Sub-titled A Producer’s Taste of the Global Olive Oil Industry , this new book by Simon Field, entrepreneur, founder of the Savantes programme and olive grower is a “must read” not only for anyone thinking of moving into the industry but also for everyone with any connection to it. The book is crammed with pertinent advice for both current and would be producers, acute observations of the current position of the industry and suggestions for its future, some of which may be seen as rather controversial. It certainly answers all the questions that you might have about the sector.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section looks at all the factors that should be considered before and during the decision-making process of planning a new olive oil business. The author suggests starting by understanding the market and then moving on to a consideration of the product to be produced and only after that delving into the practicalities of choosing a site, setting up the grove and looking at layout, tree density, choice of varieties, and so on. This section really does offer a virtual blueprint for a start up.
The second section changes tack. It contains an in-depth look at the industry as a whole. Where it is now, with some history and background, where it might be going and where the author thinks it should be going. Whether you agree with the author or not this section contains some fascinating insights from someone who has been at the heart for the industry for more than twenty five years.
World Olive Oil Tasting Championship
The third section returns to the blueprint, this time dealing with a range of decisions which need to be made before the first harvest. Topics include quality control, pricing and value for money, packaging and presentation and all aspects of marketing and sales technique.
All three sections are based on the authors experience of growing olives both for the table and for oil in The state of Victoria in Australia followed by an extensive involvement in the olive oil industry in Europe, America and elsewhere with the International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Savantes programme and development of the World Olive Oil Tasting Championship.
Simon Field lecturing in Greece
The book is available by contacting contact@savantes.org.
Alternatively it can be purchased through Amazon (Paperback, in English)
- In the UK it is £19.95
- in the US it is $23.95
- in Spain it is €23.87
- In Australia it is $33.00
There is also a Kindle version available.
For a more detailed description of the contents see the write up on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fruity-Little-Bitter-Spicy-Producers-ebook/dp/B0C3KH951R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QJN80M5SAOOW&keywords=Fruity+a+little+bitter+and+spicy&qid=1692954619&s=books&sprefix=fruity+a+little+bitter+and+spicy%2Cstripbooks%2C87&sr=1-1