Now using certified organic nuts in all Spice Palace products.

23/09/25

Dear Valued Spice Palace Customers,

Since taking over the business from Rob, Duska and family nearly 2 years ago, there’s been very little that I’ve felt compelled to change. My hope is that you have been able to continue to trust and enjoy the Spice Palace range of dips, dukkas and spice blends.

I have long held the belief that the benefits of Organic food production will contribute to the sustainability of our long term food security and best support good health. As a commitment to that belief, I have made the decision to use only certified organic nuts in the dips and dukkas.

In addition to Kaye and David's pecans grown here in Murwillumbah, I’m working closely with Santos Organics to source Australian organic macadamias, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. Other certified organic ingredients that I get from Santos include chick peas, tahini, sesame seeds, tamari, salt and maple syrup.

It is well known that for a number of reasons, certified organic produce has a higher cost of production, which in my opinion, is a more accurate reflection of the actual cost of producing food, especially as it places a higher value on long term ecological sustainability.

But for me, committing to producing the highest quality level of food, comes with a higher cost of ingredients. In the local wholesale market, the cost of procuring the certified organic nuts listed above, compared to the highest quality non-organic nuts that I have been using up until now, is approximately double.

And so, I understand that the cost of feeding my family involves weighing up a whole lot of factors, ultimately leading to what ends up on the dinner table. My intention with this move is to more closely align what is already a very high quality product, to the values that I believe are ensuring our healthiest future, and take seriously your trust in me as a provider in your daily journey of sourcing good nourishment.

A consequence of using only organic nuts will cause an increase to the prices of the Spice Palace products and I have decided to apply it across the whole range to share the load. And, I believe that the Pumpkin and Macadamia Dip has never tasted so good!

Please take a look at 'Our Garden' page to see photos of my garden here at home where I grow a number of the ingredients I use in the dips, just like Rob and Duska did before. I am working toward a home grown garden, founded on organic growing practices that will provide many more of these ingredients!

Thank you for reading this and thank you for supporting my efforts!

Tom Jackson and family.