DPPs for Olive Oil: Ensuring Quality, Sustainability, Compliance, and Customer Engagement

How Food DPPs and Transparent Supply Chains are Building Consumer Trust and Meeting New EU Regulations in Turkish-German Cross-Border Trade

1. Introduction

The agrifood and olive oil industry is undergoing significant change, driven by consumer demands and regulatory pressures. Consumers today are more aware of the environmental and ethical implications of the products they purchase. They increasingly demand transparency about the origin, sustainability, and quality of olive oil. They want to ensure that the products they buy are free from harmful substances and produced in an environmentally responsible manner.

One major concern in food supply chains and in the olive oil sector is quality control. Poor-quality olive oil, often mislabeled or adulterated with cheaper oils, has flooded markets. In some cases, these products contain hazardous substances or do not meet safety standards. This has led to health risks for consumers and damaged the reputation of producers who follow best practices. A 2016 investigation by Italian authorities, for example, revealed that several prominent olive oil brands were selling products labeled as “extra virgin” but were actually of lower quality​.

Another critical issue is the environmental impact of irresponsible supply chain behavior. Unsustainable farming practices, including illegal deforestation, threaten biodiversity and contribute to climate change. Olive farming, particularly in sensitive areas like the Mediterranean, can lead to soil erosion and desertification if not managed responsibly. Some suppliers expand cultivation by clearing forests or converting natural habitats, contributing to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions.

One prominent example is the environmental impact of olive farming in Spain. In certain regions, olive production has been linked to deforestation and desertification. Spain, the world’s largest olive oil producer, has faced criticism over the water-intensive nature of its olive groves, which has exacerbated drought conditions in certain areas. In some cases, illegal wells have been drilled, draining local water supplies and causing ecological damage​.

To address these challenges, regulators in major markets like the European Union (EU) are implementing stricter laws aimed at ensuring sustainability and transparency in the olive oil supply chain. New rules under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) are being enforced. Additionally, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires that agricultural products, including olive oil, are not linked to deforestation.

In response to these pressures, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are emerging as a solution. Originally developed to help industries meet regulatory requirements, DPPs are now being used to build consumer trust, provide transparency, and protect market access. This article will explore the role of DPPs in the olive oil industry, focusing on regulatory compliance, cross-border trade, and customer engagement. Finally, we will examine a case study of Murat Kalavaoglu Oil, a Turkish olive oil producer leveraging DPPs to expand in both local and EU markets.

Discover Spherity’s VERA DPP solution — a customizable, white-label Digital Product Passport designed for simplicity and speed. Set up your Olive Oil DPPs in seconds with our template-based approach, and elevate your customer engagement with transparency and trust.

Spherity VERA Digital Product Passport. Photo Deeliver on Unsplash.

2. Olive Oils and Respective Regulations

The olive oil industry is subject to a growing list of regulations aimed at improving sustainability, transparency, and consumer protection. The European Union (EU), in particular, has implemented several key regulations that impact olive oil producers, especially those engaged in cross-border trade. Below are some of the most important regulatory frameworks affecting olive oil production, distribution, and marketing:

European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

The ESRS and ESPR are part of the EU’s larger sustainability goals. These regulations mandate that companies report on the environmental impact of their products and ensure that products meet sustainable design standards. For olive oil producers, this means providing verifiable information about the environmental footprint of their production processes, such as carbon emissions, water usage, and the sustainability of farming practices.

Olive oil producers must ensure their products meet these standards to maintain access to EU markets. For example, farms that use unsustainable water resources or contribute to deforestation may not comply with the ESPR guidelines, potentially losing market access. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for positioning a brand as sustainable and environmentally responsible.

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) specifically addresses products linked to deforestation. As agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation worldwide, this regulation targets products such as palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and increasingly, olive oil. The EUDR mandates that companies importing or selling olive oil in the EU must ensure that their supply chains are not contributing to illegal deforestation or biodiversity loss.

This is highly relevant for olive oil producers who source olives from regions prone to deforestation or environmental degradation. For example, olive oil companies in countries like Turkey, Spain, and Italy must ensure their olive farming practices do not harm local ecosystems or violate EU regulations. Failure to comply with the EUDR can result in penalties and loss of market access, especially for those exporting to environmentally-conscious EU markets.

Packaging and Waste Directive

The Packaging and Waste Directive (Directive 94/62/EC) requires that all packaging used for products sold in the EU be recyclable, reusable, or meet specific waste management standards. Olive oil, which is commonly packaged in glass, plastic, or metal containers, must comply with these regulations to ensure that packaging waste is minimized and can be recycled.

Producers must evaluate their packaging materials, ensuring they align with the Packaging and Waste Directive requirements. This may involve adopting more sustainable packaging options, such as glass bottles with lower environmental impact or recyclable caps and labels. Complying with these rules not only facilitates market access but also strengthens the brand’s appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation

The Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation (EU Regulation 1169/2011) governs the labeling of food products sold in the EU. This regulation ensures that consumers receive accurate information about the products they buy, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergen warnings, and origin labeling. For olive oil producers, this means ensuring that their labels are clear, transparent, and comply with the EU’s food labeling standards.

Olive oil labels must include details such as whether the product is extra virgin or refined, the country of origin, nutritional values, and any certifications, such as PDO/PGI status (Protected Designation of Origin/Protected Geographical Indication). Labels must also comply with multiple language requirements for cross-border trade within the EU, particularly for exporters serving multilingual markets like Germany, France, and Italy.

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)

In addition to environmental and labeling regulations, olive oil producers must also navigate laws focused on human rights and supply chain transparency. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) require companies to identify and mitigate risks related to human rights violations, such as child labor, and environmental harm within their supply chains. For olive oil producers, particularly those exporting to Germany or the broader EU, these regulations mean ensuring that labor practices across the supply chain — from olive farming to bottling — are ethical and environmentally sustainable. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can facilitate compliance with these regulations by providing a clear record of supply chain activities and certifications, helping producers avoid fines and legal risks while enhancing their brand’s reputation for responsible sourcing.

How These Regulations Shape Market Access

Compliance with these regulations is essential for olive oil producers, especially those engaged in cross-border trade to the EU. Non-compliance can result in:

• Customs delays: Products that do not meet FIC labeling requirements or lack proper documentation for EUDR compliance could be held at customs or refused entry.
• Market exclusion: Products that fail to meet the ESPR and Packaging Directive standards may be excluded from the EU market entirely.
• Reputation damage: In an era where sustainability and environmental impact play a significant role in consumer decision-making, failing to comply with these regulations could harm a brand’s reputation, particularly among eco-conscious consumers.

For exporters from regions outside the EU, such as New Zealand, Marokko, Turkey, and the US, understanding and complying with these regulations is critical for maintaining market access and staying competitive in one of the world’s largest olive oil markets. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can play a crucial role in helping producers demonstrate compliance and build trust in international markets.

3. DPPs for Olive Oil

Introduction to DPPs and Their Application for Olive Oil Production and Distribution

Digital Product Passports are digital records containing detailed and verifiable information about a product throughout its lifecycle, from production to consumption. For olive oil producers, DPPs provide transparency by documenting key data points, such as the origin of olives, production methods, sustainability metrics, and compliance with regulatory standards.

In an increasingly regulated industry, DPPs offer a solution to meet both consumer demands for transparency and regulatory requirements. They allow producers and distributors to maintain real-time access to essential product information, ensuring that compliance with environmental and labeling regulations is met across borders. By embedding this data into a scannable digital format, DPPs allow consumers, retailers, and regulators to verify product authenticity and trace its journey from ‘farm to fork’ through the supply chain.

Customer Trust and Confidence

DPPs are powerful tools for building customer trust and confidence in the olive oil market, particularly as consumers become more discerning about the quality and authenticity of their purchases. By providing detailed, verifiable information about the production process, DPPs ensure transparency regarding:

• The origin of olives: Consumers can see where the olives were harvested, which is particularly valuable for products with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certifications.
• Sustainability practices: DPPs offer insight into how the olives were farmed, and whether sustainable water use and environmentally friendly methods were employed.
• Production process details: Information about pressing methods, processing temperatures, and whether the olive oil is cold-pressed or refined.

DPPs and The Origin of Olives — Olive Oil Harvest. Photo John Cameron on Unsplash.

One major concern in premium olive oil markets is counterfeiting. Counterfeit olive oils, often diluted with lower-grade oils, harm both consumers and genuine producers. DPPs allow consumers to verify the authenticity of a product by accessing production data directly through a QR code or digital link. This is particularly valuable for high-quality or organic olive oils, where protecting brand integrity and consumer trust is critical.

Regulatory Compliance Aspects

DPPs are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance with stringent EU laws. For olive oil producers, especially those exporting to the EU, complying with regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Packaging and Waste Directive is mandatory. DPPs simplify this process by consolidating all required data in one accessible format.

• Compliance with ESPR: DPPs can track and report on sustainability metrics, such as carbon and water footprints, which are necessary for compliance with the ESPR. They ensure that olive oil production processes meet the EU’s sustainability standards.
• EUDR and deforestation prevention: By embedding data on olive sourcing and farming practices, DPPs provide evidence that the olives were grown in areas not subject to illegal deforestation. This is particularly crucial for producers from regions outside the EU, such as Turkey.
• Packaging and recyclability compliance: The DPP can contain information about the recyclability of the packaging material used for olive oil, ensuring compliance with the Packaging and Waste Directive.

DPPs also streamline regulatory audits and customs checks. By providing real-time verifiable data on production, packaging, and sustainability, DPPs allow customs authorities to easily verify compliance. This reduces the risk of delays at customs, ensuring smoother cross-border transactions and minimizing disruptions in the supply chain.

Benefits Beyond Compliance: Customer Engagement

While DPPs are valuable for compliance, they also offer substantial benefits for customer engagement. Modern consumers, especially eco-conscious ones, want more than just a product — they want a story. DPPs provide olive oil brands with an opportunity to engage customers by offering transparent product histories and sustainability credentials.

• Transparency and storytelling: With DPPs, olive oil brands can tell their sustainability story directly to consumers. For example, details about sustainable farming practices, water conservation efforts, and local community support can be highlighted through the DPP. This is especially important in premium and organic markets where consumers are willing to pay more for products that align with their values.
• Sustainability marketing: DPPs allow brands to engage consumers with clear data on carbon and water footprints, showing their efforts to minimize environmental impact. This data helps differentiate brands in a competitive market, particularly as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions.

Enhanced Post-Purchase Engagement:

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can do much more than provide basic product information; they offer a powerful tool for fostering customer loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases. By integrating interactive features, brands can continue engaging consumers long after the sale.

For example, olive oil brands can offer:

• Recipe suggestions tailored to the specific type of olive oil purchased, helping consumers get the most out of their product.
• Tips for product use, such as ideal storage conditions or pairing ideas with foods, which can enhance the overall customer experience.
• Information about the brand’s sustainability initiatives, such as details about the eco-friendly practices used in olive farming or packaging. This is particularly appealing to environmentally conscious customers who want to support sustainable businesses.

Additionally, brands can go further by integrating more interactive features, such as:

• Referral programs that reward customers for recommending the olive oil to friends or family, thereby increasing brand reach.
• Social media interaction campaigns, like the hashtag #OliveOilMoments, which encourage customers to share photos or stories about how they use the product. This creates organic brand attention and fosters a sense of community.
• Lotteries and seasonal promotions, where customers who scan their DPP after purchase can enter into draws for prizes, discounts, or limited-edition products. These promotions, timed for holidays or harvest seasons, help maintain customer engagement over time.
• Seasonal recommendations, where consumers receive personalized product suggestions or pairing ideas based on seasonal dishes and festivities, encouraging them to come back and explore new ways to enjoy olive oil.

Digital Product Passports for olive oil provide a powerful combination of compliance, transparency, and consumer engagement. They ensure that olive oil producers meet regulatory standards while offering customers an engaging and trustworthy experience. As regulations become more stringent and consumer demands shift towards sustainability, DPPs will become a crucial tool for olive oil brands to maintain market access and build lasting customer relationships.

4. DPPs for Cross-Border Trade: Example Turkey-EU

Brand Trust and Reach

For Turkish olive oil producers aiming to export to the European Union, building brand trust is essential. The European market places a strong emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and authenticity. This is where Digital Product Passports (DPPs) become vital in creating a credible brand, especially for producers competing with well-established European olive oil brands from countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece.

DPPs for Cross-Border Trade: Example Turkey-EU and Turkey-German DPP Ecosystem. Source: Spherity GmbH.

DPPs provide Turkish olive oil producers with a digital platform to showcase the quality and sustainability of their products. By offering verifiable data on the origin of olives, production methods, and sustainability practices, producers can build confidence with both European retailers and consumers. This transparency is critical in markets like Germany, where consumers are highly sensitive to issues of food fraud and environmental impact.

In the case of Murat Kalavaoglu Oil, a Turkish olive oil producer, implementing DPPs can enhance its credibility with European distributors and retailers. By offering detailed and reliable product information, Murat can demonstrate compliance with the EU’s stringent standards for food products, increasing the likelihood of securing partnerships with major European retailers. Additionally, DPPs make it easier for distributors to verify that the product meets their sourcing and sustainability standards, which is increasingly becoming a requirement for doing business in the EU.

Customs: Easier Imports and Compliance

One of the most significant challenges for cross-border trade is navigating complex customs procedures and ensuring compliance with regulations. The EU has stringent rules regarding food products, especially those related to environmental sustainability and food safety. DPPs streamline the customs process by consolidating all relevant regulatory information into one digital platform, allowing customs officials to quickly verify the product’s compliance with EU standards.

For olive oil producers like Murat Kalavaoglu Oil, DPPs provide a way to demonstrate that their product meets the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements. This is crucial because non-compliance with these regulations can lead to delays, higher inspection rates, or even rejection of goods at the border.

• Faster verification: With DPPs, all compliance information — such as certifications, sustainability data, and origin documentation — can be accessed instantly by customs authorities. This reduces the time spent on manual checks and minimizes delays at ports of entry.
• Risk of market exclusion: Without a DPP, olive oil exporters may face significant challenges when trying to enter the EU market. For example, under the EUDR, producers must prove that their supply chains are free from illegal deforestation. Without proper documentation, shipments could be flagged for additional scrutiny, potentially leading to delays or outright rejection of goods at the EU border. Failure to meet the ESPR standards for sustainability and packaging could also result in rejected imports, especially as the EU tightens enforcement of its environmental laws.

The Risk of Losing Market Access

Producers who do not adopt DPPs may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. The lack of transparency and traceability could lead to a perception that their products are non-compliant with EU standards. As regulatory enforcement becomes stricter, companies without verifiable product data may lose access to European markets altogether. This is particularly true for Turkish producers exporting olive oil, as the EU is one of their largest potential markets.

Trade Barriers Without a DPP

Without a DPP, Turkish producers like Murat Kalavaoglu Oil face several potential barriers to market entry:

• Increased customs inspections: Products without verifiable compliance data are more likely to be subject to additional checks at EU borders, leading to costly delays.
• Higher compliance costs: Manually collecting and verifying the data required for EU market entry can increase administrative burdens and operational costs.
• Limited access to premium markets: Retailers and consumers in the EU increasingly demand transparency. Products without a DPP may struggle to enter premium segments where sustainability and authenticity are valued.

By implementing a DPP, olive oil producers can ensure smoother imports, reduce the risk of customs delays, and safeguard their market access in the EU. Additionally, DPPs enable easier communication with European partners, offering a competitive edge in the complex landscape of international olive oil trade.

5. Recommended DPP Data Structure for Olive Oil

Explanation of Data Structure Development

The development of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) structure for olive oil was driven by two main factors: regulatory requirements and customer engagement goals. As discussed earlier, olive oil producers face increasing regulatory pressures, particularly from the European Union, which demands compliance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Packaging and Waste Directive. These regulations require olive oil producers to provide clear, verifiable data on the sustainability of their production methods, the origin of their products, and the environmental impact of their operations.

In addition to regulatory compliance, consumer expectations have evolved. Modern consumers are more discerning and demand transparency, particularly concerning the origin and quality of the products they purchase. By structuring the DPP around customer engagement goals, the olive oil passport allows brands to offer detailed, verifiable information about their production processes, sustainability practices, and certifications, fostering greater trust and loyalty among their customers.

The DPP structure also ensures that olive oil producers can meet cross-border trade requirements, particularly when exporting to the EU. Compliance with EU regulations is critical for maintaining market access, and the DPP provides a streamlined way to demonstrate adherence to key regulations, reducing the risk of customs delays and market exclusion.

“Trusted-DPPs” by Spherity.

DPP Data Structure Summary

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) for olive oil is structured to meet both regulatory requirements and market expectations. The key categories in the DPP include:

1. Product Identification: Basic information such as the product name, batch number, expiration date, and packaging type. This ensures compliance with the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation and the Packaging and Waste Directive.
2. Geographical Information: Details about the origin of the olives, including the country and specific harvest location, such as GPS coordinates. This data supports compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and highlights geographical certifications like PDO/PGI.
3. Agricultural Information: Information about the olive varieties used, the farming practices (organic or conventional), and water management techniques. These attributes provide transparency regarding the sustainability of the farming process, addressing the EUDR and ESPR regulations.
4. Production Process: Key data points include the pressing method (e.g., cold-pressed), filtration, and processing date. This allows producers to demonstrate high-quality production standards in line with consumer expectations.
5. Sustainability Metrics: Attributes such as the carbon and water footprints, energy sources used in production, and recyclability of packaging. These are critical for complying with the ESPR and Packaging and Waste Directive, showcasing the producer’s environmental efforts.
6. Certifications and Compliance: Verifiable certifications like Organic Certification, PDO/PGI, Fair Trade, and deforestation compliance under EUDR. These certifications build trust with consumers and ensure market access, especially within the EU.
7. Nutritional Information: Mandatory nutritional details, such as calories, fat content, and saturated fat, in line with the FIC Regulation. This ensures transparency for health-conscious consumers.
8. Traceability: Detailed supply chain data, from farm to retail, and blockchain-based verification records. These features guarantee product authenticity and support compliance with EUDR and due diligence regulations like CSDDD.

This structured approach ensures that all relevant information is captured to meet both regulatory compliance and consumer demand for transparency. By using this DPP, olive oil producers can streamline regulatory processes, engage consumers with verifiable data, and maintain access to key international markets. See addendum for more details.

6. SME Case Study: Murat Kalavaoglu Oil

Introduction to Murat Kalavaoglu Oil

Murat Kalavaoglu is a Turkish olive farmer and olive oil producer, known for his commitment to traditional and sustainable farming practices. His family has been cultivating olives in Turkey’s Aegean region for generations. In recent years, Murat sought to expand his business internationally by exporting his olive oil to Europe, especially Germany, where there is a large market for high-quality olive oil among German, Arabic, and Turkish communities.

The primary target customers for Murat Kalavaoglu Oil include:

• German consumers who prioritize sustainable and organic products.
• Arabic and Turkish consumers living in Germany, many of whom value traditional olive oil production methods and are familiar with Turkish olive oil.
• Turkish consumers living in Turkey, where Murat maintains a loyal customer base, particularly among those seeking premium olive oils.

Cross-Border Trade: Turkey to Germany

Before implementing a Digital Product Passport (DPP), Murat faced several challenges in expanding his business to the EU. Navigating complex European regulations, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), was difficult and resource-intensive. Additionally, customs delays and concerns about meeting environmental standards created obstacles in securing partnerships with European retailers.

The implementation of a DPP transformed Murat’s ability to trade across borders. The DPP allowed Murat Kalavaoglu Oil to clearly document the origin of the olives, the sustainable farming practices used, and compliance with EUDR and ESPR. With verifiable data on the product’s carbon footprint, packaging recyclability, and ethical farming practices, Murat was able to demonstrate compliance with EU standards.

Challenges before DPP implementation:

• Customs delays due to a lack of accessible compliance documentation.
• Difficulty proving sustainability credentials, which led to market access issues.
• Limited visibility in competitive European markets due to a lack of transparency about the product’s origin and environmental impact.

By integrating the DPP, these challenges were mitigated. Customs processes became more efficient, with verifiable data easily accessible by border authorities. Moreover, European retailers were more willing to stock Murat’s olive oil, reassured by the transparency and compliance provided by the DPP.

Cultural Customization and Customer Engagement

One of the most significant advantages of the DPP for Murat Kalavaoglu Oil is its ability to engage with culturally diverse audiences. Murat’s olive oil is marketed to German, Arabic, and Turkish-speaking consumers, each with unique expectations and preferences. The DPP allows Murat to tailor content in different languages, providing personalized information that resonates with each group.

For German consumers, the DPP emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, showcasing data on the olive oil’s carbon footprint, water usage, and packaging recyclability — values highly regarded by eco-conscious buyers in Germany.

For Turkish and Arabic-speaking consumers, the DPP highlights traditional olive oil production methods, the history of Murat’s family business, and the connection to Turkey’s rich agricultural heritage. This approach builds trust with these customers, who often prioritize authenticity and quality over other factors.

By offering personalized and transparent data, the DPP helps Murat build customer loyalty and expand his reach within these diverse markets.

Future Strategy

Looking forward, Murat plans to leverage the DPP for even deeper customer engagement. Future strategies include:

• Expanding interactive content within the DPP, such as recipe suggestions and sustainable farming educational materials, to enhance post-purchase engagement.
• Strengthening his brand’s position as a premium, sustainable olive oil producer in both European and Turkish markets.
• Exploring new cross-border markets, such as the Middle East, where the DPP’s transparency and customization can help build trust with consumers in regions where trust in product authenticity is crucial.

The implementation of the DPP will allow Murat Kalavaoglu Oil to overcome regulatory challenges, expand market access, and engage a diverse and growing customer base. With a solid foundation built on transparency and sustainability, Murat is well-positioned to continue growing his brand across international markets.

7. Outlook

The Future of DPPs in Olive Oil

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are becoming a strategic necessity for olive oil producers and exporters. As global markets, particularly in the EU, implement stricter sustainability and transparency regulations, DPPs offer an efficient way to meet these evolving requirements. By providing a verifiable, digital record of a product’s lifecycle, from olive harvest to packaging, DPPs help producers ensure compliance with regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG).

In addition to regulatory compliance, DPPs enable producers to address rising consumer expectations for transparency. As eco-conscious consumers continue to prioritize products that demonstrate sustainable sourcing and ethical production practices, DPPs will become a key differentiator in maintaining competitive market access and consumer trust. The olive oil industry is poised for broader DPP adoption, especially as international markets increasingly require product traceability and environmental responsibility.

Call to Action for Producers

For olive oil producers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), now is the time to adopt Digital Product Passports. DPPs are not just a tool for regulatory compliance — they are also a powerful platform for engaging consumers, building brand loyalty, and expanding into new markets. SMEs, in particular, can benefit from the streamlined compliance processes and the ability to stand out in a competitive marketplace through enhanced transparency and sustainability credentials.

In an industry where consumer trust is critical and regulatory landscapes are continuously tightening, DPPs offer producers a clear path to future-proofing their businesses. By investing in DPP technology today, olive oil producers can ensure long-term market access, build stronger customer relationships, and drive growth in an increasingly sustainability-conscious world.

Transparency, compliance, and customer engagement are no longer optional — they are the key drivers of success in the global olive oil industry.

Discover Spherity’s VERA DPP solution — a customizable, white-label Digital Product Passport designed for simplicity and speed. Set up your Olive Oil DPPs in seconds with our template-based approach, and elevate your customer engagement with transparency and trust.

Book a meeting here.

About Spherity

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Addendum — Best Practice Olive Oil DPP Data Structure, Italian Example

The following table defines an Olive Oil Bottle Digital Product Passport (DPP) data structure with references to the respective EU regulations and directives including CSRD/ESPR, EUDR, EU Green Claims, EU Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation, Packaging and Waste Directive, and Supply Chain Due Diligence Regulations (LKSG, CSDDD).

Olive Oil Digital Product Passport (DPP) Data Structure: Key attributes for cross-border trade, compliance, and customer engagement, detailing categories, descriptions, example values, and relevant regulations. Source: Spherity GmbH

Key Notes:

• Regulatory References: The table includes references to the applicable EU regulations to ensure the DPP meets compliance with sustainability, transparency, and food safety standards.
• New Regulations Considered: Regulations like the EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) and ESPR (European Sustainability Product Requirements) are integrated into relevant attributes, ensuring that supply chain traceability, carbon footprint, and deforestation compliance are covered.
• Sustainability & Quality Metrics: Categories like Sustainability Metrics and Product Quality ensure compliance with ESPR, CSDDD, and EU Food Regulations, which are becoming critical for market access and consumer trust.
• Customer Engagement: This DPP data structure currently excludes specific customer engagement elements.