The Real Olive Company
From A Vegan Guide To Bristol 2006
This gorgeous outfit first appeared back in 1998, when Karen and her partner opened their first stall in St Nicks Market, selling the sort of top quality olives never before seen in this city that still today defines the Company profile. A short stroll away from the Big Banana Juice Bar and Al Madina in the market sees the original stall, and a selection of the 30 different types of olives that the company supplies.
Our olives come mainly from Greece and France, but also from Italy, Tunisia and Egypt, says Karen and twice a year we go out to Greece to spend some time with our main olive producers. All our producers are small farmers, traditional methods are used and the olive trees are never sprayed with chemicals, ensuring not only a top quality olive but also a fairly traded sustainably produced olive too. ItÂ’s a real pleasure to work with them.
And a real pleasure to eat, to say the least. And not only the olives, but also other goodies like the phenomenal artichoke hearts and the awesome specially made dolmades – stuffed vine leaves soaked in virgin olive oil – quite divine.
The Company supplies wholesale and in addition to their permanent St Nicks stall, they have a stall 3 days a week in Clifton Down Shopping Centre and a regular pitch in Thornbury High Street, as well as appearing at a number of local shows, including both the organic and vegan shows in Bristol. But they don’t stop there – they also organise the highly successful Narrow Quay Real Food Market, which was initiated last year with a view to providing excellent food as well as representing a large variety of local producers. ‘Bristol is a multi-cultural city,’ says Karen, ‘and we have many stalls from the different communities in Bristol, giving the market a truly international flavour. In many ways, it’s unique, and it’s been fantastic to work with such lovely people, with such a gorgeous array of fresh produce.
We agree completely. And we also think that The Real Olive Company is an absolutely beautiful outfit with a lovely vibe, their products are delectable, and their ethics are admirable. Ten out of Ten.
Comments
Add your comment
Audit
Story posted by on 2006-04-06 15:20:43.
Story last updated by on 2006-09-15 01:15:47.