What is the minimum order quantity for greek olive oil?

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 greek olive oil?

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 greek olive oil?

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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil?

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 greek olive oil?

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 greek olive oil?

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 Greek Olive Oil: a buyer's guide from theGreex

Liquid gold from Greek groves. PDO and PGI selections. A practical, category-deep guide to sourcing greek olive oil from Greek producers: origin, production, certifications, packaging, applications and buyer tips.

Freshly milled Greek extra virgin olive oil pouring in a warm honey stream from a stone mill, olive branches in soft focus.

Overview

Greek olive oil is one of the most identifiable exports in the Mediterranean basket, and one of the most commercially misunderstood. Roughly 80% of Greek production is extra virgin, a share unmatched anywhere else in the world, which sets a very different quality baseline from Spanish or Italian volumes.

For a buyer, the practical question is not 'is it good' but 'which grade, which region, which harvest, and packed how'. That is where a real sourcing partnership starts to earn its keep.

History

Olive cultivation in Greece is older than written record, with archaeological evidence from Crete and the Peloponnese dating back more than 4,000 years. Modern export volumes took shape in the 20th century, and the EU's PDO and PGI frameworks from the 1990s onwards gave the best regional oils legal protection they had lacked for millennia.

Origin

Peloponnese (Kalamata, Messinia, Laconia), Crete (Sitia, Kolymvari), Lesvos, Chalkidiki and Zakynthos are the main export regions. Each has its own soil, altitude and microclimate, and each translates into a recognisably different oil profile.

Production

The best Greek EVOO is early-harvest, cold-extracted at under 27°C, and bottled within months. Acidity is typically well below the 0.8% EVOO legal ceiling, often at 0.2–0.3%. Polyphenol counts on premium lines regularly exceed the 250 mg/kg EU health-claim threshold.

Varieties and signature products

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: PGI Crete EVOO, PDO Kalamata EVOO, Organic Extra Virgin. Pure, Pomace & Salad Oil: Pure Olive Oil (Refined), Olive Pomace Oil, Salad Oil, Olive & Sunflower Blend. Flavoured Olive Oils: Basil-infused EVOO, Garlic-infused EVOO, Mint-infused EVOO, Lemon-infused EVOO, and more.

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 greek olive oil programme. Certificates and specification sheets are shared before order confirmation, not after.

Packaging formats

Glass bottles: 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, plus premium dorica and marasca formats · Tins: 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 L, 3 L and 5 L for retail and foodservice · PET bottles for value retail and HoReCa · Bulk: IBC, flexitank and drum options for blenders and packers

Retail

Consumer-ready greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil: 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 greek olive oil 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

Ask for the harvest year, the acidity and polyphenol numbers, and, for PDO Kalamata or PGI Crete, the certificate reference and issuing body. A serious producer answers all four in a single email. Anything less should raise a flag before the order goes out.

Related products in our range

Signature greek olive oil lines currently on our offer include PGI Crete EVOO, PDO Kalamata EVOO, Organic Extra Virgin, Pure Olive Oil (Refined), Olive Pomace Oil, Salad Oil, Olive & Sunflower Blend. 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 greek olive oil?: 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 greek olive oil?: 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 greek olive oil?: 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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil 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 greek olive oil?: 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 greek olive oil?: 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 greek olive oil?: 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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