Aug 10, 2025

A journey through the olive groves of the world

A journey through the olive groves of the world

Across sun-drenched hillsides and ancient terrains, olive oil has flourished as a life-giving elixir. It is revered for its taste, vitality, and beauty-enhancing properties. From time-honoured groves in the Mediterranean to emerging estates in the Southern Hemisphere, this is a journey through regions where olives represent a way of life. 

Italy: The quintessence of olive culture

Italy's olive oil heritage is profound. Tuscany and Puglia, two of its most celebrated regions, offer strikingly different profiles. Tuscan oils, emerald green and laced with a peppery finish, express intensity and refinement. Puglian oils, golden and velvety, carry soft almond notes and a buttery texture, rooted in centuries of traditional cultivation. Italian oils remain a symbol of purity, craftsmanship and gastronomic sophistication.

Spain: Tradition meets abundance 

Spain is the world's largest producer of olive oil, combining scale with a fierce commitment to quality. Andalusia, particularly Jaén, is a heartland for bold, structured oils made from the assertive Picual olive. The Arbequina variety, by contrast, yields gentle, fruity expressions beloved in dressings and raw applications. Spanish oils bridge old-world cultivation with modern extraction techniques.

Greece: Where ancient myth lives on in daily life

In Greece, the olive tree is sacred, a gift from the gods in ancient legend. Oils from this region are typically fresh, herbal and lightly peppered, offering a taste of unspoiled Mediterranean earth. The Koroneiki olive, small yet rich in antioxidants, is central to this profile. Greek oils reflect a lifestyle of balance, reverence and natural simplicity, principles echoed in Olivetta's formulations. Two of our oils, Robust and Delicate, are thoughtfully sourced from Greece and represent the best the region has to offer.

North Africa: Earthly elegance from Morocco & Tunisia 

North Africa’s olive oils are among the world’s most underrated. Tunisia, the fourth-largest producer globally, offers robust, organic oils from Chemlali olives that embody rich, earthy depth. In Morocco, regions such as Meknes produce soft, floral oils with exceptional balance. These oils are diverse, grounded in heritage, and increasingly noted for innovation and sustainability.


South Africa: The continent's hidden gem

The Western Cape is emerging as one of the most promising new olive oil regions. With a Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, South African oils often showcase complexity: spicy, grassy, and elegantly layered. They speak to a pioneering spirit and a growing commitment to quality, earning accolades on the world stage. An Olivetta oil from South Africa will soon join our collection, bringing this hidden gem to your table. 

Australia: The new world vanguard 

In Australia, particularly Victoria and South Australia, producers draw upon Italian and Spanish varietals to create clean, precise oils with a modern sensibility. Australian oils are often bright and herbaceous, with a freshness that reflects the country’s climate and soil. Many display a distinctive balance of peppery bite and lingering fruit, making them versatile for both cooking and finishing. The region’s producers are also at the forefront of sustainable farming and modern milling techniques, ensuring purity and consistency in every harvest. We will soon be launching a spectacular Australian extra virgin olive oil, crafted to embody this pioneering spirit and celebrate the richness of the land. 


California: Innovation and freshness 

Californian oils bring vibrancy and a spirit of experimentation that has set them apart in the New World. The state’s Mediterranean climate, with its hot summers and cool evenings, produces olives of remarkable character. Oils from California often show bright, grassy notes with hints of green apple or artichoke, balanced by a subtle peppery finish. Many producers favour small-batch milling, capturing the immediacy of flavour in oils that are celebrated for their freshness. A strong emphasis on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and traceability has also made Californian oils a favourite among conscious consumers. These qualities ensure that California stands as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking olive oil regions, demonstrating how olive oil continues to evolve, delight, and nourish across borders.


A world of expression 

Every bottle of extra virgin olive oil tells the story of its origin. You may crave the green fire of Tuscan oil, the floral subtlety of Moroccan, or the clarity of Australian expression. Each drop is steeped in its own sensory and cultural resonance.
At Olivetta, we honour this diversity. Our products are inspired by the world’s most remarkable olive-growing regions, crafted using cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil sourced with care. From your kitchen to your skincare ritual, experience the elixir that has travelled across centuries and continents to reach you.

Updated August 27, 2025