Frequently Asked Questions

Arakpal Export S.L. is a Spanish export company based in Jaén, Andalusia — the heart of the world's largest olive oil producing region. We specialise in premium extra virgin olive oil, artisan cheeses, and aromatic herbs, connecting Andalusian producers with importers, distributors, and buyers worldwide.

We are a B2B export company and primarily work with importers, distributors, wholesalers, supermarket chains, and food service operators. We do not sell directly to end consumers. If you are a business looking to source Spanish olive oil, cheese, or herbs, we would love to hear from you.

Our team speaks Spanish, English, French, and Arabic, allowing us to serve clients across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa comfortably in their preferred language.

We export three main product categories: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (conventional, organic, and PDO-certified varieties), Artisan Spanish Cheeses (including Manchego, Ibérico, and aged varieties), and Aromatic Herbs & Spices (oregano, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and more). All products originate from Andalusia and southern Spain.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality grade of olive oil, produced by cold mechanical extraction with no heat or chemicals. It must have an acidity level below 0.8% and meet strict organoleptic standards. Grade matters because lower grades (virgin, refined, pomace) undergo chemical processing that removes flavour, aroma, and health-beneficial polyphenols. Our EVOO ranges from conventional to premium single-estate, with acidity as low as <0.2%.

Yes. We carry a range of products certified organic under EU Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. Our organic olive oils and herbs are certified by accredited Spanish control bodies. Organic certification documentation is available on request for each product.

We offer flexible packaging to suit retail, food service, and industrial needs. Olive oil is available in glass bottles (250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 L), tin cans (2.5 L, 5 L), bag-in-box (3 L, 5 L, 10 L), and bulk IBC containers (1,000 L). Cheeses are available whole, in portions, or vacuum-packed. Custom private-label packaging is available for minimum order quantities.

Yes, we can arrange sample shipments for qualified buyers. Samples are available for olive oils and most herb products. Please contact us with your business details and the products you are interested in, and our team will arrange a sample kit. Courier costs for samples are typically charged to the recipient.

Minimum order quantities vary by product and packaging format. As a general guide: bulk olive oil starts at 1,000 L (one IBC); bottled products start at one full pallet (typically 600–800 units depending on bottle size); cheese orders start at 50 kg. We are happy to discuss your specific requirements — contact us for a tailored quote.

You can request a quote directly through our website by using the Quote Request form, which allows you to specify products, quantities, packaging formats, and destination. Alternatively, contact us via email at info@arakpalexport.com or through the contact form. We aim to respond to all quote requests within 2 business days.

Standard payment terms for new clients are 30–50% deposit with order confirmation and the balance prior to shipment. Established clients may qualify for open account terms (Net 30) after a satisfactory trading history. We accept bank wire transfer (SWIFT/SEPA), and documentary credit (Letter of Credit) for larger orders.

Order processing times depend on the product, quantity, and whether private-label packaging is required. Standard stock orders are typically ready for dispatch within 5–10 business days. Custom or private-label orders require 3–6 weeks lead time. Seasonal availability may affect processing times for fresh products.

Yes, we offer private-label services for olive oil and select herb products. This includes custom bottle shapes, label design, and co-packing. Minimum quantities apply for private-label orders (typically one full production run). Please contact us with your branding requirements and we will provide a private-label quotation.

We export worldwide. Our primary markets include the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other GCC countries, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. If you are in a country not listed here, please contact us — we can likely arrange shipment to your destination.

Transit times vary by destination and shipping method. Within Europe by road: 2–5 days. Mediterranean ports by sea: 3–7 days. Middle East and North Africa: 10–20 days by sea. North America: 15–25 days by sea. Air freight is available for urgent shipments. These are indicative times — we will provide specific estimates with your freight quotation.

We ship by sea (FCL and LCL), air freight, and road (within Europe). We can quote on most standard Incoterms 2020 terms including EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF, and DAP. Our logistics team works with established freight forwarders to ensure competitive rates and reliable transit times.

We prepare all standard export documentation including the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, EUR.1 movement certificate (for preferential tariff agreements), phytosanitary certificates, and health certificates as required by the destination country. We can coordinate with your freight forwarder or customs broker to ensure smooth clearance.

Our products and facilities hold a range of certifications depending on the product line: ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management), IFS Food (International Featured Standards), BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, EU Organic certification (for organic ranges), and PDO/PGI designations for applicable products. Specific certification documents are available upon request.

Yes. All our products comply with relevant EU regulations including Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, EU olive oil marketing standards (Regulation (EU) No 29/2012), and general food safety law (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002). We can provide full regulatory documentation, including allergen declarations and nutritional information, for each product.

PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin (Denominación de Origen Protegida in Spanish). It is a European Union quality label that guarantees a product is produced, processed, and prepared in a specific geographical area using recognised expertise. Our PDO olive oils come from certified production zones in Jaén (e.g., Sierra Mágina, Sierra de Cazorla). PDO status is clearly indicated on product listings.

Extra virgin olive oil has a typical shelf life of 18–24 months from the date of production when stored correctly (cool, dark place, away from heat and light). Aged cheeses vary by type — typically 6–18 months. Dried herbs and spices have a shelf life of 2–3 years. Best-before dates are printed on all packaging. We advise clients on optimal storage and rotation practices.