COOKIE POLICY

Last updated: 21 February 2026 V.01

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. This Cookie Policy explains how Foodpairing NV (“Foodpairing”, “we”, “us”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on the Inspire V3 platform (“Service”) at inspire.foodpairing.com.

1.2. This Cookie Policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms of Service (FP-LEGAL-TOS-INSPIREV3) and Privacy Policy (FP-LEGAL-PP-INSPIREV3). Terms defined in those documents have the same meaning when used in this Cookie Policy.

1.3. By using the Service and accepting cookies through our consent banner, you agree to the placement and use of cookies as described in this policy. You can change your cookie preferences at any time (see Section 6 below).

2. WHAT ARE COOKIES AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES

2.1. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. Cookies allow the website to recognize your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.

2.2. In addition to cookies, we may use the following similar technologies:

(a) Local Storage and Session Storage: browser-based storage mechanisms that allow the Service to store data locally on your device, similar to cookies but with larger storage capacity.

(b) Pixel tags (web beacons): tiny transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track page views, email opens, and user behavior.

(c) Software Development Kits (SDKs): code libraries integrated into the Service that collect usage data for analytics and performance monitoring.

2.3. Throughout this Cookie Policy, the term “cookies” refers to all of these technologies collectively unless otherwise specified.

3. CATEGORIES OF COOKIES WE USE

3.1. We classify cookies into four categories based on their purpose:

3.2. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Service to function and cannot be disabled. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in, setting privacy preferences, or filling in forms. Without these cookies, the Service cannot operate properly. These cookies do not require your consent under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) as transposed into Belgian law.

3.3. Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your language preference or recently used ingredients. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to the Service. If you do not allow these cookies, some features may not function properly.

3.4. Analytics Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits, track feature usage, and understand how users interact with the Service. This helps us improve the Service by understanding which features are most popular, which pages cause errors, and how users navigate the platform. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore anonymous. These cookies require your consent.

Note: Analytics data may be used to generate Aggregated Insights as defined in the TOS (§8.4) and to calculate Engagement Scores (§9.5). Individual-level analytics data is retained for 90 days in server logs; aggregated analytics are retained indefinitely.

3.5. Marketing Cookies

These cookies may be set through the Service by our advertising partners. They are used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. These cookies require your consent.

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR COOKIE USE

4.1. Strictly Necessary Cookies. No consent is required. Legal basis: Article 5(3) ePrivacy Directive exemption — these cookies are strictly necessary for the provision of the Service explicitly requested by the user.

4.2. All Other Cookies. We rely on your consent (Article 5(3) ePrivacy Directive; Article 6(1)(a) GDPR) for functional, analytics, and marketing cookies. Consent is obtained through our cookie consent banner upon first visit and can be withdrawn at any time.

4.3. Consent Requirements. In accordance with GDPR and ePrivacy Directive guidance from the Belgian Data Protection Authority (GBA):

(a) Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous;

(b) Pre-ticked boxes or implied consent (e.g., continued browsing) do not constitute valid consent;

(c) Refusing non-essential cookies must be as easy as accepting them;

(d) The Service remains fully functional with only strictly necessary cookies enabled;

(e) Consent is recorded and can be demonstrated upon request.

5. THIRD-PARTY COOKIES

5.1. Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these third-party cookies. The relevant third parties are:

(a) Google LLC (Analytics, Ads) — Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

(b) Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook Pixel) — Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy

(c) Hotjar Ltd. (Behavior Analytics) — Privacy Policy: https://www.hotjar.com/privacy

(d) LinkedIn Corp. (Insight Tag) — Privacy Policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy

(e) Microsoft Corp. (Bing Ads) — Privacy Policy: https://privacy.microsoft.com

(f) Chargebee Inc. (Payment) — Privacy Policy: https://www.chargebee.com/privacy

(g) Cloudflare Inc. (Security) — Privacy Policy: https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy

5.2. International Transfers. Some third-party cookie providers are based outside the EEA (primarily in the United States). Data transfers to these providers are protected by: (a) EU-US Data Privacy Framework certification; (b) Standard Contractual Clauses; or (c) other appropriate safeguards under Chapter V GDPR.

6. MANAGING YOUR COOKIE PREFERENCES

6.1. Cookie Consent Banner. When you first visit the Service, a cookie consent banner allows you to accept or reject each category of non-essential cookies. Your preferences are stored in the fp_cc cookie.

6.2. Changing Preferences. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

(a) Clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of the Service;

(b) Accessing Account Settings > Privacy > Cookie Preferences;

(c) Deleting cookies from your browser (see 6.3 below).

6.3. Browser Settings. Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. Common options include:

(a) Block all cookies (may prevent the Service from functioning);

(b) Block only third-party cookies;

(c) Delete cookies when the browser is closed;

(d) Receive a notification before a cookie is placed.

For specific instructions, refer to your browser’s help documentation.

6.4. Opt-Out Links. You can also opt out of specific third-party cookies:

(a) Google Analytics: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

(b) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences

(c) General ad opt-out (EU): https://www.youronlinechoices.eu

(d) General ad opt-out (US): https://optout.aboutads.info

6.5. Do Not Track. The Service does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” (DNT) browser signals, as there is no industry-standard DNT protocol. However, you can manage cookies through the methods described above.

7. DATA COLLECTED THROUGH COOKIES

7.1. Cookies may collect the following types of data:

(a) Device information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, screen resolution;

(b) Usage data: pages visited, features used, time spent, click patterns;

(c) Referral data: how you arrived at the Service (search engine, ad, direct link);

(d) Preference data: language, theme, display settings.

7.2. Relationship to Interaction Data. Usage data collected through analytics cookies contributes to the Interaction Data as defined in TOS §9. The processing of this data is governed by both this Cookie Policy (for consent purposes) and the Privacy Policy (for GDPR purposes).

7.3. Relationship to Engagement Scores. Aggregated analytics data may be used to calculate Engagement Scores as described in TOS §9.5 and Privacy Policy Section 10.2. Engagement Scores are Foodpairing’s intellectual property and are not disclosed to users.

8. COOKIE RETENTION PERIODS

8.1. Cookie retention periods vary by type and purpose. Specific durations are listed in the cookie tables in Section 3 above.

8.2. Session cookies are automatically deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device until they expire or you delete them manually.

8.3. Data collected through cookies is retained in accordance with the retention periods set out in the Privacy Policy Section 7. In particular, raw server logs containing cookie-related data are retained for 90 days; aggregated analytics derived from cookie data are retained indefinitely.

9. CHANGES TO THIS COOKIE POLICY

9.1. We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in technology, or changes in applicable law. We will notify you of material changes by updating the “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, by displaying a new consent banner.

9.2. We recommend reviewing this Cookie Policy periodically.

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

10.1. For questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact:

Foodpairing NV

Attn: Privacy Inquiries

Oktrooiplein 1, box 401, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Email: privacy@foodpairing.com

10.2. You may also lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit) at https://www.gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit.be.

11. RELATED DOCUMENTS

(a) Inspire V3 Terms of Service (FP-LEGAL-TOS-INSPIREV3)

(b) Inspire V3 Privacy Policy (FP-LEGAL-PP-INSPIREV3)