Il Classico Italian olive oil in a cardboard package with a dispenser, 3L

Centuries-old Tradition of Quality by De Carlo

De Carlo is a family-run business spanning generations, with roots dating back to 1598. All historical information is sourced from public documents stored in the State Archives in Bari, Catasto Onciario and Treasury Books of Bitritto, the National Library of Bari, and the private family archive. The history of De Carlo products was born, evolves, and continues here, day by day, among the centuries-old olive trees belonging to the family, dry stone walls, the land of typical scarlet hue, Mediterranean climate, and white stones. The favourable climate of the region, particularly north of Bari, has always contributed to the extraordinary taste of olive oil with a detectable hint of almonds.

Gnarled trunks and deep roots: centuries-old olive trees are a symbol of Apulia, where most of the olive oil consumed, loved, and appreciated in Italy and worldwide has been produced for over three thousand years. Although the oldest evidence of olive use dates back to prehistoric times, it was probably the ancient Messapians who first introduced the cultivation of olive trees in Apulia.

Oil Produced in Traditional Stone Mills

The De Carlo estate currently spans 100 hectares, with a total of 18,000 olive trees and vegetable plants, the latter used for the production of preserves. All De Carlo products are made with respect for tradition and craftsmanship, as well as a strong emphasis on the construction of facilities, striving to have state-of-the-art systems. Olive oil is still produced in traditional stone mills, as it was in the past, integrated with a modern and technologically advanced system.

Organic Production at De Carlo Estate

The De Carlo family has been producing organic products since the early 1990s, as they deeply believe that consumer health should come first. Currently, the entire estate is managed organically, even if only part of the production is certified as such.

De Carlo produces 5 labels, 3 of which come exclusively from their own olive groves: Tenuta Torre di Mossa DOP, Tenuta Arcamone DOP from organic farming, Felice Garibaldi oil, the latter from the Slow Food Presidium, and 2 selections from selected and qualified local producers: Classic and Contrada Torre Marina from organic farming. All five selections are produced from olives harvested in the Bitritto area. A line of vegetable preserves in extra virgin olive oil, marinated olives, pasta sauces, and delicate creams has also been created, both in conventional and organic lines using their own vegetables. All pickles are sourced from vegetables grown on their own fields, processed within 24 hours of harvest.

The manufactory is ICEA certified for Europe and USDA Organic 100% for the USA. To strengthen the food safety system, the H.A.C.C.P. system has been integrated with product control systems such as BRC and IFS, to track all flows in the production facility. Additionally, a company policy focused on a short supply chain is implemented: most raw materials come from their own fields.

The De Carlo family has always believed in the value of combining innovation and tradition, and in this way, they have achieved their success. The delicate range of products consists of various types of oils, olives, marinated vegetables, and seasonings.

Awards and Recognitions

In Italy
Flos Olei 2022, Guide to the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils in the World, score 99/100
Flos Olei 2021, Guide to the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils in the World, score 99/100
Flos Olei 2020, Guide to the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils in the World, score 99/100 + Special Award “20 Years Award”
Slow Food Italy, Guide to Extra Virgin Olive Oils 2020, “Grande Olio” award for Tenuta Torre di Mossa DOP oil, “Grande Olio Slow” for Felice Garibaldi oil and “Chiocciola 2020” oil

Abroad
Der FEINSCHMECKER - Guide to the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils 2018, 1st place in the intensely fruity extra virgin olive oil category
J.O.O.P. – Japan Olive Oil Prize 2018, 1st place