Bertolli extra virgin olive oil leads in biodiversity
Bertolli extra virgin olive oil leads in biodiversity
Deoleo, the world’s leading olive oil producer with brands such as Bertolli, leads the way with quality and transparency-focused sourcing.
- Deoleo reaches milestone agreements with leading suppliers of super intensive groves to protect biodiversity, with the inclusion that no harvesting is conducted at night.
- Proposed creation of “islands of biodiversity” areas with aromatic plants that attract insects, water dispensers for small animals and birds, and insect nests and beehives.
- Promote fruit harvesting during the early morning to protect biodiversity
Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in kitchens across the world, but with so many choices flooding supermarket shelves it is difficult for consumers to discern which products are both the highest quality and ethically sourced. So Deoleo, the parent company of Bertolli® Extra Virgin Olive Oil — the world’s top selling olive oil brand globally — is ushering in a new sustainable generation of olive oil sourcing.
Recent media reports shining a light on practices by some producers during olive oil harvest seasons explain why nocturnal songbirds are killed during olive harvests conducted at night.
“Sustainability, more importantly respect for nature and delicate ecosystems, are the driving forces behind Deoleo’s sustainability strategy,” said Paula Lopes – Chief Quality Officer at Deoleo. “For example, our partner Olivomundo has done incredible work in protecting and nurturing local species, starting with as few as 30 varieties and growing to over 200 individual species. This demonstrates that by maintaining meticulous standards, positive eco-friendly changes can be made.”
Mr. Jose Gonçalvez, of Olivomundo from Portugal, is a leading supplier of super intensive olive varieties and confirms they do not harvest at night, which is aligned with Deoleo’s strict sustainability protocols. The work we have done to date demonstrates the impact that can be made in protecting species and delicate ecosystems.
Deoleo sources only from olive groves that are a flourishing source of life and biodiversity. To bring this vision to life, the company has developed strategies and procedures in partnership with olive oil suppliers, like Olivomundo, to protect biodiversity at their locations.