The leading American olive oil producer is sourcing oils from South America in its continuing pursuit of market share.
For the largest American olive oil producer, California Olive Ranch (COR), it’s all about growing: not olives, but market share.
Instead of slugging it out with smaller competitors for the limited supply of expensive homegrown fruit, the Chico-based company led by CEO Gregg Kelley is continuing its emergence as a marketer of high-quality olives oils made in California — and elsewhere.
COR raised eyebrows a few years back when it acquired the award-winning Italian brand Lucini at a time when bad-mouthing the quality of imported olive oils was practically a sport in the local industry.
The Lucini acquisition signaled that COR had its sights more on sales growth than emphasizing the American pedigree of its product range. “Our love of high-quality extra virgin olive oil extends beyond California,” the company affirms on its website.
Now, COR, whose sales reportedly exceed $100 million, has announced a limited-edition release of its new Americas Blend, made with South American oils that will be available through December in a 1.4‑liter “Chef Size” bottle.
The Americas Blend results from COR’s partnerships with producers in South America — including Argentina, Peru and Chile — and features “fifty percent Californian and fifty percent South American extra virgin olive oil,” coming together to create a “mild fruity flavor with approachable bitterness,” the company said.
“We value the sharing of process and information amongst producers in order to increase the quality of extra virgin olive oil throughout the world,” said COR, which has thrown its considerable weight behind a strategy which acknowledges that quality olive oil, and higher profits, have no boundaries.
More articles on: Argentina, California olive oil, California Olive Ranch
Oct. 31, 2023
California Farmers Plant Hedgerows to Conserve Water, Improve Soil Health
Hedgerows improve water retention in the soil and create natural habitats for beneficial birds and other pest predators. Farmers said they add aesthetic value, too.
Dec. 14, 2023
Tightening Water Regulations in California May Spur Olive Cultivation
While irrigated olive groves still use plenty of water, increasingly strict prohibitions, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, may carve out a new niche for dryland olive groves.
Oct. 17, 2023
Award-Winning Chilean Producer Eyes Lucrative Brazilian Market
Las Doscientos capitalizes on its reputation for quality and free trade advantage to expand its market share in Brazil.
Aug. 2, 2023
Olive Oil Producers in Argentina Beat the Heat, Enjoy Fruitful Harvest
After three below-average harvests, producers in Argentina expect a return to the norm. However, inflation continues to create problems for domestic sales and exports.
Jan. 29, 2024
Experts Predict Bigger Swings Between Wet and Dry Years in California
Investing in infrastructure and management techniques can help olive growers protect crops from flooding and save water for droughts.
Jan. 2, 2024
Corto Bets on Olives as Crop of The Future in Changing Sacramento Valley
As California deals with the impacts of climate change, rising labor costs and worker shortages, Corto Olive president Cliff Little believes planting more olives is a solution.
Jun. 10, 2024
Kern County Producer Reflects on The California Olive Oil Industry
Stefanie Wickensheimer explains how Rio Bravo Ranch crafts high-quality extra virgin olive oil in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Feb. 23, 2024
After Bumper Harvests, a Sharply Lower Yield in Argentina
An ‘off-year’ harvest, lack of chill hours, and extreme weather events are expected to reduce the yield by as much as 40 percent.