theGreex, Sourcing Greece. Directly.

14 July 2026 · 9 min read

Sourcing Greek Table Olives: a buyer's guide from theGreex

Kalamata, Halkidiki, Amfissa. The finest Greek varieties. A practical, category-deep guide to sourcing greek table olives from Greek producers: origin, production, certifications, packaging, applications and buyer tips.

Deep purple Kalamata table olives glistening in extra virgin olive oil with fresh oregano and lemon zest on rustic linen.

Overview

Table olives are one of the categories where Greek origin still carries a genuine premium at retail. Kalamata, Halkidiki and Amfissa are three of the most recognised olive names in the world, and unlike olive oil the shelf differentiation is visible: size, colour, cut, cure.

For B2B buyers the interesting question is format: whole vs pitted vs sliced, natural black vs Greek-style, glass vs pouch vs bulk drum. Get that right and the same underlying olive lands on very different shelves at very different prices.

History

Greek table-olive cultivation runs continuously from antiquity. The traditional Kalamata cure, in a light brine and vinegar solution with olive oil on top, was standardised commercially in the 20th century and remains the reference process globally.

Origin

Kalamata olives come from Messinia in the Peloponnese, Halkidiki from northern Greece, and Amfissa from central Greece near Delphi. Each has PDO or PGI protection for its native production zone.

Production

Harvest is largely by hand, particularly for Kalamata, which bruises easily. Curing runs from a few weeks (Halkidiki green) to several months (naturally fermented black Kalamata). Modern lines add pitting, slicing, stuffing and marination for downstream retail and foodservice.

Varieties and signature products

Standard Varieties: Kalamata PDO, Halkidiki, Amfissa PDO. Stuffed Olives: Red Pepper, Garlic, Almond, Cheese, and more. Smoked, Grilled & Organic: Grilled Green Olives, Smoked Kalamata, Organic Kalamata (BIO), Organic Halkidiki (BIO).

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 table olives programme. Certificates and specification sheets are shared before order confirmation, not after.

Packaging formats

Glass jars: 200 g up to 1 kg drained weight · Vacuum pouches: 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg for deli and foodservice · PET cups and buckets: 1 kg to 10 kg for HoReCa · Tins and PET drums for bulk and industrial use

Retail

Consumer-ready greek table olives 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 table olives 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 table olives 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 table olives: 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 table olives 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

Check drained weight, count per kilo (size grade), and cure method on the spec sheet. For PDO Kalamata, the certification number matters as much as it does for oil. For stuffed and marinated lines, ask for the flavour retention over shelf life, not just the launch profile.

Related products in our range

Signature greek table olives lines currently on our offer include Kalamata PDO, Halkidiki, Amfissa PDO, Red Pepper, Garlic, Almond. 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 table olives?
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 table olives?
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 table olives?
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 table olives 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 table olives 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 table olives 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 table olives?
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 table olives?
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 table olives?
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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