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BIGGER AND BETTER The Fresh Olive Company celebrates 20 years at the top

From a clapped-out Astra van and council flat office in Hackney, to today’s shiny fleet and 90-strong team in Greenford, The Fresh Olive Company’s 20 year journey has been an evolution. From humble beginnings, when friends George Bennell and Adam Wells drove fresh olives over from the markets of Provence, the company has grown to become a leading supplier of market fresh olives, and a further 150 Mediterranean delicacies within the UK.

Still privately owned by friends George Bennell, Adam Wells and Charlie Hodges, the three have worked hard to earn their reputation for product passion, expertise and fanatical attention to customer service levels.

George Bennell, Managing Director, says “Achieving this landmark would not have been possible without the imagination of the many chefs we supply who, over the last 20 years have found countless ways of employing the humble olive, caper and preserved lemon into their ever-evolving menus”. To celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary, the three owners are holding a celebratory dinner with key industry chefs to thank them for their tireless support.

Charlie Hodges, the Sales Director, says “It is hard to imagine that back in 1991 when we started The Fresh Olive Company, fresh olives, although widespread in the markets of Provence and around mainland Europe, were virtually unheard of in the UK. Now, eating a bowl of olives, either in a restaurant or at home, is commonplace. We are immensely proud to have been at the forefront of building this sector ”.

And the growth of The Fresh Olive Company shows no signs of slowing down, having recently moved in to a new 55,000sq ft. facility in Greenford, Middlesex and extending the number of countries that it exports to from 12 to 25 countries, from Scandinavia to as far afield as the USA and the Far East. In addition, the team are dedicated to building their consumer brand, Belazu. 2011 sees further development and research take place, with a 2012 re launch scheduled.

Despite the recent growth, the Fresh Olive team are still wholly committed to personal service and their suppliers. “All our products are discovered by working closely with small local suppliers throughout the Mediterranean. At The Fresh Olive Company we have a unique relationship with these suppliers. We recognise that our sourcing of products is essential for the success of our business”, continues Hodges. “No matter how large we grow, this will always be central to the way we do business at The Fresh Olive Company”.

For further information about The Fresh Olive Company please contact
Fiona St George at 84, T: 07951 666 865 E: fiona@84buckinghamroad.co.uk