Started in 1998, The Real Olive Company is a family-owned business that set out to bring delicious Mediterranean produce to the UK. Specialising in organic, fresh olives and antipasti, their olives are sourced from trusted artisan growers on the shores of the Mediterranean – real people who understand the unhurried rhythms of the olive tree.
Co-founders Ben Flight and Karin Andersson were inspired to start the business after being blown away by the quality and choice on offer in European markets. At the time, about 20 years ago, there was nothing similar in the UK and they wanted to recreate the experience, so started selling at markets throughout England.
From grove to table, every step retains each olive’s natural goodness. In their factory in Bristol they prepare, marinate and pack their olives using time-honoured recipes and cold-pressed oils so you can enjoy the freshest, most authentic olives bursting with Mediterranean sunshine; all part of why The Real Olive Company is the leading independent brand in the UK retail chilled olive category.
Over the next year they plan to primarily invest into new product development, including innovative vegan options, but also to build out their marketing and digital team, as well as developing their e-commerce proposition. They are also really looking forward to getting out on the road and to meeting consumers at real live events for sampling and experiential marketing!
Also on the cards is the launch of a new product range, including a unique offering of chilled, organic, vegan tapenades and pestos. Ben and Karin consider this as an important step forward in the company’s progression as a mission-driven business, which will connect more consumers to their ‘Love Life, Eat Real’ ethos.
Their aim is to grow their presence across UK retail fixtures with the addition of the new product offerings, and they hope to double their existing footprint within retail in the year ahead. Following their Crowdfunding round they will invest in growing the business on a wider scale going forward, targeting sustainability-focused customers in the UK, as well as internationally. The Crowdfund enables anyone to secure a share in the business and support the mission to create sustainable, delicious food, bursting with natural vitality; you can find out more about the crowdfund and how to invest here.
The Real Olive Company made the decision to join the OTB after seeing how impactful the campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of organic has been, and they are fully behind bringing this message home. Not to mention that The Real Olive Company loves the prospect of being part of the organic community that OTB has built and the support it offers!
The Real Olive Company want to build a future where we all recognise that our own health and well-being is intrinsically linked to that of our planet. This is why they strive to make a healthy choice taste great, by creating natural and sustainable food that can be enjoyed together, whilst nourishing mind, body and soil. In essence ‘Love Life, Eat Real’.
You can buy cases of olives and antipasti directly from The Real Olive Company online and you can also find their products in many independent stores in the UK, as well as in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Booths, Whole Foods Market & Planet Organic.
