Cookie Policy
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how SweetReed ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on sweetreed.com.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides broader information about how we handle personal data.
2. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies — temporary files deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies — remain on your device for a set period or until deleted
- First-party cookies — set by sweetreed.com directly
- Third-party cookies — set by external services we use
Similar technologies include web beacons, pixel tags, and local storage. References to "cookies" in this policy include all such technologies.
3. Cookies we use
3.1 Essential cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. They cannot be disabled as the website would not work properly without them.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| __session | Maintains your session state | Session |
| csrf_token | Security — prevents cross-site request forgery | Session |
| cookieConsent | Stores your cookie preferences | 12 months |
These cookies do not collect personal data that could be used for marketing or tracking purposes.
3.2 Analytics cookies (require consent)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. All data is aggregated and anonymised.
| Cookie name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics 4 to understand website traffic and usage patterns. Data collected includes pages visited, time on site, referral source, and device type. IP addresses are anonymised. Google may process this data in the USA. See Google's Privacy Policy at policies.google.com/privacy.
We have configured Google Analytics with:
- IP anonymisation enabled
- Data retention set to 14 months
- Advertising features disabled
3.3 Marketing cookies (require consent)
We currently do not use marketing or advertising cookies on sweetreed.com. If we introduce these in future, this policy will be updated and your consent will be sought.
4. Managing your cookie preferences
4.1 Cookie consent banner
When you first visit sweetreed.com, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can:
- Accept all — allow essential and analytics cookies
- Essential only — allow only strictly necessary cookies
4.2 Changing your preferences
You can update your cookie preferences at any time by clicking "Cookie Settings" in the footer of our website. Your updated preferences will take effect immediately.
4.3 Browser settings
You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies.
Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of sweetreed.com and other websites you visit.
Browser cookie management guides:
- Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Firefox: support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Safari: support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471
- Edge: support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge
4.4 Opting out of Google Analytics
To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites, install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
5. Cookies and your rights
Under GDPR and other applicable laws, you have the right to:
- Withdraw your consent to non-essential cookies at any time
- Request information about cookies we use
- Request deletion of data collected through cookies
To exercise these rights, update your preferences via the cookie settings link in our footer, or contact us at team@sweetreed.com.
6. Third-party cookies and services
Some cookies on our site are set by third-party services. We do not control these third parties' use of cookies. Please refer to their privacy policies:
- Google: policies.google.com/privacy
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy (if you interact with our LinkedIn follow button)
7. Do Not Track
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. Our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals as there is no consistent industry standard for compliance. We will review this position as standards develop.
8. Updates to this Cookie Policy
We will update this Cookie Policy when we change the cookies we use or when relevant laws change. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Material changes will be communicated via the cookie consent banner on your next visit.
9. Contact us
For questions about our use of cookies:
Email: team@sweetreed.com
Website: sweetreed.com/cookie-policy
We aim to respond to all cookie-related enquiries within 5 business days.