Groupe Zitex (SIOS-Zitex / Agro-Zitex) — Tunisian olive

In brief

  • Who? Groupe Zitex, a Tunisian industrial olive-oil holding grouping SIOS-Zitex (Société Industrielle Oléicole de Sfax, parent company founded in 1927), Agro-Zitex (founded in 1995) and Oli-Zit.
  • Region: Sfax, Tunisia — Agareb industrial zone, Route de l'Aéroport Km 21, 3030 Sfax.
  • Positioning: an industrial B2B / wholesaler-exporter and refiner, one of the largest oil refiners in Tunisia; a mass-market / industrial profile rather than a premium consumer brand.

Overview

Groupe Zitex is a Tunisian industrial olive-oil holding based in Sfax. It groups several entities: SIOS-Zitex (Société Industrielle Oléicole de Sfax), presented as the parent company founded in 1927; Agro-Zitex, founded in 1995 with a capital of 6M TND, held 75% by SIOS-Zitex and 25% by the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID); as well as Oli-Zit.

The headquarters and plants are located in the Agareb industrial zone, Route de l'Aéroport Km 21, 3030 Sfax, in the Sfax governorate — the heart of Tunisia's central-southern olive-growing basin.

The group stands out for its industrial profile: it ranks among the largest oil refiners in Tunisia and is active across the whole value chain, from pomace extraction to refining, packaging and export.

Range & varieties

The Chemlali variety — dominant in the Sfax region and accounting for around 80% of Tunisian production — is typical of the area, but it is not explicitly confirmed for Zitex in the official sources; the breakdown by variety is not specified.

The documented range covers a broad industrial spectrum:

  • Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • Virgin olive oil
  • Lampante olive oil
  • Refined olive oil
  • Olive pomace oil
  • Refined vegetable oils, packaged
  • Dried olive pomace (for export)
  • Household soap (LA LOUISEL, 3 ETOILES brands)
  • Fatty acids

Markets & distribution

The documented markets are: Tunisia (local market), the European Union (notably Italy and Spain) and the United States. The breakdown of volumes by country is not publicly documented.

Certifications & awards

Documented certifications:

  • A quality policy and certificates are mentioned on the official site, but not detailed / not confirmed.
  • Authorization to export edible oils obtained in 2004.

Awards: not publicly documented.

Positioning

Groupe Zitex positions itself as an industrial B2B / wholesaler-exporter and refiner rather than a premium consumer brand. It is cited among the largest oil refiners in Tunisia and is particularly strong in pomace extraction, refining, packaging and bulk / semi-bulk export to the EU and the US. The group reportedly holds around 17% of the local market share in olive pomace / residues. Its positioning is mass-market / industrial. The overall reliability of the available public data is assessed as medium.

Ethical FOMO callout

Groupe Zitex illustrates the industrial depth of the Tunisian olive-oil sector — from pomace to refining all the way to bulk export to the EU and the US. It is a respected player in the sector: its presence shows there is room, downstream, for new packaged brands and for serious importers who want to add value to Tunisian oil under their own label.

FAQ

What is Groupe Zitex? A Tunisian industrial olive-oil holding based in Sfax, grouping SIOS-Zitex (parent company), Agro-Zitex and Oli-Zit.

How long has SIOS-Zitex existed? SIOS-Zitex (Société Industrielle Oléicole de Sfax) is presented as founded in 1927.

Who owns Agro-Zitex? Agro-Zitex (founded in 1995, capital 6M TND) is held 75% by SIOS-Zitex and 25% by the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID).

Where is the group located? In the Agareb industrial zone, Route de l'Aéroport Km 21, 3030 Sfax, Tunisia.

What products does Groupe Zitex make? Extra virgin, virgin, lampante and refined olive oils, pomace oil, refined vegetable oils, dried olive pomace, household soaps (LA LOUISEL, 3 ETOILES) and fatty acids.

Is the group a refiner? Yes, it is presented as one of the largest oil refiners in Tunisia, strong in pomace and refining.

Which countries does it export to? The European Union (notably Italy, Spain) and the United States, in addition to the local Tunisian market.

Is Groupe Zitex a premium consumer brand? No: its positioning is industrial / mass-market, B2B-oriented, focused on wholesale, refining and bulk export rather than a premium shelf brand.

Can I source bulk Tunisian oil through Zitouna Export? Yes. Zitouna Export supports the sourcing of Tunisian olive oil in bulk or packaged, as well as brand creation. Request a quote.

Would you like to source bulk Tunisian olive oil or launch your own export brand? Request your personalized quote — a fast reply, based on your volumes and target markets.

Related reading
Browse the full topic