Bulk Virgin Olive Oil — Tunisian Supplier
What is bulk virgin olive oil?
Bulk virgin olive oil is an oil extracted cold by a mechanical process, with free acidity less than or equal to 2% and tolerating slight sensory defects (defect median ≤ 3.5). It remains marketable as is, unlike lampante. Zitouna Export supplies it in flexitank, IBC or drums ex Tunisia (Sfax/Radès), with a certificate of analysis per lot. Indicative price from 3.60 €/kg FOB.
It is the ideal category for buyers seeking an optimised quality-price ratio without requiring the premium level of extra virgin: entry/mid-range bottling, blends, food industry. Our oils come from the Chemlali (South, mild fruitiness) and Chetoui (North, pungent and high in polyphenols) varieties, from often thousand-year-old olive groves.
Virgin vs extra virgin oil: what is the difference?
The difference lies in free acidity and the sensory panel. Extra virgin (EVOO) requires acidity ≤ 0.8% and zero defects; virgin accepts up to 2% acidity and slight defects. Both are virgin (mechanical extraction, no solvent) and marketable. Beyond 2%, the oil becomes lampante and must be refined.
| Criterion | Extra virgin (EVOO) | Virgin | Lampante |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max free acidity | ≤ 0.80% | ≤ 2.0% | > 2.0% |
| Max peroxide value | ≤ 20 | ≤ 20 | — |
| Defect panel (Md) | = 0 | ≤ 3.5 | > 3.5 |
| Fruitiness (Mf) | > 0 | > 0 | may = 0 |
| Marketable as is | Yes (premium) | Yes | No → refining |
| Indicative bulk FOB price | from 3.80 €/kg | from 3.60 €/kg | lower |
Thresholds according to the IOC/T.15/NC trade standard and EU regulations. Prices July 2026 �.
Need the higher level? See our bulk extra virgin olive oil. Beyond the virgin threshold, see lampante & pomace oil.
Technical specifications of bulk virgin oil
Each lot is analysed by an IOC-accredited laboratory and delivered with its certificate of analysis (COA), mandatory for Tunisian export (ONH analysis per lot).
| Parameter | Virgin threshold (IOC/EU) | Our oil (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Free acidity (% oleic acid) | ≤ 2.0% | 0.8 – 1.6% |
| Peroxide value (mEq O₂/kg) | ≤ 20 | 12 – 18 |
| K232 | ≤ 2.60 | compliant |
| K270 | ≤ 0.25 | compliant |
| ΔK | ≤ 0.01 | ≤ 0.01 |
| Sensory panel | Md ≤ 3.5 · Mf > 0 | slight defects, fruitiness present |
| Extraction | mechanical, cold | first cold pressing |
| Variety(ies) | — | Chemlali, Chetoui or blend |
| Harvest | — | current olive campaign |
| Colour / aroma | — | golden-yellow to green, ripe fruitiness |
Values are indicative and specific to each lot. The COA of the delivered lot is authoritative. Interpret yours with our COA quality classifier.
Formats & MOQ: flexitank, IBC or drums
Bulk virgin olive oil is packed in semi-bulk according to your volume and logistics chain. One litre of oil weighs about 0.913 kg (a density useful for converting €/kg ↔ €/L).
| Format | Capacity | Per 20' container | Indicative MOQ | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexitank | ~22,000 L | 1 per 20' | 1 flexitank | Large volumes, lowest cost/tonne |
| IBC | 1,000 L | ×20 | 2 IBC | Intermediate volumes, flexible handling |
| Drum | 200 / 216 L | ×40 | 10 drums | Small lots, tests, emerging brands |
The flexitank is 2 to 3 times cheaper per tonne than the IBC; the drum suits first orders and volume samples. Compare all export packaging formats or estimate your load with the container loading calculator.
Applicable certifications
Depending on your target market and distribution channel, our bulk virgin oil can be supplied with the following certifications:
- Organic — EU 2018/848 + Ecocert (present in Sfax) / CCPB, and USDA NOP for the United States.
- Food safety / retail — IFS Food and BRCGS (required for private label and retail chains).
- Systems — ISO 22000, HACCP.
- Specific markets — FDA / FSVP (USA), original label and certificates for the Gulf, Kosher, Halal on request.
- EU origin — EUR.1 certificate (0% tariff quota within the TN quota).
Certification always follows the market and the channel. Details on our certifications & quality process page.
Typical COA (extract) & quality classifier
Each shipment is accompanied by a certificate of analysis (COA) issued by an IOC-accredited laboratory. Typical extract for a virgin oil:
LOT: ZE-VIERGE-2026-XX Variety: Chemlali / blend
Free acidity........... 1.30% (Virgin ≤ 2.00%)
Peroxide value......... 15 mEq (≤ 20)
K270................... 0.22 (≤ 0.25)
Panel: Md ≤ 3.5 · Mf > 0 → Category: VIRGIN
Want to classify your own analysis report? Our COA quality classifier translates your values (acidity, peroxide, K232/K270) into an IOC/EU category.
Uses & target markets
Tunisian bulk virgin olive oil is aimed at the whole B2B food chain:
- Bottlers / packers — entry/mid-range re-bottling under a brand or private label.
- Food industry — culinary ingredient (sauces, preserves, ready meals).
- Importers, distributors, wholesalers — volume supply, resale.
- HORECA & food service — catering, central kitchens, where cost prevails over the premium profile.
- Blenders — a base for assembly with more aromatic oils.
Main markets served: Spain and Italy (bulk trading), United States, France, the Gulf. Compare origins on our comparison hub.
Available in certified organic olive oil
Our virgin oil also exists in a certified organic version by Ecocert (EU 2018/848), USDA NOP and EU Organic. The Tunisian terroir — arid climate, low pest pressure, extensive olive groves — is naturally suited to organic. The organic price premium is about +24%, for a better resale margin.
Discover our organic olive oil in bulk.
Buyer side / seller side
Bulk virgin oil is negotiated differently depending on your position in the transaction.
| Buyer side (importer, distributor) | Seller side (exporter, brand) |
|---|---|
| Check that the acidity and panel match the "virgin" category (COA + reference sample), choose the right incoterm (FOB/CIF), verify duties & VAT at destination. | Quote FOB, defend your margin on a more competitive category than EVOO, secure payment (30% deposit + balance against documents or confirmed LC). |
| CTA: request a quote | CTA: train in export |
Shared golden rule: never a container without a firm order, deposit and secured documents.
FAQ — Bulk virgin olive oil
What is the difference between virgin and extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin requires free acidity ≤ 0.8% and a defect-free sensory panel; virgin accepts up to 2% acidity and slight defects (median ≤ 3.5). Both are extracted mechanically cold and marketable. Beyond 2%, the oil becomes lampante.
What acidity for a virgin olive oil?
A virgin olive oil must have free acidity ≤ 2.0% (expressed as oleic acid), a peroxide value ≤ 20 and fruitiness present. Our virgin oil is typically between 0.8 and 1.6%.
What is the price of bulk virgin olive oil?
The bulk price at Tunisian origin starts around 3.60 €/kg FOB, slightly below extra virgin (from 3.80 €/kg). The final price depends on variety, volume, incoterm and olive campaign. Request a dated quote.
What is the MOQ (minimum order quantity)?
The indicative MOQ is 1 flexitank (~22,000 L), 2 IBC (2,000 L) or 10 drums (~2,000 L). We also deliver the full container and can adapt to your first trial.
Can I get a sample before ordering?
Yes. We provide a reference sample together with its COA. It serves as a contractual basis to compare quality on arrival and avoid any dispute.
Is virgin oil suitable for bottling under a brand?
Yes, this is a common use for entry and mid-range. For premium positioning, prefer extra virgin. For retail, plan for an IFS Food or BRCGS certification.
How do I read a certificate of analysis (COA)?
A COA indicates acidity, peroxide value, UV absorbances (K232, K270, ΔK) and the sensory panel. For the virgin category, acidity must remain ≤ 2% and the panel ≤ 3.5 defects. Our COA quality classifier does it automatically.
Which varieties do you use for virgin oil?
Mainly Chemlali (mild, fluid fruitiness) and Chetoui (pungent, high in polyphenols), as pure varieties or in a blend depending on the profile and budget sought.
What are the delivery lead times?
Allow for lot preparation + ONH analysis + documents, then the maritime transit: indicatively ~1 week to Marseille, 2–3 weeks for Northern Europe or North America (to be confirmed depending on port and forwarder). The average lead time at Radès is about 18 days.
Which incoterm to choose: FOB or CIF?
For a first order, FOB (goods loaded at Radès) is the standard: you control the freight. CIF delivers you a landed-port price (freight + insurance included). We reserve DAP/DDP for trusted customers.
Is virgin oil available organic?
Yes, organic certified by Ecocert (EU 2018/848), USDA NOP and EU Organic. See the organic olive oil in bulk page. Organic price premium ~+24%.
What is the shelf life?
A virgin oil well packed and stored away from light, heat and air generally keeps for 12 to 18 months. Freshness (peroxide, K232) is checked at the COA of each lot.
How many litres in a 20' container?
In flexitank, about 22,000 L per 20' container. In IBC, 20 × 1,000 L. In drums, 40 × ~200 L. The density (~0.913 kg/L) allows conversion to net weight. Estimate your load with the container loading calculator.
Request your bulk virgin oil quote
Volume, format (flexitank/IBC/drum), incoterm, destination market, organic or conventional: give us your needs and we will send you a dated quote and a reference sample with its COA.
Request a quote — drawer pre-filled with "Bulk virgin oil".
Lead magnet: download our Guide to Olive Oil Export (IOC categories, prices by origin, incoterms, documentary checklist).
- Bulk Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Zitouna Export
- Olive Oil Export Formats: Flexitank, IBC, Drum | Zitouna
- Flexitank Olive Oil: ~22,000 L in bulk | Zitouna
- Olive Oil Drums: 200-216 L, small lots | Zitouna
- IBC Olive Oil: 1000 L tank in bulk | Zitouna
- Bulk Lampante & Pomace Olive Oil | Zitouna Export