Import Olives to USA

🫒 Import Olives to USA: A Complete Guide for Food Businesses | Eurovan Trading

Import Olives to USA: For American food businesses, the decision to import olives to the USA is a strategic move to tap into a market valued at over $7 billion. [1] The American consumer’s palate is increasingly sophisticated, demanding authentic, high-quality Mediterranean ingredients. Olives, in all their diverse forms, are at the heart of this trend. However, navigating the complex web of regulations from the USDA, FDA, and CBP can be daunting. This is where a knowledgeable and reliable partner makes all the difference. As a premier global supplier, Eurovan Trading provides the expertise and premium products necessary to make your olive importation venture a resounding success.

Did you know that the United States is the world’s largest importer of olive oil, consuming over 400,000 metric tons annually and accounting for 35% of global imports? [2] This staggering figure highlights the immense opportunity for businesses that can successfully import olives to the USA. This comprehensive guide, crafted by the experts at Eurovan Trading, will walk you through every critical step of the process, from market analysis and regulatory compliance to sourcing and logistics.

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🫒 The American Appetite: Why You Should Import Olives to the USA

The U.S. market for olives and olive products is not just large; it’s growing at an impressive rate. The North American olive market is projected to expand from $7.30 billion in 2025 to $9.64 billion by 2030, showcasing a strong and sustained demand. [3] This growth isn’t accidental. It’s fueled by powerful consumer trends that create a fertile ground for importers.

American consumers are embracing healthier lifestyles. The Mediterranean diet, with olives as a cornerstone, is widely celebrated for its health benefits. This cultural shift has propelled olives from a niche garnish to a mainstream staple in American kitchens. Consumers actively seek out high-quality olives for salads, charcuterie boards, and home cooking. This creates a direct demand for the premium, authentic products that international suppliers like Eurovan Trading provide. By choosing to import olives to the USA, your business can directly meet this growing consumer need and secure a profitable market share.

🫒 The Eurovan Trading Advantage: Your Expert Partner to Import Olives to USA

Successfully importing olives into the competitive U.S. market requires more than just a product. It requires a partnership with a supplier who understands the nuances of global trade, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. At Eurovan Trading, we have built our business on being that expert partner. Our extensive experience, detailed on our About Us page, gives us a unique advantage in serving American businesses.

We manage a vertically integrated supply chain, from sourcing the finest olives from accredited farms to processing them in our state-of-the-art facilities. This gives us unparalleled control over quality, ensuring that every shipment meets the exacting standards of the U.S. market. Our portfolio of Brands, including our renowned Deja Products and Eurofood Products, are recognized for their superior taste and quality. When you partner with us to import olives to the USA, you are not just buying a product; you are gaining a strategic advantage built on a foundation of trust and excellence.

🫒 Navigating the Maze: How to Import Olives to USA Compliantly

Compliance is the most critical aspect of importing food products into the United States. Three main government bodies regulate the process: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Understanding their roles is essential for any business looking to import olives to USA.

USDA Section 8e: Your First Checkpoint

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) enforces Section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act. This regulation ensures that certain imported commodities, including olives, meet the same quality standards as domestically produced products. [4]

Key requirements for olive importers include:

•Inspection and Certification: All shipments of canned ripe olives over 100 lbs. must be inspected and certified by the USDA before they can enter the country. Bulk olives intended for canning must also undergo this inspection process prior to canning.

•Quality Standards: The olives must meet specific minimum requirements for size, quality, and uniformity. The regulations differentiate between several varieties, such as Manzanillo and Sevillano, each with its own criteria.

•Exemptions: It’s important to note that Spanish-style green olives, which are fermented and packed in brine, are exempt from these specific Section 8e regulations. Small shipments under 100 lbs. are also exempt.

Eurovan Trading’s quality control team works proactively to ensure all our olive shipments meet or exceed these USDA standards, streamlining the inspection process for our U.S. partners.

FDA Regulations: Ensuring Food Safety

The FDA’s role is to ensure the safety and proper labeling of all food products sold in the U.S. For anyone looking to import olives to USA, FDA compliance is non-negotiable. [5]

Key FDA requirements include:

•Food Facility Registration: The foreign facility that processes, packs, or holds the olives must be registered with the FDA.

•Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP): U.S. importers are responsible for verifying that their foreign suppliers are producing food that meets U.S. safety standards. This involves risk assessments and verification activities.

•Prior Notice of Imported Foods: Importers must provide the FDA with advance notice of each food shipment before it arrives at a U.S. port.

As your partner, Eurovan Trading provides all necessary documentation and verification to ensure a smooth FSVP process, demonstrating our commitment to the highest safety protocols.

olive_quality_inspection 🫒 Navigating the Maze How to Import Olives to USA Compliantly

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP is the agency that controls what enters the country. They enforce all import regulations on behalf of the USDA and FDA. For a shipment of olives, CBP will verify that all paperwork is in order, duties are paid, and the goods are cleared for entry. This includes checking for a customs bond, bills of lading, and certificates of origin. Our logistics team manages this entire process, ensuring your shipment to import olives to USA clears customs efficiently.

Regulatory Body	Key Responsibility for Olive Imports
USDA	Enforces quality, size, and grade standards under Section 8e. Requires inspection.
FDA	Ensures food safety through facility registration, FSVP, and prior notice.
CBP	Enforces all regulations at the border, clears shipments, and collects duties.

🫒 A World of Flavor: Olive Varieties to Import to the USA

The American market appreciates variety. Offering a diverse portfolio of high-quality olives can set your business apart. As an expert supplier, Eurovan Trading sources and processes a wide range of popular olive varieties perfect for the U.S. consumer.

Manzanillo Olives

Originating from Spain, the Manzanillo is a globally beloved olive. It has a crisp texture and a slightly smoky, almond-like flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect for table olives, stuffing (often with pimentos), and producing high-quality olive oil. When you import olives to USA, Manzanillo should be at the top of your list due to its widespread recognition and appeal.

Kalamata Olives

Named after the city of Kalamata in Greece, this iconic olive is deep purple, almond-shaped, and bursting with a rich, fruity flavor. It is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and a favorite on charcuterie boards and in Greek salads. The premium reputation of Kalamata olives makes them a highly sought-after product in the American gourmet food market.

Sevillano Olives

Also known as the “Queen” olive, the Sevillano is prized for its large size and firm, meaty texture. It has a mild, briny flavor that makes it an excellent table olive. Its impressive size also makes it ideal for stuffing with ingredients like garlic, blue cheese, or jalapeños, catering to the American love for bold flavors.

Eurovan Trading offers these varieties and more, all processed to perfection using IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) technology or traditional curing methods to preserve their authentic taste and texture. We can help you build a product portfolio that excites your customers.

olive_varieties_display 🫒 A World of Flavor Olive Varieties to Import to the USA

🫒 From Grove to Port: Logistics to Import Olives to USA

Getting your product from the Mediterranean grove to a U.S. warehouse in perfect condition requires logistical mastery. As a leading global supplier, Eurovan Trading has perfected the cold chain logistics necessary to import olives to USA.

Our process begins with expert packaging. We offer a range of solutions to meet your needs, from large-volume bulk cartons for industrial food processors to retail-ready private label jars and pouches. All our packaging is designed to protect the product’s integrity and ensure food safety.

From there, the olives are loaded into temperature-controlled reefer containers. These containers maintain a precise temperature throughout the journey, preserving the freshness, flavor, and texture of the olives. Our logistics team works with a network of trusted freight forwarders and shipping lines, ensuring reliable and timely delivery to major U.S. ports. We handle all the complex documentation, from health certificates to bills of lading, to ensure a seamless customs clearance process. This end-to-end logistical management is a core part of the value we provide to our American partners.

olive_shipping_containers From Grove to Port Logistics to Import Olives to USA

🫒 A Deeper Dive: Understanding Specific Olive Import Regulations

While we’ve covered the main regulatory bodies, a successful import strategy requires a granular understanding of the rules for different olive products. The requirements to import olives to USA vary significantly based on how they are processed and packaged.

Canned Ripe Olives: The Strictest Category

This category receives the most scrutiny from the USDA. Canned ripe olives, which get their dark color from an oxidation process, must meet stringent quality and size standards. Before a shipment can be cleared, a USDA inspector must certify that the olives conform to the requirements outlined in the marketing order. This includes checks for uniformity of size, color, and the presence of any defects. Importers must schedule this inspection at least 10 days prior to the planned import date. Failure to secure certification will result in the shipment being denied entry.

Green-Ripe Olives

Green-ripe olives are not oxidized and retain a greenish-yellow hue. While they are also subject to USDA inspection, the requirements for color and blemishes are not applicable. However, they must still meet the minimum size and quality standards for their variety. This distinction is important for suppliers and importers to understand when preparing their products for the U.S. market.

Bulk Olives for Further Processing

Many U.S. businesses import bulk olives to can or process domestically. These shipments are also subject to USDA inspection. The key difference is that the inspection must occur before the olives are used in the production of canned olives. This allows U.S. processors to ensure the raw materials meet federal standards before investing in the canning process. There are also provisions for importing olives for “limited use,” such as for producing chopped or sliced olive products, which may have different size requirements.

The Spanish-Style Green Olive Exemption

It is crucial to reiterate that traditional, fermented Spanish-style green olives are exempt from these specific USDA Section 8e marketing order requirements. These olives are cured in brine and undergo a fermentation process, which places them in a different regulatory category. However, they are still subject to all applicable FDA food safety regulations. This exemption is a significant advantage for suppliers specializing in this popular olive type.

🫒 Mastering the FSVP: A Guide for U.S. Importers

The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is a cornerstone of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). It shifts the responsibility for ensuring food safety from FDA inspectors at the border to the U.S. importer. When you import olives to USA, you are legally responsible for verifying that your foreign supplier (like Eurovan Trading) is meeting U.S. safety standards.

Key Steps in the FSVP Process to Import Olives to USA:

1.Hazard Analysis: The importer must identify potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards associated with the imported olives. This could include things like pathogens, pesticide residues, or pits in pitted olives.

2.Supplier Evaluation: You must evaluate your foreign supplier’s performance and the risk posed by the food. This involves reviewing their food safety history, procedures, and certifications (like ISO 22000, HACCP, and BRC).

3.Supplier Verification Activities: Based on the risk assessment, you must conduct appropriate verification activities. For a trusted, certified supplier like Eurovan Trading, this might involve annually reviewing their food safety records and certifications. For a less-established supplier, it could require an onsite audit.

4.Corrective Actions: If you determine that a supplier is not meeting U.S. standards, you must take corrective actions. This could range from requesting a documented action plan to discontinuing the partnership.

Partnering with a supplier like Eurovan Trading, which already holds globally recognized food safety certifications, dramatically simplifies the FSVP process. We proactively provide all necessary documentation, including food safety plans, audit reports, and certificates of analysis, making it easy for our U.S. partners to meet their regulatory obligations.

🫒 Labeling Your Import Olives for the U.S. Market

Proper labeling is another critical FDA requirement. A non-compliant label is one of the most common reasons for a food shipment to be detained at the border. When you import olives to USA, the label must be accurate and contain all required information in English.

Essential Elements of a U.S. Food Label:

•Statement of Identity: The common name of the food (e.g., “Black Ripe Olives” or “Kalamata Olives”).

•Net Quantity of Contents: The amount of product, expressed in both U.S. customary units (ounces, pounds) and metric units (grams, kilograms).

•Nutrition Facts Panel: A standardized panel detailing serving size, calories, and key nutrients.

•Ingredient List: All ingredients listed in descending order by weight. This must also declare any major food allergens.

•Name and Address of Manufacturer, Packer, or Distributor: The name and address of the responsible party.

•Country of Origin: The label must clearly state the country where the olives were grown (e.g., “Product of Egypt”).

Eurovan Trading works closely with our U.S. partners to ensure that all labeling, whether for our brands or a private label product, is fully compliant with FDA regulations, preventing costly delays and rejections at the port.

🫒 Beyond the Olive: Importing Olive Oil to the USA

Many businesses that import olives to USA also venture into importing olive oil. The U.S. is the world’s largest market for olive oil, but the quality standards are just as stringent.

Olive Oil Grades:

•Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): The highest grade. It must be produced solely by mechanical means without the use of any chemical treatments. It must also meet specific chemical and sensory (taste and smell) standards.

•Virgin Olive Oil: Also produced without chemical treatments, but has slightly higher acidity levels and minor flavor defects compared to EVOO.

•Olive Oil: A blend of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil. It is a more general-purpose cooking oil.

When importing olive oil, it is subject to both FDA regulations and USDA quality standards. The USDA’s quality monitoring program checks to ensure that the olive oil is not adulterated and that it is correctly graded. Importers must be prepared to provide certificates of analysis for each batch to verify its grade and purity. Eurovan Trading provides fully certified and tested olive oil, ensuring our partners can confidently market a premium product to discerning American consumers.

🫒 The Health Halo: Marketing Olives to Health-Conscious Americans

The rising popularity of olives in the U.S. is intrinsically linked to the growing health and wellness movement. When you import olives to USA, you are not just selling a food item; you are selling a component of a healthy lifestyle. Marketing your imported olives effectively requires highlighting these health benefits, which are backed by extensive scientific research.

A Nutrient-Dense Superfood Import Olives to USA

Olives are packed with beneficial nutrients. They are a rich source of:

•Monounsaturated Fats: The primary fatty acid in olives is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

•Antioxidants: Olives are loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and quercetin. These compounds help protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals and are believed to play a role in preventing chronic diseases.

•Vitamins and Minerals: Olives provide significant amounts of Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, as well as iron and copper.

Tapping into the Mediterranean Diet Trend

The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world. It is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. Olives and extra virgin olive oil are central pillars of this diet. By positioning your imported olives as an authentic component of the Mediterranean diet, you can tap into a powerful and enduring consumer trend. Marketing materials can emphasize how your olives can be used to create healthy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Communicating Quality and Purity

Health-conscious consumers are also concerned about food purity. They want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. This is where your partnership with a transparent supplier like Eurovan Trading becomes a key marketing tool. You can highlight:

•Sourcing: Emphasize that the olives are sourced from trusted, accredited farms that use sustainable agricultural practices.

•Processing: Explain the benefits of natural processing methods, whether it’s traditional brine-curing or advanced IQF technology that locks in nutrients without the need for artificial preservatives.

•Certifications: Promote the food safety certifications (ISO 22000, BRC) as a guarantee of quality and purity.

By building a brand story around health, authenticity, and quality, businesses that import olives to USA can build a loyal customer base that values premium products.

🫒 The U.S. Retail Landscape: Where to Sell Your Imported Olives

Once you successfully import olives to USA, the next step is getting them into the hands of consumers. The U.S. retail landscape is diverse, offering multiple channels for your products.

Supermarkets and Grocery Chains

This is the largest channel for food sales in the U.S. Getting your product onto the shelves of major national chains like Kroger, Albertsons, or Whole Foods can lead to massive sales volumes. However, these retailers have stringent requirements for their suppliers, including consistent supply, competitive pricing, and robust food safety documentation. They are also increasingly focused on private label products, which presents an opportunity for importers to partner with them to create a store-brand line of olives.

Specialty and Gourmet Food Stores

Retailers like Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market, or independent gourmet shops cater to consumers looking for unique, high-quality products. These stores are often more willing to work with smaller, specialized importers and can be an excellent channel for premium and artisanal olive products. The story behind the product—its origin, the specific variety, the processing method—is a key selling point in this channel.

Foodservice Distribution Import Olives to USA

The foodservice sector, which includes restaurants, hotels, and caterers, is a massive consumer of olives. Supplying this channel requires working with foodservice distributors like Sysco or US Foods. These distributors buy in bulk and supply thousands of individual kitchens. The emphasis in this channel is on consistency, food safety, and packaging that is convenient for a commercial kitchen environment.

Online and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)

The rise of e-commerce has opened up new avenues for food importers. Selling directly to consumers through your own website or through online marketplaces like Amazon allows you to control your brand message and build a direct relationship with your customers. This channel is particularly effective for niche and premium products where the brand story is a key part of the appeal.

Eurovan Trading can provide the flexible packaging and product configurations needed to target any of these channels, from bulk cartons for foodservice to retail-ready jars for supermarket shelves. Our team can work with you to develop a channel strategy that aligns with your business goals as you import olives to USA.

🫒 Partner with the Best Import Olives to USA: Become a U.S. Distributor for Eurovan Trading

As the U.S. market for high-quality olives continues to expand, we are looking for strategic partners to grow with us. If you are a food importer, distributor, or wholesaler in the United States, we invite you to Become a Distributor for Eurovan Trading. Partnering with us gives you a significant competitive edge.

We offer our distributors:

•A portfolio of premium, fully certified products.

•Competitive pricing based on our efficient supply chain.

•Comprehensive logistical and regulatory support.

•Marketing materials to help you promote our esteemed brands.

By working with us, you can confidently supply your market with the finest Mediterranean olives, backed by a partner dedicated to quality and reliability. Connect with us to explore how we can import olives to USA together and build a profitable, long-term partnership.

🫒 Conclusion: Your Gateway to the American Olive Market

To successfully import olives to USA, a business needs more than just a product. It needs market knowledge, regulatory expertise, logistical prowess, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Eurovan Trading embodies all of these attributes. We have demystified the complex process, from navigating USDA and FDA rules to managing a global cold chain.

Also We have shown you the immense opportunity that the $7 billion U.S. market holds. We have detailed the specific steps required for compliant importation. And we have introduced you to the world of premium olive varieties that American consumers crave. The path is clear. With the right product and the right partner, your business can thrive.

Take the next step in your business journey. Let Eurovan Trading be your trusted partner and guide.

Contact Eurovan Trading Today to Import Olives to USA

•Website: eurovantrading.com

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References to Import Olives to USA

[1] Grand View Research. “North America Olive Market Size And Share | Report, 2030.” Accessed November 7, 2025. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/north-america-olive-market-report.

[2] International Olive Council. “THE UNITED STATES: OLIVE OIL IMPORTS.” Accessed November 7, 2025. https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/the-united-states-olive-oil-imports/.

[3] Mordor Intelligence. “North America Olive Market – Share, Size & Industry Trends.” Accessed November 7, 2025. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/north-america-olive-market.

[4] USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. “Importing Olives.” Accessed November 7, 2025. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/section8e/olives.

[5] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “Importing Food Products into the United States.” Accessed November 7, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-imports-exports/importing-food-products-united-states.

Importing Olives to the USA: Your Questions Answered

Navigating USDA, FDA, and CBP regulations can be complex. Here are clear answers to the most common questions about U.S. olive import requirements.

What are the main requirements to import olives to the USA?

Successfully importing olives to the USA requires compliance with three main government bodies: the USDA (which enforces quality and grade standards under Section 8e for specific olive types), the FDA (which ensures food safety through the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), facility registration, and prior notice), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (which enforces all regulations at the border, verifies paperwork, and collects duties).

What is the USDA Section 8e regulation for olive imports?

The USDA’s Section 8e regulation ensures that certain imported commodities, including canned ripe olives, meet the same minimum quality, size, and grade standards as domestically produced olives. It requires a mandatory USDA inspection and certification before entry. Importantly, traditional Spanish-style green olives are exempt from these specific Section 8e requirements, though they must still meet all FDA food safety rules.

What is the FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) for importing olives?

The FSVP is a critical FDA regulation under FSMA that makes the U.S. importer legally responsible for verifying that their foreign supplier (like Eurovan Trading) is producing food that meets U.S. safety standards. This involves conducting hazard analyses, evaluating the supplier’s food safety history and certifications (like BRC or ISO 22000), and performing regular verification activities.

What are the best olive varieties to import for the USA market?

The American consumer palate appreciates diversity. The most in-demand and profitable varieties for the U.S. market include:

Manzanillo Olives: Globally popular with a crisp texture, perfect for stuffing.
Kalamata Olives: A premium, iconic Greek olive with a rich, fruity flavor.
Sevillano (Queen) Olives: Prized for their very large size and firm, meaty texture, ideal for gourmet stuffing.

Why should my food business consider shipping olives to America?

The U.S. market for olives represents a massive, growing opportunity, valued at over $7 billion and projected to exceed $9.6 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by strong consumer demand for healthy, authentic Mediterranean ingredients, fueled by trends like the Mediterranean diet. Importing olives allows your business to meet this sustained demand directly.

How do you ensure olive quality during shipment to the USA?

Maintaining freshness requires expert cold chain logistics. As a premier supplier, Eurovan Trading ships olives in temperature-controlled ‘reefer’ containers to preserve their authentic taste, texture, and quality throughout the journey from our facilities to the U.S. port. We also manage all complex documentation for a seamless customs clearance.

🫒 Conclusion: Your Journey to Success Import Olives to USA Starts Here

The decision to import olives to USA is a journey into one of the world’s most promising and dynamic food markets. We have explored the significant market opportunity, the intricate web of regulations, the diverse world of olive varieties, and the logistical precision required for success. The path may seem complex, but it is a journey you do not have to take alone.

Eurovan Trading is more than a supplier; we are your strategic partner. We provide the foundation of quality, safety, and reliability upon which you can build a thriving import business. Our commitment to excellence, from the grove to your warehouse, simplifies the complexities of international trade and empowers you to focus on what you do best: serving your customers.

We have the products, the expertise, and the passion to help you succeed. The American appetite for authentic, healthy, and delicious olives is waiting. Let’s satisfy it together.

Contact Eurovan Trading Today to Begin Your Import Journey