Canola & Rapeseed Oil Suppliers — Wholesale Bulk Supply

Canola vs rapeseed oil: names, grades, and how they differ

Canola oil and rapeseed oil are produced from the same Brassica plant species (primarily Brassica napus), but the terms are used differently in different markets — and in some grades refer to slightly different products: **Canola oil** is the term used primarily in North America (Canada, US) and Australia. It specifically refers to rapeseed varieties bred to contain low erucic acid (<2% of total fatty acids) and low glucosinolate levels in the meal — the 'double-zero' (00) varieties that were developed in Canada in the 1970s. All commercially traded refined canola oil meets these criteria. Canola oil from Canada is non-GM in some varieties but most commercially grown Canadian canola is GM-tolerant (Roundup Ready or other herbicide-tolerant GM varieties). **Rapeseed oil** is the term used in the EU and UK. EU rapeseed (Brassica napus, double-zero varieties) is similar in specification to North American canola. Crucially, **EU rapeseed is not commercially grown in GM varieties** — EU regulations prohibit commercial cultivation of GM rapeseed — making EU-origin rapeseed oil inherently non-GM. This is a significant distinction for EU food product labelling. **Refined rapeseed/canola oil** (RBD) has approximately 60% oleic acid (C18:1), 20% linoleic acid (C18:2), and 9–11% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, C18:3), plus very low saturated fat (~7%). This low saturated fat and high omega-3 profile gives refined rapeseed/canola oil a strong health positioning in retail markets. Smoke point: approximately 225–230°C. **Cold-pressed rapeseed oil** is a distinct premium product — see cold-pressed rapeseed oil page. **High-oleic canola oil** has a modified fatty acid profile (80–85% oleic acid) providing higher frying stability — similar to high-oleic sunflower oil. For food manufacturers, specifying 'canola oil' or 'rapeseed oil' in product formulations and labelling is an active commercial and regulatory decision — EU product labels typically use 'rapeseed oil' while North American labels use 'canola oil' for the same refined product.

Origins, bulk specifications, and non-GM considerations

The major producing countries for refined rapeseed/canola oil are Canada (largest exporter globally), Germany, France, Poland, and Australia. Ukraine was a significant rapeseed producer and exporter before 2022. **Canada:** World's largest canola oil exporter. Canadian refined canola oil is available in both standard (GM and non-GM certified) grades. Non-GM certified Canadian canola oil is available through Identity Preserved (IP) supply chains but commands a premium. Most commodity-grade Canadian canola is from GM varieties. **EU (Germany, France, Poland, Czech Republic, UK):** European rapeseed oil is non-GM by default (no GM rapeseed cultivation authorised in the EU). EU-origin refined rapeseed oil meets stringent EU food safety and labelling standards and does not require a GM declaration — making it the preferred choice for EU food product formulations where non-GM positioning is commercially important or required. **Australia:** Non-GM canola oil available; counter-seasonal supply window (May–September harvest) for Northern Hemisphere buyers. **Standard specifications for refined rapeseed/canola oil:** - Colour (Lovibond, 5.25" cell): ≤25Y, ≤2.5R - Free fatty acids (FFA as oleic): ≤0.1% - Peroxide value (PV): ≤2.0 meq/kg - Moisture and volatile matter: ≤0.1% - Erucic acid (C22:1): ≤0.5% of total fatty acids (EU Regulation 2019/1870 limit) - Smoke point: ≥220°C - Iodine value: 94–120 (typically 110–118 for standard double-zero varieties) - Linolenic acid (C18:3): 5–14% (characteristically higher than sunflower or soybean) **Erucic acid compliance:** EU Regulation 2019/1870 sets a limit of 2% erucic acid in edible oils and fats. All double-zero rapeseed/canola oil easily complies (<0.5%), but this limit is relevant as a reminder to confirm the oil is double-zero variety and not old high-erucic industrial rapeseed. **Bulk formats:** Flexi-tank (22–24 MT per 20ft container), ISO tank (20–25 MT), 200-litre drums. Fully liquid at ambient temperature. EU-origin rapeseed oil is typically traded in shorter-haul shipments within Europe.

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