Canned Vegetables & Beans

Do you provide any other types of Canned Vegetables or beans?
Yes, we provide the complete line of canned vegetable products and also complete line of canned beans. We can provide Sweet Corn, Sweet Peas, Peas & Carrots, Sliced Beets, Mixed Vegetables, Sliced Carrots, Asparagus spears, Kidney Beans, Blackeye Peas, Navy Beans, Pinto Beans, Butter Beans, Lima Beans and Garbanzo beans.

What is the shelf life of SOLE Canned Fruits and VERDURE Canned Vegetables and beans?
Our products are best if used within 24 months to 36 months from the date of production depending on storage conditions. However, some regions of the world require a shorter shelf life due to excessive heat and humidity, and in these countries the shelf life is reduced to 18 months. We recommend that our products are stored in a cool and dry place.

Are Canned Fruits and Vegetables as nutritious as Fresh or Frozen fruits and vegetables?
A 3-part study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that recipes using canned vegetables are similar in nutritional value and taste profile to those made with fresh or frozen vegetables. Our canned products are packed straight after being harvested and this helps to preserve all the nutrients.

Are canned vegetables safe?
Yes. They are absolutely safe. Research shows that the modern canning process not only destroys bacteria that can cause food spoilage, but also can eliminate as much as 99% of the pesticide residues occasionally found in fresh produce. This is largely accomplished through the normal washing, peeling, blanching and heat processing of canned vegetables.

ROYAL NUTS

What is the Shelf life of ROYAL NUTS products?
Most of our products carry an 18-month shelf life.

Are Royal Nuts Cholesterol Free?
Yes, Royal Nuts are naturally Cholesterol Free. Nuts are also a good source of protein, minerals and healthy unsaturated fats.

What nuts do you include in your Mixed Nuts product?
In our Mixed Nuts product we only include the nuts we know you like, peanuts, cashews, almonds and pistachios. Of course, we can also provide different mixes, with different variations of nuts for our discerning customers.

Are Royal Nuts organic?
No, our current line is not organic. However, for those looking for organic products we have a line of organic of peanuts, cashews and mixed nut products.

GOLDEN BEE Honey

Do you provide any other Honey varieties?
Yes, we can provide all USA sourced honey varieties to our clients. This includes Orange Blossom Honey, Tupelo Blossom Honey, Hawaiian Blossom Honey, Clover Blossom Honey, Sage Blossom Honey, and Wildflower Blossom Honey.

How should honey be stored?
Honey should be kept at room temperature, preferably in dry storage.

What should I do if my honey crystallizes?
Almost all honey will crystallize after an extended storage period. Honey can be liquefied by placing the container in warm water. Under no circumstances, should the honey be boiled or scorched as this will destroy all the vital nutrients in the honey.

Does Honey spoil?
No. As long as honey is stored in an airtight sealed container, it will remain stable for decades. However, honey is susceptible to physical and chemical changes during storage; it tends to darken and lose it aroma and flavor or crystallize. Therefore, even though honey does not have a definable shelf life, most processors state a shelf life of between two and four years.

What is the nutritional profile of honey?
Honey is composed primarily of carbohydrates and water, but also contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Recent studies have shown that honey also contains antioxidants. It seems that honey contains a variety of flavanoids and phenolic acids which act as antioxidants, scavenging and eliminating all the free radicals in our body. Generally, darker honeys have a higher antioxidant content than lighter honeys.

Why can’t babies of less than one year of age eat honey?
Honey may in some instances contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause infant botulism- a rare but serious disease that affects the nervous system of young babies (under the age of one). Clostridium botulinum spores are present throughout the environment and may be found in dust, soil and our surroundings. Adults and children over the age of one are routinely exposed to, but are not normally affected by, Clostridium botulinum spores. In most food products, spores are inactivated when manufactured food products receive a roasting heat treatment. Honey, however, is not heat treated like most manufactured products. As a result, almost all honey packers display on their label the warning that “Honey is not suitable for children under the age of 1”. It is, however, a completely safe and wholesome food for children over one and adults.

Is Golden Bee Honey heated?
All honey is heated to some extent because this is absolutely necessary in order to pack the product into containers. However, honey should never be cooked to high temperatures as this will reduce the antioxidant and enzymic benefits that make honey special. Golden Bee Honey is not “cooked” or overheated. Our honey retains all of its nutritional properties. Many brands cannot make the same claim.

Did you know......?
Did you know that bees may travel as far as 55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make just a pound of honey.

Did you know that honey bees perform a vital function in pollinating plants? Pollination is the fertilization of a flowering plant. It occurs when pollen is transferred from the anthers of a flower to the ovules of that, or another flower. About one-third of our diet is derived from insect-pollinated plants, and honey bees are responsible for 80% of this pollination. Honey bees pollinate a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and more.

WONDER KID Peanut Butter

How should WONDER KID Peanut Butter be stored?
WONDER KID Peanut Butter may be stored at room temperature, whether it is opened or unopened. Unopened and in the right conditions, it can last up to 2 years
The jar must be tightly closed and stored away from direct sunlight and heat. Storage temperatures will affect the products quality. If the product is stored in excessive heat, it will lose its fresh flavor and cause oil separation. If stored in very cold temperatures, it will lose its consistency and texture. If in doubt, store your peanut butter in the fridge to retain the product’s optimum flavor, even though it will not be as easy to spread.

Does WONDER KID Peanut Butter contain any Trans fats?
No. By the new standards set by the US FDA, WONDER KID Peanut Butter is a Trans fat free food and Cholesterol Free. Almost all shelf-stable peanut butter products contain a very small amount of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, but the levels are extremely low. This is in order to prevent oil separation in the final product and also to maintain peanut butter freshness. Most consumers do not mind this trade-off.
In fact, peanut butter is an excellent source of heart healthy, unsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil: more than 75% of the total fat content is unsaturated.

What’s the percentage of peanuts in peanut butter?
All peanut butter must, by law, contain a minimum of 90% peanuts. And since peanuts are one of the best vegetable protein sources, every serving of WONDER KID Peanut Butter contains almost ¼ protein.

What is the nutritional profile of WONDER KID Peanut Butter?
Peanut Butter was created over 100 years ago as a nutritious, convenient food that provides ample amounts of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. WONDER KID Peanut Butter is rich in niacin (Vitamin B) and is a good source of Vitamin E and folate. It also contains “hard to get” minerals such as zinc, magnesium, copper and selenium. Peanut butter is a natural source of soluble and insoluble fiber. And since peanuts are a plant food, WONDER KID Peanut Butter contains no cholesterol.

Does WONDER KID Peanut Butter contain any genetically modified peanuts?
Absolutely not. WONDER KID Peanut Butter is made using 100% US peanuts. This means that the peanuts we use are not genetically modified because there are no genetically modified peanuts available from the United States of America.

What is the difference between regular peanut butter and natural peanut butter?
The only difference between natural peanut butter and regular peanut butter is that natural peanut butter does not contain any partially hydrogenated vegetable to act as a stabilizer. This means that natural peanut butters usually experience oil separation and customers will have to mix the contents of the jar before dispensing it.

WONDER KID Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

What is WONDER KID Chocolate Hazelnut Spread?
WONDER KID Chocolate Hazelnut Spread is a delicious spread made primarily from top quality hazelnuts, cocoa and milk. The combinations of the hazelnuts with the cocoa and milk create a unique spread to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

How should WONDER KID Chocolate Hazelnut Spread be stored?
Ideally, the product should be stored under room temperature and away from direct heat and sunlight. A cool storage place helps maintain the products maximum flavor. Excessive heat will result in oil separation and the loss of flavor. There is no need to refrigerate WONDER KID Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. However, if the room temperatures are high, it is advisable to refrigerate the product for maximum taste and texture.

What is the shelf life of WONDR KID Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads?
Our products can last up to 18 months when unopened. Some countries have lower mandatory shelf life requirements that limit the shelf life of the product to 12 months.