On Tunisia’s eastern coastline lies Ras Dimass, once home to the ancient port city of Thapsus—one of the Mediterranean’s most strategic commercial gateways. Established by Phoenicians and expanded under Roman rule, Thapsus connected North Africa to the world.
Tapsus Oliva is inspired by this continuum—a tribute to an oil that once fueled empires and today fuels a renewed Mediterranean renaissance.
100% Tunisian origin, fully traceable from grove to bottle
Direct lineage to Phoenician and Roman agricultural traditions
Thapsus: Rome’s Premier Olive Oil Port
Thapsus emerges as the third largest olive oil export hub for the Roman Empire. Its strategic coastal location and fertile olive groves make it a pivotal center for trade, supplying olive oil to markets across the Mediterranean and beyond. This era establishes Tunisia’s legacy as a premier producer of olive oil, renowned for its quality and abundance.
Arab Influence and Innovation
With the rise of Arab traders, new olive varieties and advanced agricultural techniques are introduced to Tunisia. This period marks a significant evolution in olive cultivation, enhancing both the yield and the diversity of olive oils produced. The fusion of indigenous and imported knowledge sets the stage for the rich and varied olive oil traditions that continue to thrive in Tunisia.
The Dawn of Modern Production
The establishment of the first modern cold-press mill in Sfax revolutionizes olive oil production in Tunisia. This innovation allows for the extraction of oil at lower temperatures, preserving the oil’s natural flavors, aromas, and nutritional value. It marks the beginning of a new era where traditional methods are complemented by modern technology, setting new standards for quality and efficiency.
Tapsus Oliva: Reviving Heritage with Modern Standards
Inspired by the ancient port of Thapsus, Tapsus Oliva is founded with a mission to revive and honor Tunisia’s storied olive oil heritage. By blending time-honored techniques with contemporary organic farming practices, Tapsus Oliva achieves EU organic certification. This milestone ensures that every bottle not only reflects the purity of its ancient roots but also meets the stringent quality demands of today’s discerning consumers.
A New Beginning: Launching Globally
This year marks the exciting debut of Tapsus Oliva on the international stage. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for sharing Tunisia’s olive oil heritage, we launch our brand in 18 countries through luxury retail channels. Our entry into these prestigious markets is a testament to our dedication to quality, authenticity, and the timeless appeal of our olive oils. As we embark on this journey, we invite the world to experience the legacy of Thapsus, now reborn for the modern palate.
Tapsus Oliva was founded by Mr. Makram Rehif, a Tunisian entrepreneur driven by a mission: to honor the history of his homeland while elevating Tunisian olive oil to its rightful place on the global gourmet stage.
With deep respect for traditional harvesting, cold extraction craftsmanship, and international quality standards, he envisioned an olive oil brand that would not merely be consumed, but experienced—through taste, story, and emotion.
Today, our vision is embodied in every bottle: authenticity without compromise, excellence without excess, heritage without nostalgia.
Trees that have witnessed centuries of history.
Coastal winds that shape a unique sensory profile.
Cultivation that respects the land and seasons.
Tapsus Oliva is built on a singular promise: an exceptional olive oil that respects its origins while embracing the demands of global fine food markets.
95% of groves farmed with rainwater harvesting and biodiversity corridor
100% olive pomace recycled as organic fertilizer or biofuel
Sea freight in reusable crates + certified carbon offsets
Hand-selected olives from certified Tunisian groves, chosen at peak ripeness for optimal flavor and quality.
Careful, traditional harvesting methods that respect the tree and preserve the integrity of each olive.
Rapid, temperature-controlled transport from grove to mill to ensure freshness and prevent oxidation.
Cold-pressed extraction using traditional methods combined with modern precision monitoring equipment.
Rigorous laboratory analysis for acidity, purity, sensory profile, and international compliance standards.
Premium dark glass bottling with artisanal care, ensuring optimal preservation for global distribution.
We ensure consistent volumes, verified quality, and a brand narrative that strengthens positioning in luxury markets.