When we talk about Campania's olive oil, we refer to a region of oil excellence and extraordinary native varieties that are increasingly highlighted by the excellent work of innovative olive growers and millers who aim to enhance their characteristics and aromas. The awareness of the potential and quality of the final product is also driving the commercial growth of the main olive oil producers in Campania.
Campania's olive oil history
Campania's olive oil history is deep-rooted in the centuries. The first historical traces of the presence of olive trees date back to the 4th century BC thanks to the Phocaeans. The importance of olive oil in this area was further confirmed a few years ago by Alberto Angela, who found an intact bottle of oil from the excavations of Pompeii, dating back to 79 AD. Today, the regional reality is quite diverse, with traditional olive groves characterized by centuries-old trees, as seen in coastal Cilento, and new plants with a few decades-old olives in the Alto and Medio Sele areas.
Extravirgin olive oil production in Campania today
A noteworthy aspect in recent years is the approach of producers who are increasingly attentive to the quality of their products, careful during the extraction phase, and overall, focused on enhancing the many native varieties that this region can offer. This renewal path has been made possible thanks to the activities of some pioneering companies leading the way towards quality production and entry into the domestic and international markets. Many of these have been awarded the Tre Foglie, the highest recognition in the Oli d'Italia guide.