At Valentina Delicatessen, we believe that every ingredient tells a story, and none quite like a fine extra virgin olive oil. Over the years, one of our proudest partnerships has been with Artisan Olive Oil Company, the UK’s premier importer and wholesaler of artisan Mediterranean olive oils. From the very first time we met them, we knew we shared something special: a love for authenticity, respect for tradition, and a passion for bringing exceptional quality to people’s tables. Their unwavering commitment to quality, provenance, and authenticity aligns perfectly with our own values, and today we want to shine a light on two of their outstanding oils that we’re honoured to stock: Franci Villa Magra Grand Cru and Frantoio Franci Le Trebbiane. Check out what we have available online here.
Who is Artisan Olive Oil Company?
Artisan Olive Oil Company sources some of the world’s most awarded natural and organic olive oils, with a strong emphasis on small-producer, terroir-driven oils. Their catalogue spans regions across Italy (Tuscany, Apulia), Sicily, Spain, and Tunisia, and includes both natural and certified organic oils.
Because they act as both importer and wholesaler, they bridge the gap between producers and gourmet retailers like us, enabling smaller-scale producers to reach discerning customers in the UK.
What makes them truly special, in our view, is not just the oils themselves (which are outstanding), but the personal relationships they cultivate, the way they support retail partners, and their active involvement in educating consumers.
The Stars of Our Shelf: Franci Villa Magra & Frantoio Franci Le Trebbiane
Among the many oils Artisan Olive Oil Company offers, two stand out at Valentina Delicatessen. They’ve become customer favourites, and we’re proud to feature them as part of our signature olive oil range.
Franci Villa Magra Grand Cru
- Elegance in a bottle. The 250ml size is perfect for gifting or for enthusiasts who prefer smaller, fresher bottles.
- The “Grand Cru” designation reflects its origin from select high-quality groves - a true premium expression.
- Its flavour is balanced, with refined fruitiness, delicate herbaceous notes, and just the right peppery finish. Perfect drizzled over steamed vegetables, grilled fish, or even freshly baked bread.
Frantoio Franci Le Trebbiane
- A wonderful example of blending for complexity without overpowering. Carefully selected olives (often Leccino, Moraiolo, etc.) produce a well-rounded, medium-intensity oil.
- The 250ml format is practical for everyday use while still preserving freshness.
- Versatile and approachable, ideal for dressings, pasta, or a drizzle over soups. Less peppery than some oils, it’s perfect for those new to premium extra virgin olive oils.
The Relationship Behind the Bottles
It all started with a tasting. Picture a quiet afternoon in the shop: rustic bread laid out, tiny porcelain cups, and bottles of bright green oil glowing like liquid gold. The Artisan Olive Oil Company team guided us through each one; how the olives were grown, harvested, and pressed, and how every step shaped the flavour.
We were hooked. Not only by the oils themselves, but by the passion and knowledge behind them. Since then, they’ve become more than suppliers - they’re partners, mentors, and friends who often join us in-store to share their expertise directly with you, our customers.
Why Our Collaboration Works
- Support for In-house Tastings & Events: Artisan Olive Oil Company often supports tastings at Valentina Delicatessen, bringing sample bottles, tasting notes, and experts to guide customers. This hands-on engagement helps people develop their palate and understand why premium oils matter.
- Shared Vision of Quality & Education: They are committed to educating consumers and retail partners about olive oil quality, polyphenols, harvest methods, and flavour profiles. That means when we recommend Franci oils, we do so with full confidence.
- Reliability & Consistency: In gourmet retail, consistency is everything. Artisan Olive Oil Company ensures every batch is handled with care, maintaining freshness and quality from producer to shelf.
- Mutual Growth: Our successes are intertwined. When customers fall in love with Franci oils at Valentina, it strengthens both their brand and ours. And when they introduce new lines or limited editions, we’re excited to bring those to you.
Why These Oils Matter to Our Customers
- Authenticity & Traceability: Both Franci oils come from respected Tuscan producers with deep roots.
- Flavour & Freshness: Customers love their distinctive character, from peppery intensity to smooth balance.
- Gifting & Prestige: Beautifully presented, they make perfect gifts for food lovers and cooks.
- Education & Discovery: Our tastings, often supported by Artisan Olive Oil Company, help customers move from everyday oils to truly premium selections.
How You Can Experience Them at Valentina Delicatessen
- Next time you visit, ask to taste Franci Villa Magra Grand Cru or Frantoio Franci Le Trebbiane - we’ll happily pour a sample.
- Hosting a special dinner or private event? We can recommend pairings, tasting suggestions, or even run a mini olive oil tasting.
- Keep an eye on our newsletter and socials - we often stock limited editions and seasonal harvests introduced by Artisan Olive Oil Company.
Final Thoughts
In a world of mass-produced, forgettable oils, these bottles stand apart. They remind us that olive oil is not just a kitchen staple but an expression of land, climate, and craftsmanship. By working with Artisan Olive Oil Company, we get to keep those traditions alive and put them into the hands of our community here at Valentina.
We’re proud of our ongoing collaboration with Artisan Olive Oil Company. Their support, expertise, and passion ensure that every bottle we sell carries both flavour and integrity. Thank you to them - and to you, our customers - for joining us on this journey of taste.
