TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Olives Types
Called either Kalamata, after the city and region on the southwestern side of the Peloponnese where they are traditionally grown, or Kalamon, after the variety of olive tree, these olives are an organic product of exceptional quality that stands out for its authentic taste and intense aroma.
They are never harvested green, and to avoid bruising, they must be hand-picked. These tight-skinned, meaty olives are particularly large in size, almond-shaped, and dark aubergine in color. Their exquisitely rich, fruity flavor is the result of adding either red wine or red wine vinegar to the brine during the curing process.
THE BEST Eliá Kalamatas Olives
Arbequina are small, round olives native to the Spanish region of Catalonia, and the name comes from the city of Arbeca (formerly known as Arbequa), where, according to the legend, they were first introduced by the duke of Medinaceli in the 18th century.
Ripe arbequina olives have a firm, meaty texture and fruity flavor. They range from light pink to dark orange in color, and although they can be brined and served as table olives, they are usually harvested early and used in the production of olive oil that is characterized by a delicate, floral flavor.
Named after the Sicilian Belice River valley where olive cultivation has been carried out for over 3000 years, Nocellara del Belice is a variety of green and black table olives which are also used for the production of Valle del Belice extra virgin olive oil.
As a table olive, the fleshy Nocellara is excellent with cheese, salami and traditional Italian oil marinated vegetables or it can be enjoyed as a delicious accompaniment to various aperitifs. Also, it is used in the production of Belicino, a traditional Sicilian sheep cheese.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Produced exclusively from the Hondrolia Chalkidikis and Chalkidiki varieties of olive tree, Halkidiki olives are grown, processed, and packaged in the Prefecture of Chalkidiki. The largest variety of Greek olive, they are often called 'donkey olives'.
Characterized by a robust and bright green glossy skin, rich, firm flesh and a subtle fruity aroma with a somewhat bitter, spicy flavor, they are praised in Greece and beyond as one of the best table olives on the market. Four different types of these olives are available: whole olives, pitted olives, crushed olives, and pitted olives stuffed with almonds or small pieces of red pepper, carrot, pickle, blue cheese, or garlic.
Known as ulivae picenae since the Roman era, Oliva Ascolana del Piceno refers to green table olives of the Ascolana Tenera cultivar grown in the provinces of Ascoli Piceno, Fermo and Teramo. Apart from the naturally debittered and brined varieties, both of which are aromatized with wild fennel, the most famous gastronomic specialty of Ascoli are stuffed olives.
Even though the origins of this popular Italian appetizer are relatively unknown, some references to original recipes date back as far as the 1600s, while origins of the meat-based filling are more recent, dating back to the early 19th century. Found virtually on every corner in Ascoli Piceno, the meat stuffed Olive all'Ascolana are aromatized with lemon zest, nutmeg, and cloves, coated in parmesan cheese, crispy bread crumbs and deep fried.
Leccino olives are a prominent variety of olives primarily grown in Italy, particularly in the Tuscany region, though they are also cultivated in other parts of the Mediterranean and in regions with similar climates around the world. They are highly esteemed for their versatility and the quality of the olive oil they produce.
Leccino olives are medium-sized with an elongated, slightly asymmetrical shape. When they mature, the olives transition from green to a dark purple or black color. The olive oil derived from Leccino olives is celebrated for its mild, balanced flavor.
Olive de Nice are olive products of the Cailletier variety coming from the French region of Alpes-Maritimes. The product refers to small, meaty olives and olive paste. The olives have a firm texture, a smell reminiscent of dried fruit and a slightly bitter taste.
The flesh is delicate and must come away easily from the pits while their color is yellow-green to brown and dark blue to black. The olive paste, on the other hand, has a smooth, fine texture with a smell compared to that of olive oil, and has a wine color, neither green nor too dark.
Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga is a seasoned table olive of the Aloreña variety. The olives must be harvested at the appropriate time of ripeness and are then split, brined and fermented. These olives are traditionally seasoned with thyme, fennel, garlic, and pepper.
Due to their low content of oleuropein, these olives don't require treatment to remove bitterness and are only brined in the mixture of salt and water. These olives are light green to pale yellow in color and are firm and crisp in texture. Aceituna Aloreña de Málaga is quite bitter and very flavorful, and the flesh is easily removed from the pit.
The island of Thassos has been known for its olives since ancient times. The famous Thassitiki olive of the Throumba variety was even named after this island. These olives are harvested from early November through mid-January, when they become fully ripe or even overripe and develop their distinct black color.
Due to the presence of the Phoma oleae fungus, Throumba olives lose their bitterness while ripening and can be eaten straight from the tree. The olives are primarily picked by hand in order to avoid any bruising of the fruit. After picking, they are washed in mountain spring water, graded by size, and cured in coarse salt.
Frantoio olives are a renowned variety primarily grown in Italy, particularly in the Tuscany region. They are highly valued for their use in olive oil production due to their distinctive flavor and high oil content. Frantoio olives are medium-sized with an oval shape, maturing from green to a dark purple or black color.
The olive oil produced from Frantoio olives is known for its excellent quality and complex flavor profile. It typically has a fruity aroma with notes of fresh grass, artichoke, and green apple, along with a balanced bitterness and a peppery finish.
This makes Frantoio olive oil a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts for its ability to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Olives Producers
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
BEST Evoo Zeet Olives
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2022, 2013

London IOOC - Gold
2022, 2021

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022
BEST Jordan Olivenoel Olive Oils
Oliveology is a London-based company that specializes in premium Greek food products. The company offers a range of artisanal goods including extra virgin olive oils, olives, and honey sourced directly from Greece. Oliveology focuses on sustainability and the preservation of traditional Greek agriculture and culinary practices.
The company operates both an online store and a physical presence at London's Borough Market.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022, 2021
Anchoas Hazas is a company based in Lastres, a coastal village in Asturias, Spain. The company specializes in the production of high-quality anchovies. They traditionally handcraft their anchovies, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and authenticity in their products.
Their anchovies are sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, known for its rich marine biodiversity.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Melira is a honey producer located in Attica, Greece. The company specializes in high-quality honey products derived from various types of flowers and trees. Melira is known for its innovative packaging and commitment to preserving the natural properties of honey.
Their product line includes flavors such as thyme honey, pine honey, and heather honey.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2022

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Melira Honeys
Savina is a renowned Maltese brand known for producing high-quality gourmet products, including olive oil, olives, and other specialties inspired by Mediterranean tradition. Based in Malta, this brand is part of the Magro Group, one of the island's oldest and most prestigious companies, recognized for its commitment to quality and preservation of local heritage.
The products are inspired by Malta's rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean flavors. Savina not only promotes local ingredients but also contributes to preserving traditional preparation methods.
BEST Savina Olive Oils
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2020, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2020, 2018

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
BEST Giribizzi Chocolates
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2021
BEST Silver & Green Condiments
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST Elitsa Charana Olives
Agrovim is one of the largest olive oil production companies in Greece, headquartered in Kalamata, Messenia. It was established in 1994 as the successor to the company "A. Gyfteas SA," which had been operating since 1964. The company offers a wide range of high-quality olive oils, olives, and other agricultural products.
Its flagship brand, ILIADA, includes extra virgin olive oils with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) labels, such as the award-winning ILIADA Kalamata PDO extra virgin olive oil, recognized as one of the best in the world. In addition to olive oil, Agrovim produces olives, including organic varieties, as well as dried figs under the Jenny's brand.
BEST Agrovim Olives
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Olives
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Kalamata Olives with Oranges & Herbs (Portokalenies) made by Oliveology Ltd. are a gourmet product that combines the rich and tangy flavor of Kalamata olives with the refreshing taste of oranges and aromatic herbs. These olives are known for their deep purple color and almond-like shape, providing a distinct and exquisite taste experience.
They are typically marinated in a blend of oranges and carefully selected herbs, enhancing their natural flavors while adding a unique citrusy note.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Savina Cracked Pickled Olives in Olive Oil are carefully prepared olives that combine traditional processing methods with the rich flavor of Mediterranean olive oil. Each olive is hand-selected and gently cracked to allow the marinade to infuse deeply, creating a perfect balance between the tangy notes of pickled olives and the smooth, fruity texture of olive oil.
This product is ideal as an appetizer, a salad topping, or part of a cheese and charcuterie board, bringing the taste of the Mediterranean to every bite. Made with respect for tradition, it offers a perfect blend of flavor and quality.
Savina Olives with Chilli and Garlic are carefully prepared olives that deliver the perfect combination of spiciness and aromatic flavor. Each olive is hand-selected and marinated with natural chili and garlic, resulting in a rich and intense flavor profile.
This product is perfect for lovers of Mediterranean delicacies, ideal as an appetizer, a salad topping, or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board. Savina Olives with Chilli and Garlic beautifully blend tradition and authentic tastes, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to every bite.
Jordan Olivenöl - Oliven - fruchtig und fein is a high-quality olive oil product made by Jordan Olivenoel GmbH. This olive oil is known for its fruity and fine flavor profile, making it a popular choice among culinary enthusiasts and professional chefs alike.
The olives used for this product are carefully selected to ensure optimal taste and nutritional value.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
Melira is a brand known for its high-quality food products, particularly those featuring olives and olive-based items. Mythogea Mix Kalamata & Green Olives would likely be an offering that combines Kalamata olives, known for their dark purple color and robust, fruity flavor, with green olives, which tend to have a firmer texture and a more grassy, slightly bitter taste.
This mix could be used as a versatile ingredient in salads, appetizers, or antipasto platters, providing a balance of flavors and textures.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
The product Kalamata Olives with Herbs (Teleies) is made by Oliveology Ltd. These olives are sourced from the region of Kalamata in Greece, known for its high-quality olive production. They are enriched with a blend of aromatic herbs, enhancing their natural flavor.
The combination of the olives' rich, briny taste with the fresh, savory notes of the herbs makes them a delightful addition to various dishes or as a snack on their own.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Kalamon olives with herbs in brine made by Elitsa Charana are a gourmet product known for their rich taste and superior quality. These olives are harvested from the Kalamata region in Greece, one of the most renowned areas for olive production, which gives them their distinctive flavor and texture.
They are marinated in a brine solution enriched with a blend of aromatic herbs, enhancing their natural tanginess and providing a complex, savory profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The product is typically packaged in glass jars to maintain freshness and is popular among those who appreciate authentic Mediterranean flavors.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Silver and Green of Lakeland Ltd. produces a product called Lemon Basil Olives. These olives are marinated with a blend of vibrant lemon and aromatic basil, creating a refreshing and zesty flavor profile. They are typically used as a gourmet snack, in salads, or as a part of antipasti platters.
The olives are packaged in jars, ensuring the preservation of their taste and freshness.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
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