TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Olives Types in the World
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Traditionally grown around the Gulf of Gaeta which is nestled just south of Rome in the province of Latina, Oliva di Gaeta is a variety of small, reddish olives. Salt cured Gaeta olives have wrinkled, black flesh, while the ones brine-cured exhibit a smooth, dark violet texture.
Prized for their plump, meaty body and a unique, slightly sour flavor, Gaeta olives are a popular appetizer but can also be used in various salads, risottos and pasta dishes, including the famous Spaghetti alla Puttanesca.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Olives Producers in the World
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
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
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
BEST Evoo Zeet Olives
Mani Blaeuel UK Ltd is a distributor of organic Greek olives and olive oil products. The company focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly production methods and supports small-scale farmers in Greece. They are committed to high-quality standards and fair-trade practices.
Their products are available in various retailers throughout the UK.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
BEST Mani Blaeuel 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
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
BEST Anchoas Hazas Olives
AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold
2022, 2013

London IOOC - Gold
2022, 2021

Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022
BEST Jordan Olivenoel Olive Oils
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2020, 2018

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2020, 2018

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
BEST Giribizzi Chocolates
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Olives in the World
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Kalamata Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil made by Mani Blaeuel UK Ltd is a premium product that combines the rich, robust flavor of Kalamata olives with the smooth, high-quality taste of extra virgin olive oil. These olives are known for their dark purple color and almond shape, offering a meaty texture and a slightly tangy, wine-like taste.
The extra virgin olive oil used in this product acts as both a preservative and a flavor enhancer, making it ideal for a variety of culinary uses, from salads to appetizers and more.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
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
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Olvion Kalamata PDO olives are high-quality olives with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), produced by Agrovim. These olives are handpicked within the administrative boundaries of the Messenia prefecture in Greece, where they are cultivated and processed under strictly controlled and certified traditional conditions.
The olives naturally ripen on the tree before being carefully hand-harvested to preserve their delicate flesh. They are marinated and packed in brine without any added preservatives, and a layer of Kalamata PDO extra virgin olive oil is added for optimal preservation.
Iliada Kalamata PDO olives are high-quality olives with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), produced by Agrovim. These olives are handpicked within the administrative boundaries of the Messenia prefecture in Greece, where they are cultivated and processed under strictly controlled and certified traditional conditions.
The olives naturally ripen on the tree before being carefully hand-harvested to preserve their delicate flesh. They are marinated and packed in brine without any added preservatives, and a layer of Kalamata PDO extra virgin olive oil is added for optimal preservation.
Erato Kalamata Pitted Olives are premium quality olives of the Kalamata variety, produced by Agrovim in Greece. These olives are 100% hand-picked and traceable, ensuring that they are carefully harvested to protect their sensitive flesh. They naturally sun-ripen on the tree before being marinated in brine without any added preservatives, preserving their rich, fruity flavor.
With a black to dark purple color and almond shape, they are juicy and crunchy, making them a perfect addition to any dish. As an essential ingredient of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, they are ideal for a healthy diet.
Olive Art Kalamata olives are premium quality olives of the Kalamata variety, produced by Agrovim. These olives are 100% handpicked within the administrative boundaries of the Messenia prefecture in Greece, where they are cultivated and processed under strictly controlled and certified traditional conditions.
They feature a black to dark purple color, almond shape, and a juicy, rich fruity flavor. Crisp and full of aroma, they are a perfect addition to any dish. The olives naturally ripen on the tree before being carefully hand-harvested to preserve their delicate flesh.
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.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.