The first evidence of cultivated olive trees go back over 6,000 years ago in the Middle East, where initially olive oil had multiple uses, such as: ointment for skin, oil for lamps, and medicinal treatments as well.
1400
During the Renaissance Italy becomes the largest producer of olive oil in the world, renowned for its rich and flavourful oils that graced the tables of nobles and royalty throughout Europe.
1800
Olive oil makes its commercial debut in the Americas as Italian and Greek immigrants demand its import from Europe.
2000
Olive oil continues to grow in popularity as an important ingredient in everyday cuisines, in virtually every culture thanks to its proven health benefits and nutritional properties.
As a result of its ongoing success, there are now more than 800 million olive trees in the world today, with more being planted every day!