The private label (OEM) process step by step

In brief

The private label (OEM) process for Tunisian olive oil unfolds in 8 steps: brief, sample + COA, specifications (specs), packaging, label artwork, production, quality control, shipping. You define the product; we produce and package under your brand, with a COA per lot (IOC-approved laboratory) and a contractual confidentiality (NDA) signed before any technical exchange. Allow generally 6 to 12 weeks between validation of the specifications and the first shipment, from a MOQ of about 1 pallet for a custom label.

This page details each step, everyone's role, the control points and the associated deliverables. For the overview, see private label & OEM; to launch your brand A-Z, see create your brand.

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Overview: 8 steps, from idea to delivered case

#	Step	What you do	What we deliver
1	Brief & scoping	Grade, variety/blend, format, market, volume, incoterm	Pre-quotation + NDA
2	Sample & COA	You taste and validate	Reference sample + certificate of analysis
3	Specifications (specs)	You validate the specifications	Technical sheet + dated quote
4	Packaging	You choose container and options	Packaging artwork / proof
5	Label	You provide brand and design	Artwork compliant with the target market
6	Production	You validate the launch	Bottling under your label
7	Quality control	You receive the documents	Final lot COA + certifications
8	Shipping	You track the carriage	Palletisation + export documents

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Step 1 — Brief & scoping

It all starts with your brief. You specify:

• The grade targeted: extra virgin (acidity ≤ 0.80%) or virgin (≤ 2.0%).
• The variety or blend: Chemlali (mild, fruity, mainstream), Chetoui (pungent, bitter, rich in polyphenols), or a custom blend.
• The format and the container (250 ml to 5 L), the target market (EU, USA, Gulf…), the volume and the incoterm (standard FOB for a first export).
• The positioning: premium, organic, terroir, gift, volume.

At this stage, we sign a confidentiality agreement (NDA): your project and your future blend are protected even before the first technical exchange. A pre-quotation gives you an initial price order; refine it with the private label simulator.

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Step 2 — Sample & COA

No decision without tasting and verifying. We send you a reference sample accompanied by its certificate of analysis (COA) issued by an IOC-approved laboratory — a requirement that guarantees the document's validity for export.

The COA attests in particular to:

• Free acidity (≤ 0.80% for an extra virgin).
• The peroxide value (≤ 20 mEq O₂/kg).
• The UV absorbances K232 / K270 / ΔK.
• Where applicable, the polyphenols (useful for the EFSA health claim ≥ 250 mg/kg).

This sample becomes your contractual reference: each delivered lot will be compared to it to avoid any dispute on arrival. It is your best quality assurance.

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Step 3 — Specifications (specs)

The specifications lock in all the validated specs: exact grade, expected sensory profile, chemical thresholds, variety/blend, format, packaging, required certifications and target market.

This document becomes the contractual reference for production. It comes with a dated quote breaking down:

Item	Indicative basis
Olive oil (FOB Tunisia)	from ~€3.8/kg (organic ~€3.85/kg)
Filling / bottling	from ~€0.45/unit
Packaging	variable depending on container
Labelling	variable depending on market

Golden rule: never validate a budget without a dated quotation. The oil price follows the olive campaign and the exchange rate. The useful density for your conversions: 1 L of oil ≈ 0.913 kg.

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Step 4 — Packaging

You choose the container that carries your positioning: dark glass (maximum protection against light), PET (volume), tinplate can (optimal preservation, food service), bag-in-box (e-commerce). Each format influences preservation and shelf perception.

We produce a packaging proof before launch. Common options: anti-refill cap (non-refill), tamper-evident over-cap, screen printing, gift box, traceability QR code. The detail of the formats and their impact on preservation is covered on OEM packaging.

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Step 5 — Label

The label is a critical control point: a labelling error = a customs hold. From your brand and your design, we produce an artwork compliant with the target market:

• EU: sales denomination (exact grade), origin "Tunisia", net quantity, best-before date, storage conditions, details of the responsible party, lot number, nutrition declaration (EU Reg. 1169/2011 and 2022/2104).
• USA: Nutrition Facts in the FDA format, mentions in English.
• Gulf: Arabic label, production and expiry dates often engraved on the container.

The mentions and claims by market are detailed on labelling by market. The artwork is validated before production.

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Step 6 — Production

Once specs, packaging and label are validated, on to production. The oil is packaged under your label, on a certified bottling line. For mass retail and private labels, the IFS Food and BRCGS certifications are all but mandatory — without them, the door to the chains stays closed.

We follow the specifications to the letter: grade, blend, thresholds, packaging. Your formula remains covered by the NDA, with no disclosure to third parties.

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Step 7 — Quality control

Each final lot undergoes a quality control and a lot COA (IOC-approved laboratory), compared to your reference sample. Checked: acidity, peroxide, K232/K270/ΔK, and, if your positioning requires it, the polyphenols.

You also receive the applicable certificates: IFS/BRC for retail, organic (Ecocert / EU 2018/848 / USDA NOP) if your range is organic. We never apply a claim (organic, EFSA…) without a valid certificate.

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Step 8 — Shipping

The final step: palletisation and shipping, accompanied by the complete export file:

• Commercial invoice and packing list.
• Bill of lading (B/L) or AWB.
• Certificate of origin: EUR.1 for the EU, Arab certificate of origin for the Gulf (GAFTA).
• COA of the lot, sanitary/phytosanitary certificates depending on the market.

The shipment generally leaves FOB (port of Radès or Sfax). The EU tariff quota (TRQ 09.4032, ~56,700 t/yr, certificates via SICAD) is exhausted every year: supply slots are booked early.

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MOQ, lead times and confidentiality

MOQ (minimum order quantity)

Indicative benchmarks:

• Custom label, catalogue format: from ~1 pallet (a few hundred to ~1,000 units depending on the format).
• Standard bottle or can: often 3,000 to 6,000 units per SKU for an optimal cost.
• 100% custom packaging: higher MOQ, tied to the packaging supplier's minimum.
• Bulk under label (you bottle): 1 flexitank (~22,000 L), 2 IBCs or 10 drums.

Lead times

Allow generally 6 to 12 weeks between validation of the specifications (product + packaging + label) and the first shipment, depending on packaging complexity and the availability of the olive campaign (indicative — to be confirmed).

Confidentiality (NDA)

Your project is yours: NDA signed before technical exchanges, confidential blend and specifications, formula exclusivity possible by contract, and registration of your brand (INPI, EUIPO, WIPO) which remains your exclusive property.

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FAQ — The OEM private label process

What are the steps in an olive oil private label project?

Eight steps: brief & scoping, sample + COA, specifications (specs), packaging, label artwork, production, quality control, shipping. You validate at each control point; we produce and package under your brand.

How long does the complete process take?

Generally 6 to 12 weeks between validation of the specifications (product, packaging, label) and the first shipment, depending on packaging complexity and the olive campaign (indicative — to be confirmed).

What is the MOQ to get started?

From ~1 pallet for a custom label on a catalogue format, often 3,000 to 6,000 units per SKU for an optimal cost. In bulk under label: 1 flexitank, 2 IBCs or 10 drums.

Can I receive a sample before committing?

Yes, with its COA issued by an IOC-approved laboratory. It becomes your reference sample, compared to each delivered lot to avoid any dispute on arrival.

What is a COA and why is it provided for each lot?

The COA (certificate of analysis) attests to acidity, peroxide, K232/K270/ΔK and sometimes the polyphenols. It is only valid for export if it comes from an IOC-approved laboratory. It is provided per lot to guarantee quality consistency.

How is my project's confidentiality protected?

By a confidentiality agreement (NDA) signed before any technical exchange. Your blend and your specifications are not disclosed to any third party; a formula exclusivity is possible by contract.

Who writes the specifications?

We formalise them with you from your brief: grade, sensory profile, chemical thresholds, blend, format, packaging, certifications and market. You validate them; they become the contractual reference for production.

What happens if a lot does not match the reference sample?

The quality control and the lot COA are compared to your reference sample. That is precisely the role of this reference: to detect any deviation before shipping and secure conformity.

Are IFS or BRC needed for production intended for mass retail?

Yes. To list a private label in European mass retail, IFS Food or BRCGS are all but mandatory. For e-commerce or fine grocery, it is not always required.

Which documents accompany the shipment?

Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L) or AWB, certificate of origin (EUR.1 for the EU, Arab certificate for the Gulf), lot COA and sanitary/phytosanitary certificates depending on the market.

When is the label validated?

Before production. The artwork is made compliant with the target market (EU mentions 1169/2011 & 2022/2104, FDA Nutrition Facts in the USA, Arabic label in the Gulf). A labelling error leads to a customs hold.

Why book your supply slot early?

Because production follows the olive campaign and the EU tariff quota (TRQ, certificates via SICAD) is exhausted every year. Booking early secures the volume and the launch calendar.

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Launch your private label project

Describe your project — grade, format, packaging, volume, market, organic or not — and receive a dated quotation with a reference sample + COA. Slots follow the olive campaign and the EU quota (exhausted every year): secure yours early.

Request a private label quote — drawer pre-filled "Private label / OEM".

Price your project — filling cost + packaging → landed price and margin.