California extra virgin olive oil is gaining shelf space in Golden State supermarkets and specialty food retailers this summer. Star Fine Foods has launched its first grown-in-California olive oil with plans for major distribution and promotion.
The familiar brand has produced olive oils and Mediterranean products such as olives and vinegars for years, but this is the first time it is tapping the olive-friendly growing conditions of its Central California home base.
Though owned by Borges USA, a division of the Spanish food giant Borges Mediterranean Group, Star Fine Foods has been in California since 1898, making it one of the state’s oldest food brands. Based in Fresno, it has a long history distributing specialty Mediterranean products made from both imported and domestic ingredients.
This is an opportune time for Star’s launch, which is also aimed at staking a West Coast claim on the popularity of the Mediterranean diet. California olive oil production is growing at an unprecedented rate while gaining a following around the world, thanks to the recognition of competition judges, as well as some cleverly manufactured controversy.
Star California Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a blend of Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki olives grown in the Central Valley. The 16-ounce and 24-ounce bottles have suggested retail prices of $9.45 and $12.98, respectively. A wider rollout throughout the West is anticipated in the fall.
Related Articles
May. 16, 2024
U.S. Olive Oil Producers Achieve Record-Breaking Success at World Competition
Olive oil producers from five states combined to earn 95 awards, exceeding the previous record of 94 set in 2022.
Jun. 12, 2024
How Resilience and Passion Drive a Boutique California Producer
In less than four years, the couple behind Chateau de Luz has overcome climate extremes, pests and labor challenges to craft world-class extra virgin olive oil.
Jan. 18, 2024
Controlling Black Scale in California Groves
While the invasive insect does not impact oil quality, heavy infestations can reduce olive yields. The pest is expected to spread as California’s winters become milder.
Feb. 7, 2024
Traditional Methods, Sicilian Cultivars Help This California Farmer Standout
In northern California, the Bonds nurtures, harvests and mills imported Sicilian varieties to produce their award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
May. 27, 2024
Improved Water Efficiency Paramount to Future of California Farmers, Officials Say
Growers will need to save more water and use less as the state will likely become drier in the long term.
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.
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. 22, 2024
Oleotourism on The Rise in Central California
Riding the wave of the state's post-Covid recovery, olive farms and mills are increasingly popular destinations on California’s Central Coast.