Millennial tree

EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) has outstanding benefits for the human health, and we know that for centuries.

Origin of the olive tree

The olive tree was initially grown in the Ancient Iran and Mesopotamia 5.000 years ago. Research points out that the old Egyptians grew olive trees and they used the olive oil for religious ceremonies.

Farming of the olive tree

The farming of this tree arrived at the Mediterranean basin with the Phoenicians. The Greeks used it for pharmaceutical purposes. Then the Romans pioneered its use for human consumption.

Olive oil production development

Centuries later the Arabs that were living in Spain improved the agricultural techniques for its production. The name for oil in Spanish “aceite” originates from the Arab word “azzait”, which means olive juice.

Cordoba Mosque

Cordoba´s Mosque is an example of Arabic art.

The spread of the olive tree worldwide

Years later the Spanish colonisers introduced the vine and the olive tree on America. Then at the beginning of the 20th century, the olive tree cultivation reached South Africa and Australia.

Green Gold Origin

You can see on the map where our olive trees grow.

The current situation in Spain

World leaders

Spain is the leading olive oil producer worldwide. Andalusia is the Spanish region with the most extensive surface dedicated to the olive tree. Among the most productive areas in the South are Jaen, Cordoba and Seville. But also Lerida, Toledo and Aragon in other parts of the country.

Tradition

Traditionally, the priority for Spanish farmers was to improve the quality of their olive oil. The marketing remained in the background. That allowed other merchants to buy olive oils from Spain and export it with their label from other countries.

Trend change

Nowadays Spain is exporting its olive oil under the brand “Made in Spain”. Each day more and more people recognise the great value of Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oils in the global market.