STORY
The Real Olive Company is a family-owned business that started back in 1998. Co-founders Ben Flight and Karin Andersson loved visiting European markets when they were on holiday and were blown away by the quality and choice on offer. At the time, about 20 years ago, there was a gap in the market for this type of produce in the UK, so they decided to recreate the experience over here and began selling at markets throughout England.
From the start, they shared deep-rooted values that guided them through life, and this carried on in their mission to create sustainable, delicious food, bursting with natural vitality. Specialising in organic, fresh olives and antipasti, they source olives from trusted artisan growers on the shores of the Mediterranean. From grove to table, every step they take retains each olive’s natural goodness. All the products are then made at their factory in Bristol, ensuring they consistently deliver the highest quality and taste.
This commitment to quality is why The Real Olive Company has won multiple awards and is the leading independent brand in the UK retail chilled olive category.
COMPANY VALUES
The Real Olive Company’s ethos is ‘Love Life, Eat Real’.
They 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.
Their products are OF&G accredited, over 99% of their packaging is fully recyclable and they have a clear sustainability policy. They also donate 1% of profits to Sustainable Soils Alliance, who champion the urgent restoration of Britain’s deteriorating soil to prevent flooding, mitigate the effects of climate change and promote national food security.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BUSINESS
The company has big plans for the next year, from new product development to expanding their marketing and digital teams as well as developing the e-commerce side of the business. They are currently running a Crowdfund, which enables anyone to secure a share in the business and support the mission to create sustainable, delicious food, bursting with natural vitality. The support raised from the crowdfund will be invested in growing the business on a wider scale going forward, targeting sustainability-focused customers in the UK, as well as internationally.
The next product range to be launched by The Real Olive Company includes 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.
