Olives have been a staple food for over 6,000 years, with evidence suggesting they were among the first fruit trees to be domesticated in the Mediterranean basin. While commonly thought of as black or green, olives actually progress through various colors as they ripen, and each cultivar has its own unique characteristics.
Monovarietal olive oil is made from a single variety, while blends combine oils from multiple cultivars, resulting in diverse flavors depending on cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Our location in the heart of the Mediterranean provides the perfect climate and soil conditions for slow-maturing olives, resulting in premium extra virgin olive oil with a rich and distinctive flavor.
Our region's diverse geography, abundant sunshine, and constant coastal breeze help keep our groves healthy and free from pests, allowing us to produce sustainable and eco-friendly oil without harmful chemicals. The long tradition of olive growing and local knowledge passed down through generations ensures our oil is produced with care and expertise.
In Albania, our rich history of olive cultivation dates back centuries, with most trees over 500 years old due to a law established by national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century, requiring that 2 olive trees be planted for every newly married couple as a symbol of peace, harmony, prosperity, and good luck.
Autochthonous olive varieties are abundant in Albania, each with unique flavors and cultural significance.
Here are some of best and most common varieties used in oil and as table olives in Albania.
KOTRUVS
REGION: Berat, Fier, Patos, Mallakaster (South Albania)
USE: Oil
NISJOT (HOLLI HIMARES)
REGION: Himara, Vlora (South Albania)
USE: Oil
KANINJOT
REGION: Kanina, Vlora, Fier, Saranda, Delvina, Mallakaster, Lushnje (South Albania)
USE: Oil
I KUQI I VELAGOSHTIT (THE RED OF VELAGOSHT)
REGION: Berat (South Albania)
USE: Oil
PULAZEQIN
REGION: Vlore, Himare, Sarande, Delvine, Cakran (South Albania)
USE: Oil
KRYPS BERATI
REGION: Berat, Lushnje (South Albania)
USE: Table
MARKS
REGION: Berat, Fier, Patos (South Albania)
USE: Oil and table
MIXAN
REGION: Peqin, Elbasan (Center Albania)
USE: Oil
I BARDHI TIRANES (THE WHITE OF TIRANA)
REGION: Tirana (Center Albania)
USE: Oil
I BARDHI KRUJES (THE WHITE OF KRUJA)
REGION: Kruja (Center Albania)
USE: Oil and table
KRYPS ELBASANI
REGION: Elbasan, Peqin, Librazhd (Center Albania)
USE: Table
KRYPS I KRUJES
REGION: Kruje, Tirane (Center Albania)
USE: Table
FRENG
REGION: Kruje, Tirane (Center Albania)
USE: Oil
BOҪ
REGION: Tirana (Center Albania)
USE: Oil
GJYKATS
REGION: Tirane, Durres (Center Albania)
USE: Oil and table
KALLMET
REGION: Lezhe, Shkoder (North Albania)
USE: Oil and table
GANJOLLA
REGION: Shkoder, Vau Dejes, Juban, Guri i zi (North Albania)
USE: Oil and table
