Italian set of three bottles of olive oil for a chef as a gift

De Carlo's centuries-old tradition of quality

De Carlo is a family-owned company spanning generations, with roots dating back to 1598. All historical information comes from public documents stored in the State Archives in Bari, the Catasto Onciario, the Tax Registers of Bitritto, the Bari National Library, and private family archives. The history of De Carlo products was born, evolves, and continues here, day after day, amidst centuries-old olive trees belonging to the family, dry stone walls, a 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 earliest evidence of olive use dates back to prehistoric times, the ancient Messapic people were probably the first to cultivate 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 preserving. All De Carlo products are made respecting tradition and craftsmanship, with a strong focus on building state-of-the-art facilities. The oil is still produced in traditional stone mills, just as it was in the past, integrated with modern, technologically advanced systems.

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 brand produces 5 labels, three of which come exclusively from their own olive groves: Tenuta Torre di Mossa DOP, Tenuta Arcamone DOP from organic cultivation, Felice Garibaldi oil, the latter certified by Slow Food Presidium, and 2 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 pickled vegetables are sourced from their own crops, processed within 24 hours of harvest.

The company holds ICEA certification for Europe and USDA Organic 100% for the USA. To strengthen food safety systems, H.A.C.C.P. has been integrated with product control systems such as BRC and IFS, ensuring traceability of all flows within the production facility. Additionally, the company's policy focuses on 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 recognitions

In Italy
Flos Olei 2022, the guide to the best first-press oils worldwide, score 99/100
Flos Olei 2021, the guide to the best first-press oils worldwide, score 99/100
Flos Olei 2020, the guide to the best extra virgin olive oils worldwide, 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 category
J.O.O.P. – Japan Olive Oil Prize 2018, 1st place