Retailers sometimes ask: since packing happens in Homs, why not write "Made in Syria" on the bag? The question is understandable, since many customers like to support local production. The answer lies in the difference between making a product and packing it, and in the consumer's right to accurate information.
This is a general explanation of Tottibone's labeling approach, not legal advice.
What exactly does Tottibone do?
Tottibone Food Industries and Packaging Company buys finished products from suppliers it deals with, then re-packs them in Homs on automatic packaging machines. It does not manufacture jelly from raw materials. That is why its product pages, such as Jelly Bon Strawberry, say "packed by", not "made by".
Why packing alone does not change the country of origin
The international reference
Under international food labeling standards (Codex Alimentarius), a food's country of origin changes only if it undergoes processing that changes its nature. Re-packing, putting the same product into a new pack, does not.
Consumer protection
Consumer protection rules are generally built on preventing statements that mislead consumers, including on origin. Writing "Made in Syria" on a product made elsewhere and only re-packed here may count as such misleading.
The wording we use
- Packer and place of packing: "Packed by: Tottibone Food Industries & Packaging — Homs, Syria", as shown on our product pages.
- Country of origin: as stated in the supplier's documents and invoices.
If the original manufacturer is Syrian, the country of origin is Syria, and that fact is stated as it is.
Why this clarity matters
For consumers
They have the right to know where their food was made and who packed it.
For retailers
An accurate label protects the retailer too, with no questions from inspectors or customers.
For the brand
Trust is built on correct information.
Local work is real
We work from Homs, packing and supplying retailers in the local market, and we say it accurately: packed in Homs.
What retailers can tell customers
The most accurate answer is what the label says: who packed the product, where, and its country of origin. Show both statements on the bag, or invite the customer to scan the QR code on the back.
FAQ
Does this mean the product is always imported? No. The country of origin is stated according to the product's actual source, whatever it is.
Where do I find the country of origin? On the label on the back of the pack.
Contact us
For any question about Tottibone products or their labels, contact us via the Tottibone website.
