Privacy Policy

Château Gâteaux Online Privacy Policy & Security Notice

1. Introduction

Your privacy and security are important to us. Château Gâteaux and its subsidiaries (“Château Gâteaux”, “we”, “us”, “our”) are committed to treating all personal information as private and confidential.

This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected through our website (“Site”), Loyalty App (“App”), and physical Patisseries (“Patisseries”). It explains:

• what personal information we collect,
• how we use it,
• who we share it with, and
• your rights and choices.
  
  

It also outlines the measures we take to protect your information and how you can contact us regarding our privacy practices.

2. Collection and Use of Personal Information

2.1 How We Collect Information

We collect personal information directly from you when you:

• purchase products,
• interact with us via the Site, App, or Patisseries,
• contact us with queries, requests, or complaints, or
• participate in competitions, surveys, or promotions.

Examples of information collected include your name, contact details, and other relevant information depending on the interaction.

2.2 How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• respond to your queries, requests, and complaints,
• provide products and services,
• manage and improve our business operations,
• develop new products and services,
• conduct research, analytics, and trend analysis,
• measure marketing effectiveness,
• perform administrative, accounting, and auditing functions,
• detect and prevent fraud or unlawful activity, and
• comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

We may also collect information in Patisseries for:

• complaint resolution,
• competition entries and winner notification,
• surveys and research purposes, and
• health and safety requirements (where applicable).

2.3 Cookies and Automated Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies on our Site to:

• personalise your browsing experience,
• deliver relevant content and advertising, and
• analyse website performance and usage.

This includes tools such as Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel, which help us understand user behaviour and improve our services.

2.4 Additional Uses

We may use your information for additional purposes where we provide specific notice at the time of collection.

2.5 Service Limitations

If you choose not to provide certain personal information, we may be unable to provide you with certain products or services.

3. Sharing of Information

3.1 Service Providers and Affiliates

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

• trusted third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, and
• our affiliates and subsidiaries.

These parties are contractually required to protect your information and may only use it for agreed purposes.

3.2 Legal Disclosure

We may disclose your information:

• where required by law,
• to law enforcement or government authorities,
• to prevent harm, fraud, or financial loss, or
• in connection with investigations or business transfers (e.g., mergers or acquisitions).

4. Cross-Border Transfers

Your personal information may be processed in countries outside South Africa. These countries may have different data protection laws. Where this occurs, we take appropriate steps to ensure your information remains protected and processed in accordance with this Policy and applicable law.

5. Storage and Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy or as required by law.

6. Marketing and Communication Preferences

With your consent, we may send you information about products, services, promotions, and special offers.

You may opt out or update your preferences at any time by:

• using the unsubscribe option in communications, or
• contacting us at: customercare@chateaugateaux.co.za

7. Third-Party Services and Links

We may engage third-party service providers who are required to adhere to our privacy standards.

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.

8. Château Gâteaux Loyalty App

8.1 Purpose of Data Collection

In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), we collect and process personal information to:

• communicate with you,
• conduct research and analytics,
• develop new products and offers, and
• send marketing communications via app notifications, SMS, or email.

8.2 Consent

By using the App, you consent to the processing of your personal information for these purposes.

8.3 Sharing

Your personal information will not be shared with third parties except as required to deliver services or comply with legal obligations.

8.4 Updates

We reserve the right to update the App Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be published on our website.

9. Security of Personal Information

We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

These measures include:

• secure systems and encryption,
• restricted access controls, and
• contractual obligations for third-party processors.

In Patisseries, physical records are securely stored and access is limited to authorised personnel only.

10. Your Rights

In terms of applicable legislation, including the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), you have the right to:

• request access to your personal information, and
• request correction or deletion where applicable.

To exercise your rights, contact us via the details below.

11. Use of Communication Systems

Our communication systems are primarily for business use. Limited personal use by employees may occur. Château Gâteaux does not accept responsibility for personal communications sent via its systems.

We reserve the right, where permitted by law, to monitor, intercept, or delete communications on our systems.

12. Updates to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically without prior notice. Any significant changes will be communicated on our Site, along with the updated effective date.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Email: customercare@chateaugateaux.co.za