Japan is a nation known for its sophisticated palate, focus on health, and deep appreciation for quality food products. And as the demand for Mediterranean diets and plant-based cooking grows, olive oil has quietly become a pantry staple across Japanese households and restaurants.

Whether you're a supermarket chain, restaurant distributor, eCommerce brand, or health store owner in Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka—importing bulk olive oil into Japan can be a game-changing business move.

This comprehensive 2025 guide will help you:

•    Understand current wholesale olive oil prices

•    Choose the right bulk supplier (especially from Iran, Spain, and Turkey)

•    Navigate Japan’s strict import and customs regulations

•    Avoid common mistakes in labeling, documentation, and logistics

Olive Oil in the Japanese Market: Trends & Opportunities

Olive oil consumption in Japan has nearly doubled in the last decade, driven by:

•    The rising popularity of Italian, Greek, and Spanish cuisines

•    An aging population seeking healthy fats over processed oils

•    Government initiatives promoting the Mediterranean diet

•    Online platforms like Rakuten, Amazon Japan, and LOHACO pushing gourmet products

Fun Fact: Japan is one of the few Asian countries with domestic olive oil production (Shodoshima Island), but local supply accounts for <1% of demand.

2025 Bulk Olive Oil Prices in Japan:

Grade                            Origin                    Packaging                   FOB Price (USD/MT) 

Extra Virgin EVOO      Iran                5L PET, 1L Glass        $9,200 – $9,700

Organic EVOO         Iran/Spain            500ml Glass             $9,200 – $9,700

Virgin Olive Oil        Turkey/Iran             18L Tin                   $7,800 – $8,200

Pomace Olive Oil         Turkey                Bulk Drums              $6,800 – $7,300

Note: Japan values purity, traceability, and low acidity levels. Choose suppliers who offer lab-tested certificates and low peroxide values.

Best Countries to Import Olive Oil to Japan From

1.   Spain – Largest exporter to Japan, but relatively expensive

2.   Italy – Premium branding, great for boutique stores

3.   Iran – Growing exporter, offers excellent quality and pricing

4.   Turkey – Competitive prices, especially in pomace and bulk tins

5.   Greece – Niche, artisanal oils with heritage value

Many Japanese buyers now turn to Iranian EVOO for:

•    Affordable rates

•    Arabic/English labeling (easily converted to Japanese)

•    Custom branding options

•    Shorter shipping via Bandar Abbas – Yokohama

Step-by-Step: How to Import Olive Oil into Japan?

Importing into Japan is detail-oriented. Missing a document, or wrong labeling, can delay or even block customs clearance. Here’s how to do it right:

Step 1: Choose a Certified Supplier

•    Must provide:

o    Certificate of Origin

o    Health Certificate from exporting country’s Ministry of Health

o    Pesticide residue report

o    Laboratory Analysis (Acidity, Peroxide Value, etc.)

Step 2: Japanese Labeling Compliance

All imported food products must be labeled in Japanese. Labels should include:

•    Product name

•    Ingredient list (e.g., 100% extra virgin olive oil)

•    Country of origin

•    Importer name and address in Japan

•    Storage instructions

•    Nutritional values (optional but preferred)

Your supplier can print dual-language labels (EN/JP) if coordinated before production.

Step 3: Register the Product

•    File product registration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)

•    Complete 食品等輸入届出書 (Notification Form for Importation of Foods, etc.)

•    Get pre-approval through NAFTEC or use a food import agent

Step 4: Ship & Clear Through Customs

•    Use CIF shipping terms to Tokyo/Yokohama or Osaka ports

•    Declare HS Code: 1509.10 (Olive oil and its fractions)

•    Import duty: 10% for bulk EVOO (can be reduced under FTAs)

•    Consumption tax (VAT): 10%

Japan is extremely strict on product integrity. Olive oil shipments may be randomly lab-tested by quarantine inspectors. Never cut corners on quality.

Where to Sell Bulk Olive Oil in Japan?

1.   Retail Supermarkets – AEON, Ito-Yokado, Seijo Ishii

2.   Online Platforms – Rakuten, Amazon JP, Qoo10

3.   Foodservice Distributors – Hotels, restaurants, catering

4.   Organic & Health Stores – National Azabu, Bio c’ Bon

5.   Private Labeling – White-label EVOO for premium Japanese brands

Featured Supplier: Tamila Agrifood Company (Iran)

Looking to buy bulk olive oil directly from Iranian farms?

Tamila Agrifood Co. provides high-quality EVOO and organic olive oil customized for Japanese markets.

•    HACCP & ISO certified

•    Lab-tested & Japan-compliant

•    MOQ: 3 Tons

•    OEM/Private Label services available

•    Fast export handling from Bandar Abbas to Tokyo

Email: tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

WhatsApp:  +989141858935

Quick Tips for Japanese Olive Oil Importers

•    Offer small bottle formats (250ml/500ml) for online sale

•    Target gift seasons (New Year’s, Summer Oseibo, Valentine’s Day)

•    Highlight "Cold Pressed", "Organic", or "Low Acidity" on packaging

•    Educate your customers—Japanese buyers value origin stories and health benefits

•    Consider a Bilingual Product Brochure (EN/JP) for trade shows

Final Thoughts

Japan is a discerning but rewarding market for olive oil importers. With the right certifications, authentic product, Japanese-compliant labeling, and reliable supplier, you can scale your olive oil brand or distribution business efficiently in this growing market.