Terms and Conditions of Use

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions of Use (hereinafter referred to as “Terms and Conditions”) govern the access to and use of the websites under the domains saborbio.pt, saborbio.com, aessencia.pt, aessencia.com, casadofreixo.pt, and casadofreixo.com (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Websites”), owned by SABOR BIO LDA (hereinafter, “SABOR BIO”).

SABOR BIO is a limited liability company established and operating under the laws of Portugal, with its registered office at Beco do Freixo, No. 4, Moita-Alvorninha, 2500-368 Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, and registered with the Commercial Registry Office of Leiria under the sole registration and corporate tax number 509936164.

By accessing and using the Websites or purchasing products online, the user (hereinafter referred to as the “User” or “Client”) declares that they have read, understood, and fully and unreservedly accepted these Terms and Conditions as well as the Privacy Policy. Such acceptance constitutes a binding agreement between the User and SABOR BIO, without prejudice to any other applicable legal or regulatory provisions.

These Terms and Conditions are made available prior to the formalization of any product order by the Client or potential Client, with the most recent version applicable to each transaction.

If the User does not agree, either partially or fully, with these Terms and Conditions, they must immediately cease access to the Websites and any associated services, including the online store.

SABOR BIO reserves the right to amend, update, or modify these Terms and Conditions, as well as the commercial offerings presented, at any time and without prior notice. Such amendments will be published on the Websites and will be effective from the date of their availability. Users are advised to periodically review the Terms and Conditions to ensure their agreement with the current terms.

 

2. Conditions for Access and Use of the Websites

2.1 Access Requirements

Access to the Websites is strictly reserved for individuals who meet the legal requirements for alcohol consumption in their respective country of access. By accessing or using the Websites, the User declares, under their sole responsibility, that they fulfill this condition.

Purchasing products through the online store is exclusively reserved for individuals of legal age who possess full legal capacity to enter into contracts, as provided by applicable law. By placing an order, the Client expressly declares compliance with these requirements and acknowledges that supporting documentation may be requested for validation purposes.

The purchase of alcoholic beverages through the online store is explicitly prohibited for minors and for individuals subject to legal restrictions regarding the purchase of alcoholic beverages. By placing an order, the User declares, under oath, that they meet these requirements and commits not to provide the purchased products to third parties who do not fulfill the same legal conditions.

Browsing the Websites and purchasing products online does not require user account registration, except when necessary to access specific functionalities or services. SABOR BIO reserves the right to limit or condition access to certain information, offers, services, or functionalities exclusively to registered users or professional clients, based on criteria defined for each situation.

Access to the information provided on the Websites is free of charge and does not grant the User any intellectual or industrial property rights over the presented content.

2.2 Submission of Personal Data

The submission of personal data by the User, including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, and email address, is mandatory for the purchase of products and the formalization of sales contracts. The User commits to providing accurate, complete, and up-to-date information, being responsible for the veracity of such data and any consequences arising from omissions or inaccuracies in the submitted information. SABOR BIO reserves the right to verify the submitted data and may, at its sole discretion, suspend or discontinue the provision of services or products if material inaccuracies or omissions are detected.

The data submitted by Users will be processed in accordance with SABOR BIO’s Privacy Policy and applicable legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Submission of additional data requested for statistical or promotional purposes is optional and conditioned upon the User's explicit consent.

For further information, please consult our Privacy Policy.

2.3 Obligations of Clients and Users

The User agrees to use the Websites exclusively for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. Any use that may violate legal provisions, offend public order or morals, or cause harm to SABOR BIO or third parties is expressly prohibited.

SABOR BIO shall not be held liable for the User's failure to comply with the aforementioned obligations. In cases of misuse of the Websites, violation of the Terms and Conditions, provision of false or misleading information, or breach of applicable legal provisions, SABOR BIO may, at any time and without prior notice, alter, restrict, suspend, or discontinue the User’s access to the Websites, in whole or in part, including any functionalities, services, or content, without prejudice to other applicable legal measures.

The User acknowledges that access to the Websites, being free of charge, does not guarantee permanent availability or continuity of service.

2.4 Registration on the Websites

Access to the Websites or online store purchases is not conditioned upon prior registration as a user or client. However, registration may be required for the use of certain features or to access exclusive benefits provided by SABOR BIO.

Registration on the Websites can be optionally completed during the purchase process in the online store or via the header of any page on the Websites. In such cases, the User will be asked to provide an email address. To complete registration, the User must confirm their email address and create a password for access. Subsequently, they may access their account to add further information, though this is not mandatory.

The User is responsible for the security of their password and must not share it with third parties. Any actions performed through the Client's account will be presumed to have been carried out by the account holder unless proven otherwise. SABOR BIO is not liable for unauthorized access or operations resulting from negligence in safeguarding the password.

In case of loss, forgotten credentials, or suspected unauthorized use, the User may immediately recover or change their password through the functionality available on the Websites or by contacting SABOR BIO via the provided contact details.

 

3. Content and Intellectual Property of the Websites

3.1 Intellectual Property

The texts, images, graphics, logos, videos, illustrations, trademarks, and any other distinctive elements or signs presented on the Websites (hereinafter referred to as the "Content") are the exclusive property of SABOR BIO or are legally used with third-party authorization. These are protected by intellectual property rights, including copyrights, registered trademarks, patents, and other applicable rights.

Any reproduction, distribution, modification, public communication, extraction, or reuse of the Content, in whole or in part, for purposes other than strictly personal use, is expressly prohibited without the prior written authorization of SABOR BIO. Similarly, the use of automated tools or any other mechanisms to access, copy, modify, or monitor the websites without prior authorization from SABOR BIO is strictly prohibited.

3.2 Provided Information and Warranties

SABOR BIO makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on the Websites is accurate, complete, and up to date. However, SABOR BIO does not guarantee the absence of errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or the continuity, security, or uninterrupted availability of the services offered through the websites.

The information on the Websites is provided for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute advice, recommendations, or guarantees of any kind unless expressly stated otherwise.

3.3 User-Provided Content

Users submitting content to the Websites, such as comments, reviews, suggestions, communications, or any other contributions (hereinafter referred to as "User Content"), guarantee that such content does not infringe upon intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of third parties and does not include illegal, offensive, or defamatory material.

The User Content is the sole responsibility of its respective authors. SABOR BIO reserves the right to monitor, moderate, or remove User Content deemed inappropriate, illegal, or in violation of these Terms and Conditions, but it is not obligated to review such content beforehand.

By submitting User Content, the author grants SABOR BIO a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and universal license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and display the content in accordance with applicable laws, unless otherwise specified.

3.4 Links to Other Websites

The Websites may contain hyperlinks to third-party websites. These links are provided solely for the convenience of the user and do not imply any approval or responsibility by SABOR BIO for the content, products, or services available on such external websites. The use of these links is at the user's own risk.

 

4. Electronic Communications and Email Usage

4.1 Use of Emails for Transactional Purposes

The email address provided by the User when making a purchase will be used exclusively for communications directly related to the execution and management of that purchase, such as order confirmation, shipping information, customer support, or other related clarifications.

The email address provided during website registration will be used for necessary communications related to the maintenance and management of the user account, including notifications about changes to the Terms and Conditions, technical updates, and account functionality information.

The email address submitted through the contact form will only be used for communications regarding the purpose of that specific contact.

4.2 Newsletters and Non-Transactional Communications

Newsletters or other promotional communications will only be sent with the User's explicit prior consent, in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR. Users can subscribe to newsletters through the forms provided on the Websites.

Users may opt-out of receiving non-transactional communications at any time and free of charge by using the "unsubscribe" link included in each promotional email or by contacting SABOR BIO directly through the channels specified in the Privacy Policy.

4.3 Data Storage and Protection

Email addresses provided by users will be stored in compliance with the best information security practices and only for the duration necessary to fulfill the specific purposes for which they were collected, unless longer retention periods are required by law.

For further information, please consult our Privacy Policy.

4.4 Misuse Restrictions

The use of SABOR BIO's or other users' email addresses provided on the Websites for illicit purposes is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, sending spam, malicious content, or unsolicited commercial messages unrelated to SABOR BIO's activities.

Violations of this provision may result in appropriate legal action, including restrictions on website access and reporting the violations to competent authorities.

 

5. Product Policy

5.1 Product Information

The catalog of available products reflects the range, produced by SABOR BIO, selected for online sales. The product selection presented online may differ from those available at other points of sale.

While SABOR BIO makes reasonable efforts to ensure that product information, including descriptions, technical specifications, images, prices, and sales terms, is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, it does not guarantee the absence of errors or omissions. SABOR BIO reserves the right to correct inaccuracies, update, or modify information at any time without prior notice.

Customers are advised to review the information on product labels before consuming or using them. For additional information, customers may contact SABOR BIO through the provided support channels.

5.2 Changes to the Catalog and Product Availability

SABOR BIO reserves the right to modify the online store’s product catalog at any time, including adding, removing, or altering features, information, or prices. Such changes will not affect already confirmed orders, except in cases of obvious error or other legally justifiable situations.

Product availability is subject to stock levels at the time of purchase confirmation. Orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and in cases of stock depletion, the customer will be informed and may choose to substitute the product, cancel the order, or wait until stock is replenished.

SABOR BIO reserves the right to limit the quantities of products that can be purchased online. For large-quantity orders, customers should contact SABOR BIO to arrange specific conditions.

5.3 Own Production and Quality

SABOR BIO products are developed and produced in accordance with high standards of quality and authenticity, fully complying with applicable Portuguese and European laws, particularly regarding health, hygiene, and food safety.

As many of the products are of natural and agricultural origin, variations in aspects such as taste, color, or texture may occur without compromising their safety or integrity. SABOR BIO is not liable for these natural variations.

5.4 Sales to Consumers and Professional Clients

The online store caters to both end consumers and professional clients. Certain conditions, including pricing, delivery methods, or legal requirements, may vary depending on the type of customer. These conditions align with SABOR BIO's commercial policy and comply with applicable laws.

5.5 Product Reviews and Comparisons

SABOR BIO encourages customers to share honest feedback and reviews based on real experiences with purchased products. Only reviews from customers who have actually purchased the product in question will be accepted to ensure authenticity and relevance.

Reviews must adhere to objectivity and good faith standards. If a review raises concerns or dissatisfaction, SABOR BIO commits to investigating the issue and, if applicable, contacting the customer. However, it reserves the right to moderate, edit, or delete reviews deemed abusive, offensive, fraudulent, or unrelated to legitimate product use.

SABOR BIO may also provide tools for product comparisons, enabling customers to make more informed decisions based on features, specifications, and reviews.

5.6 Product Ranking and Organization

The online store organizes and ranks products to optimize the customer browsing experience. Ranking criteria include popularity, price, reviews, release date, or other parameters established by SABOR BIO.

Customers can, when available, adjust the ranking criteria according to their preferences. Ranking does not imply any specific guarantee or recommendation about the displayed products.

SABOR BIO may highlight certain products as part of promotional campaigns or commercial strategies, clearly identified to ensure transparency.

The ranking aims to facilitate product accessibility and provide an efficient and personalized shopping experience while adhering to principles of integrity and clarity in customer relations.

 

6. Pricing Policy

6.1 General Provisions

The prices of products displayed in SABOR BIO's online store are expressed in euros (€) and include Value Added Tax (VAT) and, when applicable, the Excise Duty on Alcoholic Beverages (IABA) at the legal rate in effect in Portugal at the time of purchase. These prices apply exclusively to purchases made through the website and may differ from those charged through other sales channels.

SABOR BIO reserves the right to modify product prices in the online store at any time and without prior notice, except for already accepted orders, unless in cases of obvious error or force majeure.

6.2 Errors and Omissions in Pricing

While SABOR BIO strives to ensure accurate and up-to-date pricing information, errors or omissions may occur. In the case of an obvious error, SABOR BIO reserves the right to correct the price and notify the customer before processing the order. If the customer does not accept the corrected price, the order will be canceled, and any amounts paid will be fully refunded.

6.3 Shipping Costs

The prices displayed in the online store do not include shipping costs, which are calculated and added to the final order value at checkout. Shipping costs are determined based on the selected shipping method, delivery destination, and the total weight or volume of the order.

SABOR BIO offers customers the option to simulate shipping costs before finalizing the purchase by entering the necessary information in the shipping cost simulation tool available in the shopping cart.

6.4 Discounts and Benefits

At its sole discretion, SABOR BIO may offer discounts or other financial benefits to customers. These may apply to product values based on specific conditions, including but not limited to the quantity of products purchased, the selected shipping method, or the agreed payment terms.

Such conditions will always be communicated transparently and in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring adherence to consumer protection and competition regulations.

6.5 Minimum Purchase Requirements

SABOR BIO reserves the right to establish minimum purchase values or minimum unit quantities as a requirement for order validation and processing. These conditions, if applicable, will be clearly communicated to the customer during the purchase process, prior to completion.

 

7. Order Placement and Management Policy

7.1. Legal Nature of the Order

Orders placed through SABOR BIO’s online store are treated as purchase proposals submitted by the Client, and their acceptance is subject to explicit confirmation by SABOR BIO. The order is formally accepted upon the issuance of an invoice or other written communication, at which point the purchase agreement is deemed concluded.

If the Client wishes to include their tax identification number (TIN) on the invoice, it must be provided during checkout in the designated field. Alternatively, the Client may provide this information to SABOR BIO in writing via the contact channels provided, prior to finalizing the purchase. The invoice will be sent with the order.

7.2. Order Cancellation and Modification

The Client may request to cancel their order before it has been shipped, with such a request communicated in writing through the contact channels provided by SABOR BIO. In this case, any payments made will be refunded in full to the Client. Once dispatched, orders can only be canceled or returned in accordance with applicable law and SABOR BIO’s return policy.

Any modifications to the order after submission—including changes to products, quantities, or delivery methods—are subject to SABOR BIO's approval. Clients must request such changes in writing through the means indicated on the website. SABOR BIO reserves the right to decline modifications that may compromise order processing or delivery.

7.3. Processing and Payment

Orders will only be processed after confirmation of payment unless otherwise agreed upon and explicitly authorized by SABOR BIO. Failure to complete payment within 30 (thirty) days will result in automatic cancellation of the order without prior notice.

7.4. Additional Provisions

SABOR BIO reserves the right to refuse orders at any time if they do not comply with the Terms and Conditions, including but not limited to orders placed by Clients who do not meet the legal requirements for purchasing alcoholic beverages or whose identification details are insufficient or incorrect.

Additionally, SABOR BIO cannot be held responsible for delays or failures in processing orders due to external factors or force majeure, including technical issues, system interruptions, or legal or regulatory restrictions.

 

8. Payment and Processing Policy

8.1. Accepted Payment Methods

SABOR BIO offers Clients several payment options for purchases made through its online store, including MBWay, Multibanco Reference, Payshop, Credit or Debit Card, and Bank Transfer. SABOR BIO reserves the right to modify, add, or remove payment methods available on the online store at any time and without prior notice, ensuring that such changes do not affect previously accepted orders.

Payments on SABOR BIO’s online store are processed by authorized third-party platforms, such as IfThenPay, Stripe, and banking institutions. These entities ensure the secure management of transactions and the confidentiality of payment data. Payments are subject to the terms and conditions established by the respective payment processors.

8.2. Non-Storage of Payment Data

SABOR BIO does not collect, store, or directly process sensitive data related to payment methods used by Clients, such as credit or debit card numbers. All payment data is encrypted and transmitted directly to external payment platforms, ensuring compliance with prevailing security standards.

8.3. Responsibility for Payments

The Client is responsible for ensuring that the payment information entered during the transaction process is accurate and up-to-date. SABOR BIO cannot be held liable for transaction failures resulting from Client errors, insufficient funds, or other factors beyond its control.

In cases where payment is not completed or validated within 30 (thirty) days, the order will be automatically canceled. However, the Client retains the option to submit a new purchase proposal.

 

9. Delivery and Transportation Terms

9.1. Order Shipment

SABOR BIO commits to ensuring that orders are ready for dispatch or collection within a maximum of 24 (twenty-four) hours after payment confirmation, except under exceptional circumstances or force majeure. The shipment of the order will depend on the availability and operational timelines of the selected carrier.

For Clients opting for direct collection at SABOR BIO’s facilities, a notification will be sent to inform them when the order is ready for pickup.

SABOR BIO provides a tracking system on its website for monitoring the status of order shipments, complemented by email notifications. However, the estimated delivery date will be determined solely by the carrier, and SABOR BIO disclaims responsibility for any delays caused by the carrier.

9.2. Order Receipt

Deliveries will be made exclusively on business days and during standard business hours. Only one delivery attempt will be made at the address provided by the Client. Deliveries to P.O. boxes are not permitted.

If the Client anticipates being unavailable at the time of delivery, they must inform SABOR BIO in advance so that, if applicable, a carrier allowing delivery to a collection point can be selected. This option may incur additional costs, which will be borne by the Client.

If the order cannot be delivered due to the Client’s absence or incorrect address details, it will be returned to the sender. In such cases, the costs of re-shipping or order cancellation, including transportation fees, will be charged to the Client.

9.3. Product Verification Upon Delivery

The Client is responsible for inspecting the condition of the products upon delivery. If visible damages are detected, the Client should refuse the order or file a claim with the carrier at the time of delivery and notify SABOR BIO within 24 (twenty-four) hours. Failure to do so will be deemed acceptance of the delivery as compliant.

In cases of damage caused by third parties (e.g., carriers), SABOR BIO cannot be held liable unless a formal claim is registered with the carrier at the time of delivery. Nonetheless, SABOR BIO will assist in resolving the issue, including reshipping the products or issuing a refund, provided the claim complies with stipulated procedures.

9.4. International Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages

The Client is responsible for ensuring that the purchased products, particularly alcoholic beverages, can be legally imported and received in the destination country, state, or province. The Client must also ensure that the order is received by someone of legal drinking age in the destination jurisdiction.

All alcoholic beverages are subject to alcohol taxes in the destination country. These taxes are not included in the listed price and must be paid directly by the Client to their local authorities. For certain countries, purchases must be made through an authorized importer. Clients are advised to contact their local customs office for additional information on restrictions and formalities before placing an order.

Due to these additional requirements, SABOR BIO does not allow direct purchases through its online store for clients located outside Portugal. For international purchases, Clients must contact SABOR BIO directly through the provided contact channels.

For deliveries outside the European Union, SABOR BIO is not responsible for product seizures by customs authorities or additional fees and charges imposed at the destination. If an order is returned due to customs-related issues, SABOR BIO will only refund the value of the products, excluding shipping costs.

 

10. Returns and Refunds Policy

10.1. Right of Withdrawal

In accordance with applicable law, Clients who purchase products through SABOR BIO’s online store as consumers are entitled to withdraw from the contract without providing any reason within 14 (fourteen) calendar days from the date of receipt of the products.

To exercise the right of withdrawal, Clients must notify SABOR BIO of their decision via a clear statement sent to info@saborbio.pt or through the contact form available on the website.

10.2. Return Conditions and Procedures

Clients must return the products within 14 (fourteen) calendar days of notifying SABOR BIO of their decision to withdraw from the contract, sending them to the following address: SABOR BIO LDA, Beco do Freixo 4, Moita-Alvorninha, 2500-368 Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. The Client is responsible for ensuring that the products are adequately packaged to prevent damage during transport.

Returned products must be in the same condition as received, including original packaging, intact warranty seals (if applicable), and free from signs of misuse or damage. If the returned products show signs of improper handling or are in a different condition than received, SABOR BIO reserves the right to refuse a refund or apply a proportional reduction to the refund amount.

10.3. Refunds

Refunds will be processed within 14 (fourteen) calendar days of receiving the returned products and verifying their condition. Whenever possible, the refund will be issued using the same payment method employed by the Client during purchase. No fees will be charged to the Client for the refund.

The Client is responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to verified defects or quality issues. In such cases, SABOR BIO will cover the return shipping costs upon review and confirmation of the reported issue.

10.4. Non-Conforming or Defective Products

SABOR BIO guarantees the quality and conformity of delivered products. If products show defects or non-conformities attributable to SABOR BIO, the Client must return the product.

After evaluating the reported issue, and if it is confirmed not to result from the product’s natural characteristics, SABOR BIO will replace the product or refund the Client the full amount paid, including shipping and return costs.

SABOR BIO is not liable for defects caused by misuse, negligence, improper storage, force majeure, alterations made to the product by the Client, or damage caused by third parties.

 

11. Management of Complaints and Suggestions

11.1. Customer Support

SABOR BIO values customer feedback and provides specific channels for submitting complaints, suggestions, and inquiries. Customers may contact SABOR BIO via:

Email: info@saborbio.pt
Website: through the contact form
Phone: +351 96 762 11 94 (calls charged at national mobile network rates)
Mail: SABOR BIO LDA, Beco do Freixo 4, Moita-Alvorninha, 2500-368 Caldas da Rainha, Portugal

Customer support is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding public holidays. To ensure service quality and compliance with legal obligations, phone calls may be recorded unless the Customer expressly objects. In such cases, the Customer may opt for written communication.

11.2. Alternative Dispute Resolution

SABOR BIO provides access to the Complaints Book, available through a link in the footer of all website pages. In accordance with Portuguese Law No. 144/2015, of September 8, in the event of a consumer dispute, Customers may resort to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) entity. To identify the appropriate entity, Customers can consult the list available on the Consumer Portal at www.consumidor.gov.pt. Additional information is also available on the "Disputes" page.

Under Regulation (EU) No. 524/2013, SABOR BIO informs Customers residing in the European Union that they may submit complaints related to online transactions via the European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform, accessible at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr.

It is noted that using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms does not affect the Customer's right to seek redress through the competent judicial authorities. In case of a dispute, the court of Caldas da Rainha shall have exclusive jurisdiction, with express waiver of any other jurisdiction.

11.3. Responsibility and Cooperation

SABOR BIO is committed to acting in good faith when managing complaints and participating in dispute resolution processes, striving to resolve issues promptly and fairly. To ensure proper handling of complaints or suggestions, the Customer must provide complete information, including the order number, a detailed description of the issue or suggestion, and any relevant documents or evidence. Complaints submitted abusively, using offensive language, or in violation of legal standards may be rejected.

For further clarification on complaint and suggestion management procedures, Customers may contact SABOR BIO directly, which remains available to provide all necessary assistance.

 

12. Final and General Provisions

12.1. Limitation of Liability

SABOR BIO endeavors to ensure that the information provided on its websites is accurate, complete, and up to date. However, SABOR BIO assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use or inability to use the websites, including but not limited to access interruptions, technical failures, or incorrect information.

SABOR BIO shall not be held liable for delays or failure to meet contractual obligations due to force majeure, such as natural disasters, pandemics, armed conflicts, government actions, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

12.2. Indemnification

The Customer agrees to indemnify SABOR BIO for any losses, damages, costs, or expenses, including reasonable legal fees, resulting from violations of these Terms and Conditions or any improper use of the websites or purchased products, including non-compliance with applicable legal provisions regarding alcohol consumption in the destination country.

12.3. International Access

These Terms and Conditions are written in Portuguese and made available to the Customer in the same language. In case of discrepancies between translations into other languages, the Portuguese version shall prevail.

Access to the websites from countries outside Portugal is the sole responsibility of the User. It is the User's responsibility to ensure that the use of the websites and the purchase of products comply with the applicable laws of their country of residence, including but not limited to restrictions on the importation of alcoholic beverages.

12.4. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed by Portuguese law and the applicable laws of the European Union. Any dispute not resolved through alternative dispute resolution means shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the court of Caldas da Rainha, with express waiver of any other jurisdiction.

Should any provision of these Terms and Conditions be declared null, invalid, or unenforceable by a competent judicial or administrative authority, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions, which shall continue to produce all their effects.

 

Last updated: 12/12/2024