Dazeite acts as a bridge between producers and international buyers

What market needs did you identify to develop this business model?

The truth is that it was more of a personal need to change my life than a market-driven one. Once we were already in the sector, we realized there is a need for a broker in olive oil, because production is good, but commercially it lacks skills. On the other hand, almost unintentionally, we have a very complete and real-time picture of the market every day.

You work with mills from different countries. What key differences do you observe between producing markets such as Portugal, Spain, or Latin America?
Today there are no major differences at an industrial or technological level. If we talk about North Africa, hygiene is an issue, but it has improved a lot in recent years.

Sample management, quality, and logistics are fundamental in your work. What factors are decisive to close a deal in the global olive oil market?
Knowing how to taste and understanding what each client demands. When I taste an oil (and I taste everything that comes in as samples), I immediately have a clear idea in my head of who I will send that sample to or who it might fit. Quality doesn’t matter to us—we sell all types. Logistics and back office are very important, mainly regarding quality and financial documentation on both sides. We have one person dedicated just to that.

In a context of growing internationalization, how is demand for olive oil evolving worldwide?
Slow growth, especially considering what happened in the last four years with prices. We need to reinvent ourselves and look for new consumers, rather than just increasing consumption among existing ones.

From your position as intermediaries, what trends are shaping the future of the sector (prices, quality, formats, sustainability, etc.)?
A very critical issue: MOSH/MOAH and pesticides. Still undefined, but it will be critical. We already know how to live with price and its daily fluctuations. As intermediaries, you need deep knowledge of the future and to stay up to date in the market, looking for opportunities. There are ways to sell oil beyond just the usual bottlers, and we also need to move toward those other types of customers.

The Olive Oil World Congress will bring together the main players in the sector. From your experience connecting professionals globally, why would you recommend attending and registering for this event?
It’s important for all sectors to meet a few times a year at events like this! It’s a great opportunity to network and stay updated… plus the good weather and food in Portugal!