Stages 2 to 6
Questions, in the order buyers ask them.
Each answer points to a document or a named role you can check.
1. Recognise
What products does ERFT specialise in?
Refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) shea butter, cosmetic grade, under specification ERFT SPEC SB002 Rev 1. It is in stock now. Cocoa butter and further African-origin speciality fats are planned. See the range outlook.
What makes your products different?
Four things you can check. Each batch is single origin and is never mixed or refined with other stock. It is refined in the Netherlands to ERFT SPEC SB002 Rev 1. An accredited Dutch laboratory analyses it against the specification limits. It is held as stock near Rotterdam.
What regions do you serve?
Manufacturers and formulators in the EU, the UK and Switzerland. We supply EXW/FCA Netherlands: intra-EU movement for EU customers and EU-origin import for Switzerland.
Where are you located?
ERFT is registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 2 Azure Close, Rugby, CV22 5BT. Stock is held in warehousing near Rotterdam.
2. Specify
Do you provide custom formulations?
Send us your specification and the intended use. ERFT's technical team reviews bespoke formulation requests and replies in writing.
Do you offer private labelling?
Tell us your packaging and labelling requirements with your request. We confirm in writing what we can supply.
3. Verify
How do you ensure product quality?
Natural shea butter varies from lot to lot, and ERFT's process narrows that variation. Every batch is refined to ERFT SPEC SB002 Rev 1 and analysed by an accredited Dutch laboratory against its limits. Results are reported per parameter, so you can see where each batch sits within the limits; batches stay close to the standard, batch after batch. The certificate of analysis for each batch will be added to this site once laboratory results are issued. See Specification and quality.
Can you provide technical support?
Yes. ERFT's technical team answers questions on the specification, analysis, formulation and use. The specification lists each parameter with its unit, limit and test method. Send a technical question.
4. Trace
Where do you source your raw materials?
From West Africa. Each batch comes from a single, identified origin and is never mixed or refined with other stock. See Origin and supply chain.
Are you looking for new suppliers in West Africa?
Producer groups and aggregators in Ghana can register as suppliers. The standard is stated in advance. See For suppliers in Ghana.
5. Rely
How long does delivery take?
Lead times are confirmed with your order. The product is already in stock near Rotterdam, so ocean freight is not part of your lead time.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Order sizes for first trials and for production volumes are confirmed with your enquiry.
What happens if there is a supply disruption?
Stock is held in the Netherlands before you order, so ocean transit is not between your order and dispatch. ERFT's principals are accountable for every consignment, and the customer desk tells you directly if a date changes.
6. Commit
How is pricing determined?
Pricing is discussed with ERFT's commercial team after the sample stage and confirmed in writing for each order. Prices are not published.
What payment terms do you offer?
Payment terms are agreed in writing with each buyer before the first order. They are not published.
Do you offer financing options?
Commercial terms are discussed with ERFT's commercial team. They are not published on this site.
Can we visit your facilities?
Refining and warehousing are carried out in the Netherlands by specialist third parties under ERFT's instructions. Ask about visits with your enquiry; the commercial team replies.
Do you work with distributors?
Distributors can request the specification, the certificate of analysis and a sample in the same way as manufacturers.