Crosse & Blackwell, Adding flavor to life's simple pleasures

Frequently Asked Questions

Company Information:

Product Information:

Company Information:

Who owns the Crosse & Blackwell brand?
As of April 2004, the Crosse & Blackwell brand has been a proud member of The J.M. Smucker Company family of products.

Are you a publicly traded company?
We are a fully wholly 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 inquires 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.

Product Information:

How can I get recipes using your products?
Please visit Gourmet 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 products?
Some of the food items we produce are classified as nonperishable. However, we recommend you refrigerate all our products once they are opened.

How long will my opened jar of product 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. Unopened 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.

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).

Where can I purchase a specific product? Can I order product directly from the Company?
As you have discovered, some of our delicious Crosse & Blackwell products are not available in all stores. Please ask your local grocery store manager to stock your favorite products. In addition, you can order the flavors you desire from our friends at Smucker's at www.smuckers.com.

How do you read the manufacturing date on the package? What is the "best when purchased by" date?
All of our products utilize a production code, which is typically located on the side of the lid. Sometimes the production code is found on the jar. The first number indicates the year of production. The next three digits indicate the day of the year of production. For example, a product with the cap code of 4123 would have been made May 2004. The “best before” date would read Jan04 or Jan2004 for January 2004.

Are your products Kosher?
Kosher products include:
Apple Curry Chutney
Branston® Pickle Relish
Chow Chow Piccalilli
Cranberry Chutney
Fish & Chip Vinegar
Guava Jelly
Hot Mango Chutney
Orange Marmalade
Major Grey’s Chutney
Mint Flavored Apple Jelly
Mint Meat Sauce
Pear Cardamom Chutney
Red Currant Jelly
Seafood Classics™ Creole Sauce
Seafood Classics™ Lemon Dill Sauce
Seafood Classics™ Remoulade Sauce
Seafood Classics™ Sweet & Sour Sauce
Seafood Classics™ Tartar Sauce
Seafood Cocktail Sauce
Zesty Shrimp Sauce

D Kosher products include:
Seafood Classics™ Scampi Sauce

Our current Kosher certification is supplied by:

The Orthodox Union
333 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001

1-212-563-4000

NON-Kosher products include:
Apricot Chardonnay Chutney
Cocktail Onions
Ham Glaze
Hard Sauce
Mincemeats
Non-Pareil Capers
Peach Zinfandel Chutney
Plum Pudding

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

Can I get your recipe for making products 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 Crosse & Blackwell product 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).

Why does it say Nestle’s on my product label?
As of April 2004, the Crosse & Blackwell brand has been a proud member of The J.M. Smucker Company family of products. Your grocery store should be stocking your favorite products with the updated labels that reflect this change shortly.

Is your mincemeat product cooked?
Yes, our mincemeat is fully cooked.

What is the difference between products such as jellies, marmalades and fruit curd?
JELLY is made from fruit juice. Jelly is clear and firm enough to hold its shape in the container.

MARMALADE is jelly with shreds of citrus peel.

FRUIT CURD is made with citrus fruit juice and eggs.

What is the difference between a chutney and a relish?
CHUTNEYS and RELISHES are seasoned condiments. Chutney is typically made with fruit; relish is normally made with vegetables.

Some relishes, like Chow Chow Piccalilli and Branston Pickle relish, are authentic British specialties.

CHOW CHOW PICCALILLI is a crunchy mustard and pickle relish originally developed by a famous 19th century British chef.

BRANSTON® PICKLE RELISH is a classic British favorite made with vegetables, pickles, dates, apples and tomatoes.

What is a caper?
CAPERS are small, seasoned buds from the caper tree preserved in vinegar and salt. Non-pareil capers are the smallest, most desirable variety.

What is the difference between Major Grey’s Chutney and Hot Mango Chutney?
Major Grey’s Chutney is considered the “signature” mango chutney flavor. Fruity and full-bodied, it is made with mangos and tamarind, and is milder than our Hot Mango flavor. Hot Mango Chutney mingles juicy mangos and red chili pepper with hints of lime and tamarind for a burst of sweet and heat.

What is the difference between Seafood Cocktail Sauce and Zesty Shrimp Sauce?
Both Crosse & Blackwell Seafood Cocktail Sauce and Crosse & Blackwell Zesty Shrimp Sauce are made with horseradish for robust flavor. Our Seafood Cocktail Sauce offers a milder horseradish flavor balanced with sweet tomato. Our Zesty Shrimp Sauce is full-bodied and spicy, with the extra kick of red chili pepper.

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.