Frequently Asked Questions
Company Information:
Product Information:
Company Information:
Are you a publicly traded company?
We are a fully owned subsidiary of The J.M. Smucker Company. The J.M. Smucker Company shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The symbol is SJM. For further information, please refer to Investor Relations at www.smuckers.com.
Does The J.M. Smucker Company offer tours of its manufacturing plants?
No, unfortunately we do not offer tours. Our plants are not physically set up to safely and effectively conduct tours. However, our friends at Smucker's® have a showcase retail store at our headquarters in Orrville, OH, called Simply Smucker's, which offers a flavor of the company history and philosophy as well as nearly all products the company makes. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: 1-330-684-1500.
Are there employment opportunities available?
All inquiries regarding employment opportunities should be directed, in writing to:
The J.M. Smucker Company
Attn: Human Resources
P.O. Box 345
Ripon, WI 54971-0345
I am writing a report for school. How do I get some information for my project?
Please contact our Consumer Relations Department via e-mail or at 1-800-JELLIES (535-5437) to request a packet of information for school projects.
Where are you located?
Dickinson's manufacturing facilities are located in Ripon, WI.
Product Information:
What is organic?
The national organic standards were fully implemented in October 2002. After more than a dozen years in the making, these standards give consumers clear and consistent product labeling, as well as the added assurance of a uniform set of standards backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Generally speaking, organic food and fiber products must be made without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Specifically prohibited from organic products are genetically modified organisms, irradiation and the use of sewage sludge; all three practices are permissible in conventional agriculture.
Labels
Under USDA regulations, certified organic products will be labeled in one of several ways:
- 100 percent organic: These products have been made using ingredients, processing and handling methods and materials that are in full compliance with the USDA standards for organic agriculture. They will have a label reading “100 percent organic,” and the USDA organic seal may appear on the primary display panel.
- Organic: These products contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients (excluding water or salt). They are eligible for the organic label provided the remaining 5 percent of the product’s ingredients are not commercially available in an organic form, and also that the remaining 5 percent of the ingredients were not produced using specifically prohibited methods (i.e., irradiation). These products will be labeled “organic” and may carry the USDA seal on the primary display panel.
- Made with organic ingredients: Products labeled “Made with organic ingredients” must contain between 70 and 95 percent organic ingredients, excluding water and salt. As many as three of the product’s organic ingredients may be listed on the front of the package. For instance, a box containing cereal made with organic ingredients might read “Made with organic corn, oats and sugar” on the front panel. The USDA organic seal may not be used on these products.
- Products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients: Labels on these products will be allowed to list the organic items in the ingredients panel only, and the term “organic” may not be used anywhere else on the package. The USDA seal may not be used on these products.
How can I get recipes using your products?
Please visit Recipes for great recipes and tips on ways to use our products. You may also e-mail or call our Consumer Relations Department for more recipes. Phone: 1-800-JELLIES (535-5437).
Should I refrigerate your preserves, jellies, butters, relishes, etc.?
The food items we produce are classified as nonperishable. However, we recommend you refrigerate all of our products once they are opened.
How long will my opened jar of preserves remain fresh?
Once the product is opened and every time it is used thereafter, it is exposed to mold and yeast spores that exist in the air. While keeping the product refrigerated will discourage spoilage, there is no way to determine the shelf life of an opened product.
How long can I store a jar of your product?
It is the nature of packaged food products to experience some slight color and flavor degradation during extended storage. Product should be stored in a cool climate (50° F to 60° F preferable, but should not exceed 75° F for extended periods) and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Our traditional preserves, relishes and fruit butters have a 24-month shelf life from the date of production, and our Purely Fruit, fruit curds and organic fruit spreads have an 18-month shelf life from the date of production.
If you have more questions regarding date codes or shelf life of our products, please e-mail or call our Consumer Relations Department. Phone: 1-800-JELLIES (535-5437).
What is the difference between jelly, jam and preserves?
JELLY is made from fruit juice. Jelly is clear and firm enough to hold its shape when turned out of its container.
JAM is made from a blend of crushed pieces of fruit and fruit pieces.
PRESERVES are made from whole fruit pieces, making them thicker and more fruit-filled than jams or jellies.
CONSERVES are jams made from a mixture of citrus fruits and can also include nuts.
FRUIT BUTTERS are made from fruit pulp and sugar cooked together. There is no butter in fruit butter. The term may have developed to describe the appearance of the product or because it is a spread.
FRUIT CURDS are made with sugar, eggs and butter.
CHUTNEY and RELISH are flavorful, seasoned condiments. Chutney is typically made with fruits and relish is typically made with vegetables.
PEPPER SPREADS contain pieces of peppers, jalapeño and/or bell, suspended in a spreadable jelly.
Where can I purchase a specific product? Can I order product directly from the Company?
As you have discovered, some of our delicious products are not available in all stores. Please ask your local grocery store manager to stock your favorite products. In addition, you can order virtually any combination of flavors you desire from our friends at Smucker's at www.smuckers.com.
What exactly is a manufacturing code, and how do I read it?
All of our products utilize a manufacturing code, which it typically located on the side of the jar on the label. The manufacturing code is the date the product was made. It might look something like this: 79A221330.
- The first number represents the plant where the product was produced. In this case, 7 indicates it was made at the Ripon plant.
- The next number represents the year it was made. The 9 in our example code means it was made in 2009. A number 8 would mean it was made in 2008, 7 in 2007, and so on.
- The next digit, a letter, indicates the month of production and following is the day of the month. In our example, the A22 would mean it was made January 22.
- The last four digits represent the time of production displayed in military time.
What exactly is a “Best If Used By” date, and how do I read it?
A “Best If Used By” date code may appear on your product. This future date from the original date of manufacture represents the day that the product is guaranteed fresh. It might look something like this: APR 04 2010. The date code represents the Month, Date and Year.
Are your products Kosher?
All of our jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, relishes and pepper spreads are  Kosher. All of our fruit curds are D Kosher. Our current Kosher certification is supplied by:
The Orthodox Union
333 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Will you donate products to our event?
Please submit all donation requests via e-mail or in writing to:
The J.M. Smucker Company
Consumer Relations Department/Donations
P.O. Box 345
Ripon, WI 54971-0345
Where can I find Dickinson's preserves in the single-serving aluminum cups?
Please contact our friends at Smucker's. (330-682-3000)
Where can I find Dickinson's syrup?
Please contact our friends at Smucker's. (330-682-3000)
Do you manufacture your items in larger sizes for bulk or bakery use?
Please contact our friends at Smucker's. (330-682-3000)
What is the difference between the Traditional Preserves and the Purely Fruit?
The traditional preserves contain sugar and corn syrup; whereas, Purely Fruit is sweetened with fruit syrup.
Where can I find Dickinson's Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup?
Please contact our friends at Smucker's. (330-682-3000)
Why is there sugar in Purely Fruit?
Purely Fruit is sweetened with fruit syrup and the sugars from the fruit.
Can I get your recipe for making preserves at home?
No, we don't have recipes downsized for home use. However, check your local library and the Internet for recipes or call your local county extension agency (part of the state government) to speak to the home economist.
I have a question about nutrition that is not addressed on your nutritional labels. Where should I look?
If you have specific questions about the nutritional facts on our products, please contact our Consumer Relations Department via e-mail or at 1-800-JELLIES (535-5437).
I have a question about Dickinson's ingredients. Whom should I ask?
If you have specific questions about the ingredient facts of our products, please contact our Consumer Relations Department via e-mail or at 1-800-JELLIES (535-5437).
I have a new product idea. Who do I share it with?
The J.M. Smucker Company always welcomes consumer feedback and appreciates your interest in sharing your thoughts with us. However, it is our Company policy not to accept or consider unsolicited ideas from outside the Company, including ideas for new or improved products or packaging, technologies, product names, or promotion or marketing strategies. Our research and technical staff continuously work to improve our products and methods and develop new products. The development process for new items may continue for several years before being introduced to our customers.
Should you submit an idea to our Company, despite our policy, we will treat the information as non-confidential and non-proprietary and our Company will be free to use the information for any purpose and will not be obligated to return or acknowledge receipt of your submitted information.
|
