- What areas are served by PreGel America's Distribution?
PreGel America serves as the distribution center for North America. To efficiently serve our market we have warehouses located in Concord, NC and Grapevine, TX, which support our PreGel Canada, PreGel Mexico and PreGel America Latina subsidiaries.
- What are the Domestic Shipment Guidelines?
- On average, all orders will be shipped within three business days of the order being placed within our order system.
- Shipping times may vary based on the customer’s location, order volume, product availability, peak seasons, inclement weather and annual business and national holidays.
- Standard shipping methods are UPS Ground and various LTL carriers.
- To qualify for free standard shipping (does not include accessorial fees such as liftgate, residential, inside delivery, etc.) the following criteria must be met:
- For the 48 contiguous states:
- Order must be a total minimum of $1,900.00 after applying any promotions or discounts (if applicable)
- Of this $1900.00, $1000.00 must consist of PreGel brand ingredients
- Entire order must ship to one (1) delivery address.
- Special shipping instructions must be communicated by the customer at the time the order is placed
- The customer will be charged for any non-standard shipping charges/ accessorial fees which include but are not limited to the following non-standard services:
- Inside delivery
- Lift gate service
- Shipment redirection/ Interception (address change)
- Residential delivery
- Call before delivery instructions
- Sort and Segregate (lumper fees)
- Guaranteed time delivery services/ expedited delivery
- Redelivery
- Order must be a total minimum of $1,900.00 after applying any promotions or discounts (if applicable)
- For the 48 contiguous states:
Notes: These additional services will be added to the invoice or billed at a later date. Carrier may bill the customer directly for these additional services. PreGel is not responsible for paying the carrier for these additional, non-standard shipping fees.
- For Puerto Rico
- Order must be a total minimum of $2,500.00 after applying any promotions or discounts (if applicable)
- Of this $2,500.00, $1,300.00 must consist of PreGel brand ingredients
- Entire order must ship to one (1) delivery address.
- Special shipping instructions must be communicated by the customer at the time the order is placed
- The customer will be charged for any non-standard shipping charges/ accessorial fees which include but are not limited to the following non-standard services:
- Inside delivery
- Lift gate service
- Shipment redirection/ Interception (address change)
- Residential delivery
- Call before delivery instructions
- Sort and Segregate (lumper fees)
- Guaranteed time delivery services/ expedited delivery
- Redelivery
- Order must be a total minimum of $2,500.00 after applying any promotions or discounts (if applicable)
Notes: These additional services will be added to the invoice or billed at a later date. Carrier may bill the customer directly for these additional services. PreGel is not responsible for paying the carrier for these additional, non-standard service fees.
- For Alaska, Guam and Hawaii
- Order must be a total minimum of $6,000.00 after applying any promotions or discounts (if applicable)
- Of this $6,000.00, $3,120.00 must consist of PreGel brand ingredients.
- Entire order must ship to one (1) delivery address.
- Special shipping instructions must be communicated by the customer at the time the order is placed
- The customer will be charged for any non-standard shipping charges/ accessorial fees which include but are not limited to the following non-standard services:
- Inside delivery
- Lift gate service
- Shipment redirection/ Interception (address change)
- Residential delivery
- Call before delivery instructions
- Sort and Segregate (lumper fees)
- Guaranteed time delivery services/ expedited delivery
- Redelivery
- Order must be a total minimum of $6,000.00 after applying any promotions or discounts (if applicable)
- Notes: These additional services will be added to the invoice or billed at a later date. Carrier may bill the customer directly for these additional services. PreGel is not responsible for paying the carrier for these additional, non-standard service fees.
- What are your international shipping guidelines?
- The customer is responsible for providing and procuring a freight company that specializes in food shipments to the destination country where the shipment is going.
- The customer is responsible for procuring their own customs broker
- The customer must provide PreGel America with the proper information and documentation required by the country where the shipment will be received to ensure that the product arrives in a timely manner to their freight forwarder
- PreGel America will assist in procuring the required documents
- PreGel is not liable for any delays and/ or costs for shipments that are held in port because of misinformation and/or improper documentation.
- How can I track my shipment?
The easiest way to track your shipment is to locate the tracking number and carrier name found in the automatic email our system sends from . “Shipment Confirmation from PreGel America” will be in the subject line of the email. Go to the carrier’s website. There will be a place in the carrier’s website where you can type in the tracking number or PRO number. Enter the tracking number/ PRO# here. The carrier’s website will give you the progress of your shipment. If you are unable to access the Web or are having problems locating the information, please contact us at 704-707-0300.
- How do I become a customer?
We offer a few different options to set up an account to become a customer of ours. These options are:
- Speak with your local PreGel sales representative. Click on the following link to get connected with your local sales representative: https://pregelamerica.com/contact/?lang=en.
- Request to become a customer through our website. Click on the “Become a Customer” link in the upper right-hand corner of our website’s homepage: https://pregelamerica.com/become-a-customer/.
- Request to become a customer through the “Order Now” link in the upper right-hand corner of our website’s home page: https://shop.pregelamerica.com/profile/login.
- How do I place an order?
For the convenience of our customers, we offer several different ways to place an order:
- Call your local sales representative or inside sales representative with your order
- Email your local sales representative or inside sales representative with your order
- Text the order to your local sales representative
- Place your order online in our online store by clicking on this link: https://shop.pregelamerica.com/profile/login.
- What forms of payment are accepted?
- Prepayment by credit card – credit card needs to be issued by a financial institution based in the United States
- Prepayment by check
- Prepayment by wire
- Bank of America counter deposit
- Credit terms
- How do I receive credit terms?
- Request terms from your local sales representative or your inside sales team member
- A credit application will be emailed to you
- The application MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL
- Trade Reference Section – Must include a minimum of three valid credit references
- Vendor name
- Vendor address
- Vendor phone
- Vendor fax
- If you have an account number with the vendor, include that as well
- Failure to complete the application can delay the credit application process as the form will be returned for the applicant to complete
- Upon completion, email or fax the credit application to our accounting department:
- Once the completed application is received, PreGel will proceed with processing the application by requesting credit history from the references provided. The length of this process depends on how quickly the listed credit references respond to our request for information – on average, it takes approximately 30 business days.
- PreGel will review the credit history received from the listed references and communicate with the applicant with an informed decision.
- The entire process takes approximately 14 business days but can take longer depending on how quickly the credit references respond to our information requests.
- Trade Reference Section – Must include a minimum of three valid credit references
- How are credit limits determined?
New Customers:
- Credit limits will be approved based on the above standard terms, the amount of the sale and the credit worthiness of the customer.
- Credit worthiness is determined by the best available credit information including but not limited to D & B ratings, credit information supplied by the credit references and vendors.
Existing Customers:
- Credit limits will be reviewed semiannually by PreGel’s accounting department (controller and accounts receivables personnel).
- Limits will be revised as necessary based on customer orders, customer credit worthiness and any other available information.
- What happens for past due credit customers?
- The account will automatically go on hold based on non-payment based on the customer’s individual terms and payment history with PreGel.
- No order will be released to ship until account is brought current
- An email communication will be sent to the pertinent contacts on the account making them aware
- Unsuccessful attempts at collection will result in a default account and will be turned over to a collection agency.
- What are your policies on returns, damages and replacements?
PreGel America is committed to 100% customer satisfaction. However, we understand there are situations that may cause you to return or not accept your purchase. Our policy for these occasions is as follows: RETURNS: For those items a customer would like to return to PreGel America:
- Customer must contact PreGel within five calendar days of the item(s) being delivered to the customer
- The case(s) must be unopened and all interior packaging must be intact and unopened
- Once reported, the customer will have 30 calendar days from the delivery date to return the product to PreGel
- The customer is responsible for shipping the item(s) back to PreGel, including shipping costs
- The customer will be charged a 10% restocking fee for the return
- Customer will not be refunded/ credited for the return under these conditions:
- Customer fails to return the item(s) to PreGel within 30 calendar days of communicating the desire to return the item(s).
- The item(s) returned are not in sellable condition – these reasons include but are not limited to:
- Item(s) not returned in original packaging
- Item(s) returned damaged
- Item(s) arrive incomplete – i.e – product missing from case
- What if an item is damaged in transit?
For those items damaged in transit:
- The customer has the right to refuse damaged goods and PreGel recommends for our customers to do so.
- For LTL orders (orders shipped on a pallet):
- Customer/ customer’s employees must notate any damage on the delivery receipt BEFORE the delivery receipt document is signed
- LTL carriers and shippers use this signed document as proof that the shipment arrived in full and in good condition with no liability to the carrier or PreGel. Failure to notate damaged product on the delivery receipt signed by the customer or the customer’s employees, will not be eligible for a refund or credit.
- PreGel recognizes not all damage is immediately visible. Once an order is delivered, we recommend that all cases are opened to ensure all internal packaging is intact.
- Upon opening a case, if the internal packaging is not intact:
- Contact PreGel immediately
- Customer must contact PreGel within 5 calendar days of the delivery date to report damage
- Customer must supply pictures of damaged goods:
- Exterior packaging
- Interior packaging
- Each package that is opened and leaking – i.e. if both buckets in a case are broken and leaking, carriers and PreGel require a picture of both damaged buckets, side by side in the same picture.
- Failure to contact PreGel within 5 calendar days of delivery or if pictures of the damaged product are not received, damaged item(s) will not be eligible for a refund or credit – including if a customer’s employee discards the damage product before pictures were taken and submitted, damages will not be eligible for refund or credit.
- Upon opening a case, if the internal packaging is not intact:
- Customer/ customer’s employees must notate any damage on the delivery receipt BEFORE the delivery receipt document is signed
- For ground shipments/ parcel shipments not delivered on a pallet:
- PreGel recognizes not all damage is immediately visible. Once an order is delivered, we recommend that all cases are opened to ensure all internal packaging is intact.
- Upon opening a case, if the internal packaging is not intact:
- Contact PreGel immediately
- Customer must contact PreGel within 5 calendar days of the delivery date to report damage
- Customer must supply pictures of damaged goods:
- Exterior packaging
- Interior packaging
- Each package that is opened and leaking – i.e. if both buckets in a case are broken and leaking, carriers and PreGel require a picture of both damaged buckets, side by side in the same picture.
- Failure to contact PreGel within 5 calendar days of delivery or if pictures of the damaged product are not received, damaged item(s) will not be eligible for a refund or credit – including if a customer’s employee discards the damage product before pictures were taken and submitted, damages will not be eligible for refund or credit.
- Upon opening a case, if the internal packaging is not intact:
- PreGel recognizes not all damage is immediately visible. Once an order is delivered, we recommend that all cases are opened to ensure all internal packaging is intact.
- For LTL orders (orders shipped on a pallet):
PreGel cannot guarantee that any damaged product is safe for human consumption. Please discard the product once required/necessary pictures have been provided to PreGel. Please keep in mind, if the contents of the package are not punctured or leaking the product is not considered damaged. Cosmetic damage (damage to the packaging) is not considered damage if the contents of the buckets, jars, bags, or boxes remain intact.
- The customer has the right to refuse damaged goods and PreGel recommends for our customers to do so.
- What if there is a mis-shipment / shipping error?
Occasionally, you may receive an item or items you did not order. If this happens, the following terms apply:
- Must be reported to PreGel within 5 calendar days of the delivery date
- PreGel will arrange the return of the item(s)
- Per the customer’s preference:
- UPS Call Tag
- UPS will come out within approximately the next 3 weeks to pick up the mis-shipped items.
- Customer must have the cases available for pick up.
- Shipping labels
- PreGel will email the customer UPS shipping labels
- Customer will need to print out the shipping labels and affix the labels to the case(s)
- Customer can then call UPS to schedule a pickup or take the packages to any UPS Store, UPS Terminal, or UPS Drop Site.
- Item(s) must be unopened and in the original packaging
- Item(s) must be returned to PreGel within 30 calendar days of delivery date
- Failure for the item(s) to be returned to PreGel within 30 calendar days or returned item(s) is/are incomplete may not be eligible for a refund or credit
- UPS Call Tag
- Per the customer’s preference:
- What if there is an error in my order?
PreGel encourages their customers to review all sales order confirmations emailed to them after an order is placed within our order system. Reviewing the order confirmation at the time the order is placed assists in catching any errors before the order leaves our PreGel warehouse. Occasionally, an item may be mis-keyed by a PreGel employee, or an incorrect item may be ordered by a customer or one of their employees. If this happens, the following terms apply:
- An item is mis-keyed onto the order by a PreGel employee
- Must be reported to PreGel within 5 calendar days of the delivery date
- PreGel will send out the correct item(s).
- PreGel will arrange the return of the item(s)
- Per the customer’s preference:
- UPS Call Tag
- UPS will come out within the next 3 weeks to pick up the mis-shipped items.
- Customer must have the cases available for pick up.
- Shipping labels
- PreGel will email the customer UPS shipping labels
- Customer will need to print out the shipping labels and affix the labels to the case(s)
- Customer can then call UPS to schedule a pickup or take the packages to any UPS Store, UPS Terminal, or UPS Drop Site.
- Item(s) must be unopened and in the original packaging
- Item(s) must be returned to PreGel within 30 calendar days of delivery date
- Failure for the item(s) to be returned to PreGel within 30 calendar days will result in PreGel charging the customer for the item(s).
- UPS Call Tag
- Customer or customer’s employee orders an incorrect item or items:
- The customer is responsible for the return of the item(s)
- Please refer to our RETURNS policy for pertinent details
- Per the customer’s preference:
- An item is mis-keyed onto the order by a PreGel employee
Frequently Asked Questions
Distribution & Billing Questions
PreGel Training
- Is there a fee for PreGel's International Training Centers classes?
PreGel America charges a single registration fee per person for participation in each class, in the following designated amounts:
- $129 One Day Course
- $189 Two Day Course
- $249 Three Day Course
PreGel offers lunch during all of our training classes free of charge. Please note that registration cannot be confirmed until payment is received. Click here to view class curriculum page.
- What is the cancellation/refund policy for the general Training Center classes?
PreGel reserves the right to cancel any class for any reason. In the event of a cancellation, PreGel will either transfer the registration fee for registered attendee(s) to a future class, or PreGel will refund the full registration fee to the registered attendee(s). PreGel is not responsible for any travel costs incurred due to class cancellations. Please note: registered students must contact PreGel to cancel their attendance in a general class a minimum of two (2) days/48 hours in advance in order to get a full refund. Refunds will not be available for registrants who choose not to attend a class without prior notification.
- When and where are the trainings? Do you do trainings at customer locations?
To view our current class offerings, click here. Also, check our Events section for off-site demos as well. Additionally, we are very flexible and want to help our customers, so call our International Training Centers to see about scheduling special visits to our facility at 704 707 0300. Our dedicated sales consultants can offer more information about on-site visits to customer locations.
- What kind of information can you supply to help me start a successful gelato business?
Incorporated into the training curriculum, PreGel offers several tools designed to help you launch a successful gelato business. Our training can provide direction when devising your pricing configuration, structuring your initial investment, establishing general employee guidelines, and so much more. View the current schedule for our International Training Centers or call our Special Service Team to learn more at 704 707 0300.
- Where are your International Training Centers located?
PreGel hosts a network of International Training Centers worldwide. Below are the U.S. locations: International Training Center – Charlotte
4450 Fortune Avenue NW Concord, NC 28027 Tel: 704 707 0300 Fax: 704 707 0301
International Training Center – Ft. Lauderdale 1475 W Cypress Creek Rd. Suite 205 Ft. Lauderdale , Florida 33309 Tel: 954 908 1535
PreGel Products and General Preparation Questions
- At what temperature should ingredients be stored?
All products should be stored between 15-20˚C/60-68˚F, with a relative humidity of 65% or less for best results.
- What is the nutritional content for my product?
PreGel can only provide nutritional information for our ingredient solutions. If you want to assess the nutritional content for the finished product you provide, we recommend that you partner with a local testing lab that can accurately provide nutritional information on your product.
- What should I do if a Paste, Arabeschi® or Topping begins to separate (oil from paste)?
This is generally true for most nut and chocolate products, as they carry natural oils within. To prevent separation, occasionally mix it like a soup. Shake toppings well.
- How long will my PreGel products last?
PreGel products have a shelf-life of 2-3 years once produced – whether it’s been opened or not has no bearing on the shelf-life. Although, remember to keep products well-sealed and do not keep in extreme temperatures, as both can shorten the life span and reduce the quality of the product. The expiration date indicated on your packaging is in European form, which is day/month/year. If you have questions on the product life, contact our Special Service Team.
- Do you decorate gelato?
Absolutely! Gelato is considered an artisan dessert which means the decoration is a large part of the whole ambiance of the gelato experience. PreGel’s Arabeschi® and Toppings are both used to decorate the finished product. Additionally, PreGel’s molds can be used to create mouthwatering gelato frozen pops, and more.
- How do you serve gelato?
Gelato is served with spades or spatulas, which allow for it to take on more of an artisan appearance.
- How do you present gelato?
There are three ways to present gelato. We suggest sculpted, flat, or mounds, and always showcased in a 5-liter pan. Gelato generally comes out of the batch freezer in a very natural way, and does not require much pressing or pushing. The result should be a very harmonious form.
- How long can I keep my gelato in the display case for?
We suggest anywhere from 3-5 days, however, this answer can slightly vary depending on various factors during preparation and if you are storing your gelato in a freezer overnight. A longer shelf-life may be achieved by preparing your gelato via Hot Process.
- What temperature does gelato have to be once it comes out of the batch freezer?
Temperatures should range between -7.8˚ to -5˚C/18˚F to 23˚F. At this point just 50-60 percent of water is frozen.
- What is the stocking temperature?
The stocking temperature in a freezer should be around -17.8˚C/-0.04˚F
- How much flavor paste do I need to use?
The amount of flavor paste for a standard 5-liter pan varies by recipe. PreGel hosts a helpful recipe database, where a variety of recipe books can be downloaded. You can also request that your dedicated sales consultant or special services representative email your desired recipe book choice. For special batches, please contact our International Training Centers.
- What is the difference between Hot and Cold Process?
Hot Process requires the heating of liquids, whereas Cold Process does not. To find out more about these different processes, attend one of our training classes.
- What is Arabeschi®?
PreGel Arabeschi® is a topping and filling for gelato, sorbetto, ice cream, frozen yogurt, soft serve, pastry, and beverages. As a topping, it is used to enhance the decoration of desserts. As a filling, it adds extra flavor and textural components to desserts or savory items. Our Arabeschi® line encompasses a variety of flavors including rich milk and dark chocolate, as well as selectively sourced nut and fruit varieties.
- What is a Stabilizer?
There are two types of stabilizers used in gelato and ice cream. One comes from animal sources and the most commonly used is gelatin or eggs. The other stabilizer is a vegetable source such as carrageenan, guar gum and locust bean gum. Stabilizers are used in gelato and ice cream for a variety of reasons, as they increase viscosity, improve the smoothness of the product body, and prevent ice crystal formation and melting.
- What is a Base?
PreGel Bases are well-balanced essential ingredients in powdered form that promote the highest quality flavor, texture, and ease-of-use for gelato and ice cream production. The base is pivotal for creating a velvety structure and texture that allows for desirable creaminess and softness.
- What are the basic ingredients in gelato?
Gelato is made up of liquid(s) and solid raw ingredients, stabilizers, emulsifiers, flavor ingredients, air, and other ingredients.
For example:
- Liquid Raw Ingredients: Water, milk, etc.
- Solid Raw Ingredients: Sugars, fats, Milk Solids Non-Fat (MSNFs)
- Stabilizers: Guar Gum, locust bean gum, etc.
- Emulsifiers: Mono- and di-glycerides
- Flavor Ingredients: Pastes, powders
- Air
- Other Ingredients: Other ingredients: Mineral salts, cocoa products, dry fruit, toppings and fillings PreGel’s distinct flavoring pastes are then added.