“Zatoun is Palestine in a bottle”
Fair Trade Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Soap
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the big idea behind Zatoun?
- Is Zatoun olive oil "fair trade"?
- Is Zatoun olive oil organic?
- How do the farmers of Palestine benefit from the sale?
- What is the breakdown of costs of a $15 bottle?
- Does Zatoun ship into the United States?
About Olive Oil
What is the big idea behind Zatoun?
Simple, help farmers! AND also to share with North Americans something central to understanding Palestine and Palestinians. The olive oil and olive trees represent their ties to the land and to the struggle. It is important that North Americans get a glimpse of everyday life in Occupied Palestine and the often impossible and oppressive conditions under which ordinary and innocent families must live.
Is Zatoun olive oil "fair trade"?
Yes, Zatoun extra virgin olive oil is certified fair trade under Swiss-based Institute for MarketEcology (IMO) which maintains a worldwide staff to develop, certify and maintain standards for social accountability and fair trade. IMO developed fair trade standards for olive oil where none existed previously. As far as we know, olive oil sourced via PFTA is the only certified fair trade oil in the world at this time.
The Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) has not as yet developed standards for olive oil and therefore PFTA had to seek another independent fair trade certification body. Transfair and Transfair Canada only certify commodities produced under FLO standards. For more information, visit www.imo.ch.
Is Zatoun olive oil organic?
It is not certified as such but is considered organic by many bodies in Europe. Please refer to the PFTA guidelines for cultivating olive and general farming practices. Additionally, there is no "agribusiness" in Palestine and therefore no systematic use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This oil comes from trees which are tended and cultivated according to traditional methods and are pressed using equally traditional means without chemicals or heat.
How do the farmers of Palestine benefit from the sale?
Zatoun has been founded with the principle of helping local Palestinians to the maximum extent possible. It is operated as a not for profit. All labour is volunteer and unpaid or subsidized by supporters. The entire cost of the purchase price is to cover payment to farmers, customs, transport and warehousing. Other costs include bottling and associated costs as well as promotion and administration costs.
What is the breakdown of costs of a $15 bottle?
Over the years, individuals have asked how the $15 cost of each bottle is distributed. It sounds like a simple enough question but the answer is not.
Each season's costs and distribution are dramatically different due to the size of the order. The quantity of bottles drive the economies and costs of bottling, labels, overseas shipping, brokerage, inspection costs, transportation inside North America, printing, storage, etc., which represent 50% of the total cost.
Also, foreign exchange rates impact costs dramatically. When Zatoun started the Canadian dollar was worth $0.70 USD and now it hovers at parity. Increasingly, as Zatoun is being discovered by alternative retailers and partnering with organizations, retail and bulk prices are cutting into the $15.00; this year the overall revenue per bottle is only $14.15. Zatoun is a registered not-for-profit.
NEW Detailed cost breakdown on a $15 bottle (2007)
Does Zatoun ship into the United States?
Yes, it is wonderful to receive orders from US supporters. We ship minimum orders of 1 case (12 bottles) via UPS ground. This is for a number of reasons including the administrative work needed to comply with the paperwork required for any non-personal shipments of foodstuffs into US. For smaller quantities, we may be able to direct you to depots of Zatoun in certain US cities. Zatoun has a wonderful partnership with American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). Please visit their site for office locations throughout the US.
How do I care for Zatoun Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Olive oil is a very hardy food and has a "best before" life of 2 years (it can last longer with no serious deterioration in quality). Zatoun is very easy to care for. Simply keep in dark, cool place. Olive oil does not need to be refrigerated after opening; although it does it no harm either.
Excessive light and heat are two great threats to olive oil. Zatoun comes bottled in dark green glass which helps to protect it from light.
The freezing point of olive oil is 4° C or 39° F and it begins to congeal below 13° C or 55° F. Freezing or congealing does not harm the oil in any way. It returns to normal appearance and viscosity after after 8 or so hours at room temperature.
Do's
- Keep in a dark and cool place.
- To store olive oil over long periods; keep around 16° C or low 60° F.
- Storage in basement is fine but keep off the bare ground.
Dont's
- CAUTION: Bottles may shatter due to expansion of oil from excessive heat.
- Do NOT keep bottles in intense direct sunlight.
- Do NOT store or forget bottles in the car during hot summer days.
How does cold and freezing affect Olive Oil?
During the cold months of winter, you may receive Zatoun olive oil which was shipped or stored in cold temperatures. It does not look anything like the flowing, peaceful nature of the Zatoun olive oil you expect. In fact, you may be a little concerned at its appearance. Not to worry – the cold causes the oil to congeal, turn cloudy and finally freeze. In the freezing and thawing process the various oils form into quite amazing particles which may look unappetizing. Please rest assured that this process does the oil NO HARM at all. It will return to its original state at room temperature after a few days and the flavour will not be affected.
