You may notice something different when our next batch of Zaytoun Olive Oil arrives at Babipur. The bottles and tins won’t carry the Fairtrade or organic certification marks.

We were asked if we still wanted the stock. We said yes.

Because nothing about the oil itself has changed. It is still the same rich, fruity, hand-picked extra virgin olive oil that Palestinian farmers have been producing for generations. It is still made with the same care, skill and dedication to the land.

Earlier this year the certifying body pulled out of Palestine suddenly, citing security concerns. They left without a proper handover, which has left producers in limbo. A new certifier is stepping in, but the process of transition takes time.

Faced with this situation, Zaytoun could have chosen to delay shipments until the paperwork was resolved. Instead, they worked tirelessly to keep trade moving so that farmers could sell their harvest and families wouldn’t lose out. We really admire them for that decision.

For Palestinian farmers, trade is already an act of resilience. They face restricted access to land and water, the destruction of olive trees, and the constant pressures of occupation. And now, with the horrors unfolding in Gaza, the importance of keeping livelihoods going is greater than ever. Stopping shipments over a missing label would have been a tragedy.

So yes, the label will be missing, but the values are still there. This oil is Fair Trade in the truest sense. It represents dignity, perseverance and the right to remain on the land.

Our current stock is in 250ml bottles, with bigger tins arriving soon. They may look different without the certification marks, but we are proud to bring them in and to continue standing alongside Zaytoun and the farming families they work with.

Thank you for every bottle you buy. Each one helps keep hope and livelihoods alive in Palestine.