Our Quality Standards

Producer Entry Criteria

A producer must operate as a registered small business or documented sole trader in Egypt. Production must occur in Cairo, Fayoum, or Siwa. We do not source from resellers or intermediaries. The producer must be able to supply consistent quantities within agreed lead times.

New producers are identified through referrals from existing network members, direct outreach at craft markets, and regional producer associations. Each candidate goes through the same review process regardless of how they were found.

Material and Ingredient Standards

For food items such as dates, dried fruit, and coffee, producers must confirm that no artificial preservatives or additives are used. Packaging that contacts food must meet Egyptian food safety standards. We request documentation and conduct sample reviews on initial intake and periodically thereafter.

For textile items such as embroidered blankets and organic cotton garments, we check fibre content documentation and review production methods. Synthetic fibre blends are not accepted in collections described as organic cotton.

Sample Assessment

Before a producer's items enter any box, we receive and assess a physical sample. The assessment covers construction quality, finishing, labelling, and packaging condition. Items that do not meet the standard are returned with written feedback. A producer may resubmit after addressing the noted issues.

Sample assessment is not a one-time event. We conduct spot-checks on incoming stock from active producers. If a batch does not meet the standard applied at the initial assessment, it is not used.

Periodic Re-Review

Active producers are re-reviewed on a rolling basis. Re-review covers any changes to production method, ingredient sourcing, or business structure. A producer who changes their process in a way that conflicts with our sourcing criteria is removed from the network until the issue is resolved.

Box Assembly Standards

Each box is assembled at our Suez facility. Items are checked on arrival from producers. Assembly follows a defined layout for each collection type. Finished boxes are inspected before packaging for dispatch. Boxes that do not pass inspection are reassembled or held.

Labelling and Transparency

Each box includes a producer card listing the origin region and type of producer for each included item. Food items carry ingredient information. We do not use generic descriptions that obscure the actual source of an item. If a specific product is unavailable and a substitution is made, the order contact is notified before dispatch.