An original set of Italian culinary products in a wooden gift box

De Carlo's centuries-old tradition of quality

De Carlo is a family-owned company with roots dating back to 1598. All historical information comes from public documents stored in the State Archives in Bari, the Onciario Land Registry, and Tax Records of Bitritto, the National Library of Bari, as well as a private family archive. The history of De Carlo products was born, evolves, and continues here, day by day, amidst centuries-old olive trees belonging to the family, dry stone walls, land with a characteristic scarlet hue, Mediterranean climate, and white stones. The region’s favorable climate, especially north of Bari, has always contributed to the extraordinary flavor of the oil, with a detectable almond note.

Thick trunks and deep roots: centuries-old olive trees are a symbol of Apulia, where most of the 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, the ancient Messapic people are likely the first to have cultivated olive trees in Apulia.

Oil produced in traditional stone mills

De Carlo farm currently spans 100 hectares, on which a total of 18,000 olive trees and vegetable plants grow, the latter used for canning. All De Carlo products are made respecting tradition and craftsmanship, with a strong focus on building modern, state-of-the-art facilities. The oil is still produced in traditional stone mills, as it was in the past, integrated with a modern, technologically advanced system.

Eco-friendly production at De Carlo farm

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

De Carlo produces five labels, three of which come exclusively from their own olive groves: Tenuta Torre di Mossa DOP, Tenuta Arcamone DOP from organic cultivation, Felice Garibaldi olive oil, the latter awarded by Slow Food Presidium, and two selections from carefully chosen local producers: Classic and Contrada Torre Marina from organic farms. All five selections are made 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, available in both conventional and organic lines using their own vegetables. All pickles are made from vegetables grown on their own farms, processed within 24 hours of harvest.

The manufactory holds ICEA certification for Europe and USDA Organic 100% for the USA. To strengthen food safety, the H.A.C.C.P. system has been integrated with product control systems such as BRC and IFS, ensuring traceability of all processes in the production facility. Additionally, the company's policy emphasizes a short supply chain: most raw materials come from their own fields.

The De Carlo family has always believed in the value of combining innovation and tradition, which has led to their success. Their delicate product range includes various types of oils, olives, marinated vegetables, and spices.

Awards and distinctions

In Italy
Flos Olei 2022, Guide to the world's best first-press oils, score 99/100
Flos Olei 2021, Guide to the world's best first-press oils, score 99/100
Flos Olei 2020, Guide to the world's best extra virgin olive oils, 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