What is the minimum order quantity for spreads?

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 spreads?

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 spreads?

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 spreads 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 spreads 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 spreads?

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 spreads?

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 spreads?

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 Spreads: a buyer's guide from theGreex

Olive, vegetable, pesto and signature Greek spreads. A practical, category-deep guide to sourcing spreads from Greek producers: origin, production, certifications, packaging, applications and buyer tips.

Jars of Greek thyme honey, tahini and chocolate hazelnut spread on a wooden board with fresh sesame and honeycomb.

Overview

The Greek sweet-and-savoury spread category sits between traditional pantry staples (honey, tahini) and modern breakfast and snacking formats (nut butters, chocolate hazelnut, protein spreads). Almost all of it is produced by small and mid-sized specialists rather than multinationals.

For a differentiated grocery or specialty range this is fertile ground: real single-origin ingredients, clean labels, and stories worth telling on shelf.

History

Tahini and honey are ancient Greek foods, both documented since antiquity. The wider spread category, chocolate hazelnut, nut butters, praline and modern breakfast pastes, developed through the 20th and 21st centuries alongside domestic breakfast habits.

Origin

Sesame for tahini historically ties to northern Greece and Thessaloniki. Honey comes from across the country with strong regional identities (thyme honey from Crete, pine honey from the north-east, fir honey from the Peloponnese). Nut spreads cluster near hazelnut and almond growing regions.

Production

Cold-milling for tahini, low-temperature roasting for nut spreads, single-varietal honey extraction and gentle blending for the composite chocolate and praline lines. The premium tier avoids palm oil and heavy stabilisers.

Varieties and signature products

Olive-Based: Kalamata Olive Spread (PDO), Green Olive Spread (Halkidiki), Black Olive Spread, Muffuletta. Veggie & Tomato: Roasted Eggplant Purée, Tomato & Basil Spread, Roasted Vegetables, Red Pepper Spread. Pesto & Signature: Basil Pesto, Rocket Pesto, Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, Truffle Signature Spread.

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 spreads 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 spreads 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 spreads 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 spreads 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 spreads: 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 spreads 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

Read the ingredient panel end to end. For tahini, check hulled vs unhulled and the origin of the sesame. For honey, ask for the varietal, region and, ideally, a pollen analysis. For chocolate spreads, cocoa content and the fat system tell you almost everything about quality.

Related products in our range

Signature spreads lines currently on our offer include Kalamata Olive Spread (PDO), Green Olive Spread (Halkidiki), Black Olive Spread, Muffuletta, Roasted Eggplant Purée, Tomato & Basil Spread. 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 spreads?: 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 spreads?: 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 spreads?: 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 spreads 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 spreads 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 spreads 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 spreads?: 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 spreads?: 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 spreads?: 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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