Welcome to the website of ARETE TRADE CO (PTY) LTD, trading as Arete Trade Co. (“Arete Trade Co.”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website and any enquiries, communications, or services initiated through it.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the website.

1. About Arete Trade Co.

Arete Trade Co. is a strategic agricultural and commodity trade company that sources and supplies agricultural and commodity products locally and internationally, including services such as commodity sourcing, import and export facilitation, private label coffee supply, bulk commodity trading, supplier and buyer matching, and trade consulting.

Registered Name: ARETE TRADE CO (PTY) LTD
Trading Name: Arete Trade Co.
Business Address: 152 Dallas Avenue, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0010, South Africa

2. Use of This Website

You may use this website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to:

• use the website in any way that violates any applicable law or regulation
• attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website, server, or related systems
• interfere with the operation or security of the website
• submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information through contact forms or enquiries
• use the website to harm, threaten, defame, or harass others
• copy, scrape, reproduce, or exploit website content for commercial purposes without written permission

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate access to the website for any user who breaches these Terms.

3. Website Content

The content on this website is provided for general information only. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee that all website content is complete, accurate, or current at all times.

Any information on the website regarding products, sourcing opportunities, trade services, logistics, availability, lead times, or market-related matters is subject to change without notice.

4. No Offer or Binding Agreement Through Website Use

Use of this website, including submitting an enquiry form, sending an email, or requesting information, does not automatically create a binding contract between you and Arete Trade Co.

Any supply arrangement, sourcing engagement, commodity transaction, logistics coordination, consulting service, or trade deal will only become binding if confirmed separately in writing by authorised representatives of Arete Trade Co., subject to agreed commercial terms.

5. Services

The website may describe services including:

• commodity sourcing
• import and export facilitation
• private label coffee supply
• bulk commodity trading
• supplier and buyer matching
• trade consulting

All services are subject to:

• availability
• market conditions
• supplier performance
• logistics and transport conditions
• regulatory and customs requirements
• country-specific legal restrictions
• written commercial agreement where applicable

We reserve the right to modify, withdraw, or refuse any service request at our discretion.

6. International Trade and Transaction Risk

Because Arete Trade Co. operates in South Africa and internationally, and facilitates trade relationships across multiple regions, users acknowledge that international trade involves risks, delays, and variables outside our direct control, including:

• shipping and freight disruptions
• customs delays
• regulatory changes
• import or export restrictions
• exchange rate fluctuations
• supplier disruptions
• force majeure events
• document processing delays
• changes in product availability or pricing

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Arete Trade Co. does not guarantee that any specific trade outcome, delivery timeline, sourcing result, or commercial objective will be achieved.

7. Quotes, Pricing, and Availability

Any pricing, estimates, trade terms, or indicative information on the website or shared after an enquiry:

• are for information purposes only unless expressly stated otherwise
• may change without notice
• may depend on quantity, origin, quality, seasonality, shipping terms, and market conditions
• do not constitute a final or binding offer unless confirmed in writing

Products and services may be subject to minimum order quantities, product specifications, Incoterms, payment structures, and other transaction-specific conditions. The questionnaire indicates, for example, that order size and payment structure may vary depending on product and deal terms.

8. User Information and Enquiries

If you submit information through our website, you agree that:

• the information is accurate and complete
• you have the right to provide that information
• you will update us if important details change
• your enquiry does not violate any law or third-party rights

We may use the information you submit to respond to enquiries, assess service suitability, communicate with you, and develop a potential business relationship, in line with our Privacy Policy.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, branding, graphics, logos, layouts, images, downloads, and design elements, is owned by or licensed to Arete Trade Co. unless otherwise stated.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, republish, transmit, display, or commercially exploit any website content without our prior written consent.

10. Third-Party Links and Resources

This website may include links to third-party websites, services, documents, logistics partners, social platforms, or external resources. These are provided for convenience only.

We do not control and are not responsible for:

• the content of third-party websites
• the availability of third-party platforms
• the terms, policies, or practices of external providers
• any loss or damage arising from use of third-party services

Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk.

11. No Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the website and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

Arete Trade Co. makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding:

• uninterrupted or error-free operation of the website
• accuracy, completeness, or reliability of website content
• fitness for a particular purpose
• merchantability
• freedom from viruses, malware, or harmful components
• suitability of any product or service for your specific business needs

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Arete Trade Co. shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising out of or related to:

• your use of or inability to use the website
• reliance on website content
• technical failures or website downtime
• errors or omissions in website content
• delays, interruptions, or failures in communications
• third-party systems, platforms, or providers
• trade losses, lost profits, lost opportunities, or business interruption

Where liability cannot be excluded by law, it will be limited to the minimum extent permitted by applicable law.

13. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Arete Trade Co., its directors, employees, contractors, affiliates, and representatives from and against any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses arising from:

• your breach of these Terms
• your misuse of the website
• your violation of any law or third-party right
• any false, inaccurate, or misleading information submitted by you

14. Privacy

Your use of this website is also subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information.

15. Changes to the Website or Terms

We may update, change, suspend, or remove any part of the website or these Terms at any time without prior notice.

Updated Terms will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Your continued use of the website after changes are posted means you accept the revised Terms.

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, unless otherwise required by mandatory law.

Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or use of the website will be subject to the jurisdiction of the appropriate courts of South Africa, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

17. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact:

Arete Trade Co. (Pty) Ltd
152 Dallas Avenue, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0010, South Africa
Email: barco@ddmgroup.co.za
Phone: +27 79 488 1730