Our commitments — quality, traceability, sustainability
In short. At Zitouna Export, four commitments underpin all our work: quality checked per lot (COI/EU compliance, the COA prevails), complete traceability from grove to container, a sustainability approach rooted in the Tunisian terroir, and real fairness towards producers through direct sourcing. Concrete, verifiable principles, never broken promises.
1. Quality — the analysis certificate prevails
We never sell a category that the laboratory has not confirmed. Every lot destined for export is analysed, and the category announced is the one on the certificate of analysis (COA).
- Per-lot analyses in a COI-accredited laboratory: acidity (≤ 0.80% for extra virgin), peroxide value, K232 / K270 / ΔK, and sensory panel for organoleptic quality.
- Reference sample with COA provided upon a qualified request: you judge before committing.
- Compliance with COI / EU requirements and with the rules of the destination market.
- Details and supporting evidence on our certifications & quality pillar.
Why it matters. In olive oil, fraud and overselling exist. Our stance of product truth protects the buyer: what you receive matches the analysed lot.
2. Traceability — from grove to container
Every lot is identified and tracked at each stage: origin (terroir, variety), milling, storage, packaging, shipment.
- Origin documents tailored to the market: EUR.1, certificate of origin, depending on the destination.
- Traceability that makes it possible, when needed, to trace the chain from a container back to its terroir.
- Consistency between the product delivered, the COA and the export documents — see the export & logistics page.
This traceability is the condition of trust: it makes our commitments verifiable, not merely declarative.
3. Sustainability — a terroir asset
Tunisia benefits from a hot, dry climate that naturally limits pest pressure, reducing the need for treatments — a structural asset for the organic sector.
- Part of our offering is organic-certifiable (Ecocert / EU and USDA equivalences depending on the supply chain and the lot ).
- Promotion of Tunisian olive growing, often extensive and low in inputs.
- Logistics optimisation (bulk formats: flexitank, IBC, drums) for a better product-to-packaging ratio.
Our quantified sustainability indicators (organic share, logistics footprint) are being documented — we will only communicate verified data.
4. Fairness — paying producers better
Our direct sourcing model in the Sfax basin aims to reduce the layers of intermediaries that have historically captured value to the detriment of Tunisian producers.
- Marketing the oil under its own origin rather than melting it anonymously into foreign blends.
- A working relationship with local mills and cooperatives (terms to be specified ).
- The conviction that a better-valued origin benefits the entire sector — from the producer to the final buyer.
This commitment extends our history and values.
What we commit to towards you
| Commitment | In concrete terms |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Prices and availability dated and confirmed before any commitment |
| Proof before purchase | Reference sample + COA upon a qualified request |
| Documents in order | COA, origin documents and compliance with the destination market |
| No empty promises | We commit only to what we can deliver |
FAQ — Our commitments
How do you guarantee the quality of the oil?
Through per-lot analyses in a COI-accredited laboratory (acidity, peroxide, K232/K270, ΔK, sensory panel). The category announced is always the one on the COA. A reference sample is provided upon request.
Does the COA really match the lot I will receive?
Yes, that is the very principle of our product truth commitment: the certificate of analysis relates to the lot concerned, traced from the grove to the container.
Do you ensure full traceability?
Yes, from the grove to the container: origin, milling, storage, packaging, shipment, with the appropriate origin documents (EUR.1, certificate of origin).
Is your oil organic-certified?
Part of our offering is organic-certifiable (Ecocert / EU and USDA equivalences depending on the supply chain and the lot). Supporting evidence on the certifications page.
How is your approach sustainable?
The Tunisian climate naturally limits treatments; olive growing there is often extensive. We also optimise logistics via bulk formats. Our quantified indicators are being documented.
How do you ensure fairness towards producers?
Through direct sourcing in the Sfax basin that reduces intermediaries, and by selling the oil under its own origin so that it is better valued — to the benefit of the sector.
What does "no broken promises" mean?
We only communicate dated and confirmed data (prices, availability, categories). We prefer to say "to be confirmed" rather than put forward unverified information.
What documents do you provide for export?
Depending on the market: COA, certificate of origin, EUR.1, and the documents required by the destination. Details on the export and certifications pages.
Can I verify your commitments before ordering?
Yes: request a reference sample with its COA. It is the most direct proof. You judge the real quality before any commitment.
Commitments you can verify. Request a quote — dated quotation + sample with COA. Also discover our history and values and our certifications.