For thousands of years, farmers have selected and cultivated plants that are best suited to their particular environment and needs. There are thousands of different olive cultivars (types) grown throughout the Mediterranean and the rest of the world and Italy alone has more than 700 olive cultivars each with a distinct character that gives a unique flavour to the oil it produces.

Olive Oil is produced in more than 30 countries in the world and most will claim that theirs in superior to all others – usually without being able to say exactly why. Italy, however, can back up that claim: consistently the top in international competitions, the most cultivars grown, pre-eminent in its quality and with a wider spectrum of interesting styles and tastes than any other country.

The European Union has a quality guarantee for Extra Virgin Olive Oil called DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta). It is a guarantee based on the Italian national laws used for its regionally protected products like Balsamic Vinegar, Parma Ham, Gorgonzola cheese and of course Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

In order to protect the integrity of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a product integral to Italian culture, further controls and regulations were implemented by the EU in 2009. All labels now must clearly indicate the location of production, where the olives were harvested from and a “best before” date. While these laws are not binding outside the EU, all of the Olive Oil Merchant products adhere strictly to these regulations providing Canadians too with the "Made in Italy" guarantee.

“The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven”
Thomas Jefferson

We believe that no miracle food or fad diet will change your life, take centimeters off your waist line or add years to your life expectancy. The TRUTH is that the Mediterranean way of eating, which is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and monounsaturated fats like Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is scientifically proven to be good for your heart, your mind and your soul.

We believe that whether you live in Yaletown or the Yukon, Port Coquitlam or Port Hardy, Richmond or Red Deer, all Canadians should have access to high quality, pure and authentic specialty foods at fair prices. Our products are carefully chosen and all must meet our requirements of 100% Italian, 100% Extra Virgin, no exceptions. The majority come from small family run businesses much like our own.

We believe that once you try pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Sicily or risotto rice from Piedmont or real Balsamic from Emilia Romagna, you too will be a believer.