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
Nov. 9, 2023
An Award-Winning Finish to A Fruitful Harvest in The Southern Cone
After bumper harvests in Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, producers demonstrated their quality with a combined 14 awards at the world’s largest olive oil quality contest.
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.
Dec. 5, 2023
An Olive Oil-Centered Curriculum in California Seeks to Help an Ailing County
Despite its agricultural mite, Kern County suffers from elevated levels of food insecurity, obesity and diabetes compared to the rest of the state.
Sep. 19, 2023
Data Will Define Next 25 Years at California Olive Ranch, CEO Says
California Olive Ranch grew from a single olive farm to the largest producer in the United States. Now, the company plans to harness the power of data to keep growing.
Aug. 29, 2023
California Olive Oil Producers Weigh the Impact of Tropical Storm Hilary
Producers across Southern California welcomed the unseasonable rainfall and reported only minor damage from flooding and mudslides.
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.
May. 16, 2023
Meet the Native American Tribe Behind Award-Winning Olive Oil
Over two decades, Jim Etters has helped guide the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Séka Hills brand to four NYIOOC triumphs while focusing on sustainability.
Dec. 11, 2023
Small-Scale Farmers Celebrate Big-Time Success in Central California
Richard and Myrna Meisler have turned a passion project into one of California’s most-awarded extra virgin olive oils.