What is the minimum order quantity for dips & meze?

MOQs vary by producer and format. Because we consolidate multiple Greek producers into a single shipment (groupage), we can typically accept orders well below a single producer's standalone MOQ, often starting from a few pallets rather than a full container.

Which certifications are available for dips & meze?

Depending on the sub-range, we work with producers holding IFS, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 food-safety certifications, plus PDO, PGI and organic (BIO) certifications where relevant. Certificates and specification sheets are provided on request before you commit to an order.

What is the typical shelf life of dips & meze?

Shelf life depends on the exact SKU, packaging and storage conditions, and is confirmed on each product specification sheet. Ambient categories typically ship with the majority of shelf life remaining; chilled and short-life categories are planned around your reorder cycle.

Can I get dips & meze under my own private label?

Yes. We run private-label programmes for retailers, distributors and foodservice groups: recipe adjustments, packaging artwork, market-specific label compliance and coordination with the producer. Lead times and MOQs are aligned to your launch plan.

What is the typical lead time for a first order?

From confirmed order to loading, most ambient SKUs are ready within 3 to 6 weeks, including production, quality checks and consolidation. Private-label projects add packaging artwork and first-production time on top, and we plan those on a project basis.

Can I order samples of dips & meze before placing a first order?

Yes. We coordinate paid samples from shortlisted producers, consolidated into a single courier shipment where possible. Sample fees are typically credited against the first commercial order.

What documentation do you provide with a shipment of dips & meze?

A standard export document pack includes commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or CMR, certificate of origin, and, where applicable, Certificate of Analysis, health certificate, EUR.1 or ATR movement certificate and PDO / PGI / organic transaction certificates.

Do you support private-label artwork and label compliance for dips & meze?

Yes. We coordinate artwork briefs with the producer, review label copy for EU, UK, GCC and other target markets, and manage revisions until the artwork is signed off for print. Nutritional analysis and allergen declarations are prepared per SKU.

How does theGreex differ from a broker for dips & meze?

A broker introduces you to a producer and steps aside. theGreex stays involved through sourcing, quality control at origin, documentation, packaging, artwork and international logistics, so you have one accountable partner from first sample to landed shipment.

14 July 2026 · 9 min read

Sourcing Dips & Meze: a buyer's guide from theGreex

Tzatziki, taramosalata, hummus and specialty Greek meze. A practical, category-deep guide to sourcing dips & meze from Greek producers: origin, production, certifications, packaging, applications and buyer tips.

A meze board of Greek dips including tzatziki, taramosalata, tirokafteri and melitzanosalata with warm pita bread and olives.

Overview

Tzatziki, tirokafteri, taramosalata, melitzanosalata, htipiti: the Greek dip category is one of the most under-exploited outside Greece, and one of the fastest to grow when a retailer commits shelf space to it.

Chilled meze is a natural adjacency to hummus, feta and olives, and it travels well if the cold chain and shelf life are honestly specified.

History

The meze table is a cultural institution across Greece and the wider eastern Mediterranean, evolving over centuries around shared plates paired with ouzo, tsipouro and wine. The retail dip category grew out of that tradition from the 1980s onwards.

Origin

Tzatziki is produced across mainland Greece from strained yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and olive oil. Taramosalata comes from the coastal regions using cod or carp roe. Tirokafteri and htipiti concentrate in northern Greece and the islands.

Production

Fresh ingredients, short cook or no cook, careful emulsification and controlled pasteurisation. Modern export lines run 30–90 day shelf life at chilled and, in some cases, ambient formats with modified atmosphere for longer travel.

Varieties and signature products

Classic Dips: Tzatziki, Taramosalata, Melitzanosalata (Eggplant), Fava (Yellow Split Pea). Cheese Dips: Tyrokafteri (spicy feta), Feta & Roasted Pepper, Htipiti. Hummus & Specialty: Classic Hummus, Beetroot Hummus, Red Pepper Hummus, Truffle Cheese Dip.

Certifications

Depending on the sub-range we work with producers holding IFS, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 food-safety certifications, alongside PDO, PGI, Organic (BIO) and Halal / Kosher where relevant to your dips & meze programme. Certificates and specification sheets are shared before order confirmation, not after.

Packaging formats

Retail formats: jars, tins, cups or pouches sized for supermarket and specialty shelves · Foodservice formats: catering pails, larger jars and vacuum packs · Bulk options where applicable, from drums to IBCs · Private-label packaging and artwork coordinated with the producer

Retail

Consumer-ready dips & meze in shelf-ready formats: glass jars, PET, tins, cups or vacuum packs depending on the sub-range. Suitable for supermarkets, delis, specialty grocers and gourmet gift channels across Europe, the UK, the GCC and beyond.

Foodservice (HoReCa)

Chef-grade dips & meze in catering formats for hotels, restaurants, caterers and central kitchens. Balanced flavour profiles, consistent supply and specification sheets that make menu planning straightforward.

Bulk

Bulk dips & meze for repackers, blenders, industrial users and downstream processors. Tank, drum, IBC and food-grade bag-in-box options where available, with certificates of analysis and traceability to the producer.

Private Label

Full private-label programmes for dips & meze: recipe fine-tuning, packaging artwork coordination, label compliance for EU, UK, GCC and other target markets, plus MOQs that work for growing brands rather than only for the largest importers.

Export information

We export dips & meze from Greece to buyers across the EU, the United Kingdom, the GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbours), with active projects in Japan and North America. Shipments run ex works, FCA, FOB or CIF according to your Incoterms preference, consolidated with other Greek products where a full container is not yet on the table.

Buyer tips

Focus on ingredient quality (real strained yoghurt in tzatziki, real fish roe in tarama), shelf life at your DC receipt, and clean-label formulation. For private label, allow time for recipe fine-tuning to fit your target market's palate.

Related products in our range

Signature dips & meze lines currently on our offer include Tzatziki, Taramosalata, Melitzanosalata (Eggplant), Fava (Yellow Split Pea), Tyrokafteri (spicy feta), Feta & Roasted Pepper. Each has its own dedicated sourcing page with production notes, packaging options and FAQs.

Frequently asked

Buyer questions we hear most often

What is the minimum order quantity for dips & meze?: MOQs vary by producer and format. Because we consolidate multiple Greek producers into a single shipment (groupage), we can typically accept orders well below a single producer's standalone MOQ, often starting from a few pallets rather than a full container.
Which certifications are available for dips & meze?: Depending on the sub-range, we work with producers holding IFS, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 food-safety certifications, plus PDO, PGI and organic (BIO) certifications where relevant. Certificates and specification sheets are provided on request before you commit to an order.
What is the typical shelf life of dips & meze?: Shelf life depends on the exact SKU, packaging and storage conditions, and is confirmed on each product specification sheet. Ambient categories typically ship with the majority of shelf life remaining; chilled and short-life categories are planned around your reorder cycle.
Can I get dips & meze under my own private label?: Yes. We run private-label programmes for retailers, distributors and foodservice groups: recipe adjustments, packaging artwork, market-specific label compliance and coordination with the producer. Lead times and MOQs are aligned to your launch plan.
Which export markets do you ship dips & meze to?: We currently supply buyers across the EU, the United Kingdom, the GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbours), with active projects in Japan and North America. Shipments are handled ex works, FCA, FOB or CIF depending on your Incoterms preference.
What is the typical lead time for a first order?: From confirmed order to loading, most ambient SKUs are ready within 3 to 6 weeks, including production, quality checks and consolidation. Private-label projects add packaging artwork and first-production time on top, and we plan those on a project basis.
Can I order samples of dips & meze before placing a first order?: Yes. We coordinate paid samples from shortlisted producers, consolidated into a single courier shipment where possible. Sample fees are typically credited against the first commercial order.
What documentation do you provide with a shipment of dips & meze?: A standard export document pack includes commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or CMR, certificate of origin, and, where applicable, Certificate of Analysis, health certificate, EUR.1 or ATR movement certificate and PDO / PGI / organic transaction certificates.
Do you support private-label artwork and label compliance for dips & meze?: Yes. We coordinate artwork briefs with the producer, review label copy for EU, UK, GCC and other target markets, and manage revisions until the artwork is signed off for print. Nutritional analysis and allergen declarations are prepared per SKU.
How does theGreex differ from a broker for dips & meze?: A broker introduces you to a producer and steps aside. theGreex stays involved through sourcing, quality control at origin, documentation, packaging, artwork and international logistics, so you have one accountable partner from first sample to landed shipment.

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