Last week I had a fun time speaking to an entrepreneur who bottles olive oil for a local market. I thought: anyone could do this business. They need drive, passion, and deep interest. Of course, there are not many jobs today. We know where the good jobs have gone. Not even leftovers for decent people. So many people have been trying to find opportunities to make money doing the things that they love.

I’ve been doing a series on olive oil bottling. It’s an entry point for small startups. Below I give you an overview of considerations when selecting bottles. If you want to go into this deeper, contact a small olive oil producer. Ask them questions. Also, try to find a startup olive oil producer, a bottler. Learn from their experience.

The bottle is an important aspect of selling olive oil. The entrepreneur I met sells his brand and other producers’ brands. He also sells one or two imported olive oil brands. For some, the opportunities in bottling olive oil may well exceed their expectations. But, if they lack the right market or approach, it may not succeed. It takes much determination to make anything succeed. Any business startup needs drive and enthusiasm. Choosing the right bottles for bottling olive oil is a critical decision for any small business, especially for those operating in the South African market. The choice of bottle can significantly impact the product’s quality, shelf life, and overall marketability.

For small-scale producers, practicality and cost-effectiveness are key considerations. Glass bottles are often the preferred choice due to their impermeability and ability to preserve the oil’s quality. Dark glass, particularly green or amber, is highly recommended as it protects the oil from light, which can degrade its quality over time. This is especially important in South Africa, where sunlight is abundant.

When selecting bottle sizes, it’s essential to consider your target market. Common sizes for olive oil bottles are 250ml, 500ml, and 750ml. Smaller bottles, such as 250ml, are ideal for premium or specialty oils, as they cater to customers who want to sample the product without committing to a larger quantity. The 500ml size is a versatile option that balances affordability and convenience, making it a popular choice for everyday use. Larger bottles, such as 750ml, are suitable for customers who use olive oil frequently and prefer to buy in bulk to save money.

The design and color of the bottle cap are also crucial. Screw caps are commonly used due to their ease of use and effective sealing capabilities. The color of the cap can be used to enhance brand identity and aesthetic appeal. Black and gold caps are popular choices as they convey a sense of elegance and quality. However, experimenting with colors that align with your brand’s identity can make your product stand out on the shelves.

In addition to these practical considerations, sustainability is an increasingly important factor. South African consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and choosing recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials can be a selling point. Customers can promote sustainability and brand loyalty by investing in high-quality, durable bottles that can be reused.

Finally, the cost and availability of bottles in South Africa should be factored into your decision-making process. Local suppliers can provide more affordable options and reduce shipping costs and environmental impact. Reliable suppliers can ensure a steady supply of high-quality bottles by building strong relationships with them, which is essential for maintaining consistent production levels.

Selecting the right bottles for your olive oil can influence your product’s quality, shelf life, and market appeal. Consider factors such as bottle material, size, cap design, sustainability, and local availability. You can make informed decisions that increase your product’s chances of success in the South African market.

Disclaimer: I provided the information in this blog post. I based it on my research and knowledge. I have no ties to the olive oil industry. I am independent. I strive to ensure that that the information is accurate. But, I can’t guarantee it’s complete or accurate. This content is not professional advice. It is not guidance for entering the olive oil market. Readers should do their own research. They should consult with their own business advisors before making any decisions.

Information on olive oil bottles for further research:

When selecting bottles for bottling olive oil, it is crucial to consider various factors that influence the quality and safety of the product. Here are the necessary considerations, supported by the provided sources:

• Bottle Material:
• Choose between glass, tin, or plastic containers. Glass is preferred due to its ability to protect the oil from harmful PVCs and its sustainability and recyclability 145. Tin containers are another option that can maintain the oil’s quality and are environmentally friendly compared to plastic 1.
• Color and Light Protection:
• Opt for dark, opaque bottles to protect the olive oil from light exposure, which can spoil the oil’s quality 459. Avoid clear glass bottles as they do not offer adequate protection against light 5.
• Size and Shape:
• Decide on the size of the bottle based on the intended use. Smaller bottles of 250-500ml are suitable for frequent users, while larger bottles may be more appropriate for those who use olive oil less frequently 68. The shape of the bottle should also be analyzed for aesthetic appeal and functionality 7.
• Closure Type:
• Select closures that are reliable and ensure the freshness of the oil once the bottle is sealed. Screw caps or pour spouts are common choices 2.
• External Factors:
• Be mindful of the external factors that can affect the oil’s quality, such as temperature and oxygen exposure during shipping and handling 1.
• Shelf Life:
• Determine the optimal shelflife for your olive oil based on the polyphenol content, which affects the oil’s stability. Extra virgin olive oil, with no added conservatives, typically has a shelf life of 12-24 months under proper storage conditions 1.
• Storage Conditions:
• Store the oil in a cool, dark place away from heat sources and direct sunlight, which can lead to rancidity development 1. Recommended storage temperatures are below 20°C for long-term storage and in the pantry for short-term use 1.
• Packaging Details:
• Consider the design and labeling of the bottle. While these aspects are not the primary indicators of quality, they can influence the consumer’s perception of the product 1. Ensure the label provides necessary information and adheres to regulatory standards 2.
• Environmental Impact:
• Evaluate the environmental impact of the packaging materials and practices. Glass and tin containers have a lower carbon footprint than plastic and are more easily recyclable 1.

In summary, the selection of bottles for bottling olive oil should be guided by a focus on quality, safety, and the environment. By considering these factors, you can select the most appropriate bottles for your olive oil brand.