Aug. 15, 2011
Lori Zanteson
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
Oct. 5, 2021
Award-Winning Farm in Croatia Grows Its Brand in The Austrian Market
The producers behind Avistria use social media to find and grow relationships with clients in their native Austria from their farm in Croatia.
Jul. 13, 2021
A Third of The Best American Olive Oils Come from This California Region
Producers from California’s Central Coast attributed the climate, soil and dedication of local institutions to their big successes at the World Olive Oil Competition.
Aug. 24, 2021
Olive Center’s New Director Begins Planning for The Future of California Olive Oil
Javier Fernandez-Salvador has plenty of plans for his new job including optimizing olive growing and harvesting for California’s changing climate.
Dec. 15, 2021
Brightland Drops Claims that Most Olive Oils in U.S. Are Adulterated, Rancid
The California-based company volunteered to remove statements from its website after the North American Olive Oil Association filed a complaint.
Aug. 4, 2021
Family Behind Organic Roots Adapts as California Drought Refuses to Break
The Polit family started out as rice farmers, but the state’s decades-long drought caused them to begin growing olives, which they continue to transform into award-winning oils.
Aug. 5, 2021
California’s Olive Oil Producers Face Uncertain Future as Historic Drought Continues
While some farmers remain optimistic that research and preparation will yield a fruitful future, others worry about the diminishing prospects of surface irrigation.
May. 20, 2021
Decorated Olive Oil Bottles to Be Auctioned as Crypto Assets
Ten bottles of Greek extra virgin olive oil, with custom-designed labels, will be sold as non-fungible tokens at an online auction in July.
May. 18, 2021
Producers Honor Dan Flynn for His Contributions to California Olive Oil
The founder of the UC Davis Olive Center received the California Olive Oil Council's Pioneer Award for his "lasting impact on the state's olive oil industry."