THE LEGACY OF LIBRANDI OLIVE OIL

Rooted in the rich soils of Calabria, the Librandi family continues to craft exceptional olive oils, blending innovation with centuries-old techniques to create a product revered worldwide.

The story of Librandi Olive Oil is as rich and deep as the land it is born from—a story of vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to quality. It begins at the close of the 19th century, in the heart of Calabria, where the foothills of the Sila mountains meet the Ionian Sea. The village of Vaccarizzo Albanese, with its origins dating back to the 15th century, holds a special place in this tale. It was here that Michele Librandi, of Arbëreshë descent, planted the first olive trees that would give rise to a family legacy that thrives to this day.

The rolling hills and fertile soil of Calabria are home to a unique cultural heritage. The Arbëreshë people, who sought refuge in this land after fleeing Ottoman invasions, have preserved their traditions, language, and identity through the centuries. Among these traditions is the cultivation of olives—a practice that has been passed down through generations. It was here, amidst this cultural tapestry, that Pasquale Librandi, a visionary entrepreneur, turned his passion for olive cultivation into a thriving business.

From humble beginnings as a butcher, merchant, and then olive grower, Pasquale’s journey started with the care of a few century-old family olive trees. Over the years, he expanded the family farm into a prosperous enterprise, acquiring new plots and planting over 50 hectares of innovative olive groves with cultivars never before seen in the area. His dedication to the land and the olives was not just a business venture; it was a love affair with the soil that he nurtured with his own hands.

In 2012, Pasquale's children—Pino, Carmela, Lucia, Angela, and Michele—took the reins of the family business, continuing their father’s legacy with renewed energy and vision. Together, they set their sights on bringing Calabria’s olive oil to the global stage, determined to showcase the region’s unique cultivars and produce high-quality oils that would stand out in the competitive market.

Lucia Librandi, responsible for public relations and communications, describes the olive-growing industry in Calabria as one of great importance, both economically and culturally. The region, home to more than 180,000 hectares of olive groves, is the second largest producer of olive oil in Italy. Calabria is also rich in native olive cultivars—over 30 varieties—which the Librandi family has made a priority to protect and promote. Lucia proudly recalls the family’s first major achievement: winning the prestigious "Ercole Olivario" award, one of Italy’s oldest and most renowned competitions for extra virgin olive oil.

This early recognition set the tone for the years to come. The Librandi family’s commitment to quality over quantity became their hallmark, and their oils have consistently earned top honors in both national and international competitions. Each year, the family’s oils, including the highly acclaimed Nocellara del Belice, continue to impress judges and consumers alike with their distinctive flavors and exceptional quality. This monovarietal oil, cultivated in Calabria since the 1990s, has won numerous awards for its intense fruity taste, with hints of artichoke, almond, and tomato—aromas that evoke the very essence of the land.

The pursuit of excellence has always been at the core of the Librandi philosophy, and in 1997, the family embarked on a bold new chapter. Pasquale decided to convert the entire 200-hectare estate to organic farming—a revolutionary move for its time. This commitment to sustainability and respect for nature was not just a business decision but a cultural one. Organic farming, with its higher costs and lower yields, required significant changes to the way the family farmed. Yet, the results were worth the effort: higher-quality oils that respect both the environment and human health.

As Lucia explains, producing top-tier olive oil is a meticulous process that requires careful attention at every stage—from the careful selection of olives to the cold extraction process, which ensures that the oil retains its nutritional and organoleptic qualities. The family uses the latest technological innovations to enhance the oil's chemical composition and antioxidant properties while maintaining traditional farming techniques that respect the land.

The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the business, including communication. The Librandi family recognizes the importance of educating consumers about the difference between high-quality extra virgin olive oil and lower-quality alternatives. Lucia notes that while international consumers often have a better understanding of the value of premium olive oil, there is still much to be done in Italy to raise awareness. To that end, the company hosts guided tours at the mill, partners with educational organizations, and supports schools that offer tasting courses to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the craft of olive oil production.

One of the most striking aspects of the Librandi brand is its packaging—a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The new design, inspired by the family’s Arbëreshë roots, incorporates stylized motifs from the Byzantine icons in the churches of their homeland. The minimalist design reflects the family's dedication to producing olive oils of exceptional quality, while also honoring their rich cultural heritage. The elegant packaging tells a story of the land, the people, and the care that goes into every bottle of Librandi Olive Oil.

As Lucia introduces the rest of the Librandi family, it becomes clear that this is more than just a business—it is a true family affair. Each sibling has their role: Carmela, the business controller; Angela, the "master miller" and quality control expert; Michele, the agronomist who oversees the cultivation process; and Pino, the "problem solver" responsible for the machinery and operations. Together, they are united by the same passion and dedication that their father instilled in them, and they work as a cohesive team to ensure the continued success of Librandi Olive Oil.

The journey that began with Pasquale’s dream has now become a symbol of Calabrian excellence in olive oil production. Through hard work, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition, the Librandi family has created an exceptional product that has earned its place on the world stage. With each bottle of olive oil, they carry forward a legacy of quality, passion, and love for the land.

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