Why Can’t We Import More Alfajores Brands Into the UK?

The Truth Behind the Sweet Limitations

If you've ever asked us why we don’t stock certain beloved Argentine alfajores, like Cachafaz or Guaymallén, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get at Casa Argentina.

So today, we’re lifting the curtain and explaining exactly why our alfajores selection is currently limited, and what’s being done about it.

 

The Rules of the Game: UK & EU Food Import Laws

 

To legally import food products into the UK (and the EU), especially those containing dairy or animal-based ingredients, the producer must comply with strict POAO regulations, that stands for Products of Animal Origin.

This applies to any item that contains:

• Milk or cream (such as Dulce de Leche),

• Butter or clarified fats,

• Any meat derivatives or animal-based gelatin.

And alfajores, Argentina’s national sweet treat, almost always contain Dulce de Leche, which means they fall directly under these rules.

 

What Does That Mean for Brands Like Cachafaz?

 

Unless a manufacturer is fully approved by UK or EU veterinary authorities and listed on the TRACES database (the official list of compliant food facilities), their products are not allowed to enter legally.

At this moment, only Havanna alfajores are produced in a factory that complies with all UK and EU import standards, meaning they’re the only brand we can currently import and sell legally at Casa Argentina.

Other popular brands like Cachafaz or Jorgito do not yet have the necessary certifications, and any attempt to bring them in outside of proper legal channels risks:

• Seizure at customs,

• Heavy fines,

• And most importantly, a loss of consumer trust, which is something we take very seriously.

A Word of Caution: Not All That’s Available Is Legal

You may come across certain alfajores brands online, on e-commerce platforms, Instagram shops, or even at small independent retailers. Some of these products are brought in by companies or individuals based in Argentina, the USA, or Spain. But just because something is available, doesn’t mean it’s compliant.

In many of these cases, the products:

• Were not declared properly at customs,

• Come from unregistered factories with no traceability,

• Lack the required health and veterinary approvals, or

• Travelled without cold-chain controls, a serious risk for dairy products.

These practices may seem harmless, but they violate UK and EU food safety laws and can:

• Compromise product integrity,

• Expose consumers to potential health risks,

• And damage the reputation of all businesses trying to do things the right way.

At Casa Argentina, we choose to operate with full transparency and in full compliance. Not just because it’s the law, but because it’s the right thing to do for our customers and our community.

 

Why We Only Work With Approved Suppliers

We’re passionate about bringing the best of Argentina to your table. But we also believe in doing things right, legally, transparently, and sustainably.

We:

• Only import from officially approved suppliers,

• Work with UK food safety standards and customs,

• And never compromise on traceability, cold-chain logistics, or product quality.

We know it’s tempting to find other brands through unofficial sources, but as a responsible food business, we have a duty to protect our customers and preserve the integrity of Argentine food culture in the UK.

 

What’s Next? The Road Ahead

We’re actively working with key Argentine producers (including Cachafaz) to help them navigate the approval process and bring their delicious products to UK shelves legally and sustainably.

However, this is a complex process that involves:

• Factory audits,

• Veterinary certifications,

• Export licenses,

• Packaging & labelling compliance,

• And up to 2–3 years of preparation.

We expect that by 2027, more beloved brands will become available here. And you can bet we’ll be the first to celebrate when that happens!

 

💬 Got Questions?

We love our community of alfajores lovers, and we’re always here to answer your questions honestly. If there’s a brand you’re eager to see, drop us a message we’ll be happy to keep you updated on its journey to the UK.

Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do best: curating the best legal, high-quality Argentine food and drink, and helping you feel a little closer to home with every bite.

 

Casa Argentina, The Taste of Home, Done Right.