The Real Olive Company Limited

Summary

Award-winning Mediterranean producers of fresh, organic olives, olive oils & antipasti for UK retail & wholesale markets. Already listed in major supermarkets, such as Waitrose & Sainsbury's, The Real Olive Company aims to grow its team, brand, product range & customer listing internationally.

• Stocked in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Wholefoods and Planet Organic
• £135m of chilled olives sold in the UK retail category. Growing 17% YOY in 2020
• Organic Farmers & Growers-accredited
• Aiming to donate 1% of all profits to their partners, the Sustainable Soils Alliance

Idea

There’s a growing consumer demand for healthier, organic, vegan and more sustainable products, as well as a climate crisis that demands a more environmentally friendly approach to food production. The Real Olive Company produces food that promotes good health and sustainability.

We use small, independent organic olive producers and are working towards 100% recyclable and compostable packaging. Studies show organic olives and the Mediterranean diet can bring health-nutrition and environmental benefits, requiring less water, land, and energy, while promoting biodiversity conservation.

Our products have won multiple Great Taste Awards, and we were also recently listed in the top10 finalists at the Nation’s Favourite Organic Food & Drink Product BOOM award.

73% of consumers want to be more sustainable, and 63% will pay more for environmentally-friendly products, driving the organic chilled foods/deli to grow 22.2% YOY.

We sell wholesale, via supermarkets and via our website, with 31,600 consumers registered on our mailing list.

Funding will allow us to grow our team, brand, product line & retail listing, as well as grow internationally.

Help us make life taste better by connecting people to the natural vitality of real foods!

Team

Ben Flight – Chief Vision Olive & Co-Founder

Ben has driven The Real Olive Company's product and commercial development from the outset. He continues to lead the organisation, ensuring our core purpose and values are upheld and maintained in everything we do. He co-founded Bristol's Olive Shed Restaurant.

Karin Andersson – Chief Marketing Olive & Co-Founder

Like Ben, Karin has been instrumental in the development of the business over the years. She takes a predominantly sales and marketing lead.

Ed Gardiner – Chief Operations Olive

Ed is experienced in working with FMCG-branded businesses. He worked at Innocent Drinks and at Pukka Herbs.

Richard Jones – Advisor

Richard is a former Yeo Valley Director, playing a key role in their growth. Richard invested into The Real Olive Company in 2011, helping to finance the launch of our retail product range.

Craig Sams – Advisor

Craig co-founded Green & Black’s chocolate, Whole Earth Foods, Carbon Gold organic biochar products and launched the UK’s first vegan restaurant. He’s also a director of Duchy Originals, the chairman of Gusto Organic Ltd, and the former chairman of Soil Association and Slow Food UK.