In the heart of the picturesque Umbrian hills, a remarkable project has redefined the essence of Italy’s olive-growing tradition. Founded in 2018, Società Agricola Terre Del Papa Srl is not just a producer of organic olive oil - it embodies excellence, innovation, and an unwavering respect for nature. As the largest single-body organic olive grove in Italy, spanning 600 hectares, the company merges a passion for traditional farming with cutting-edge technology to deliver an outstanding product to global markets.
In this exclusive interview, Giorgiomaria Del Papa, CEO of Società Agricola Terre Del Papa Srl, shares the inspiring journey of the company. He discusses its deep - rooted traditions, innovative production methods, commitment to sustainability, and plans for expanding oleotourism offerings. With 16 carefully selected olive varieties and advanced cold extraction techniques, Terre Del Papa crafts oils that are not just a tribute to Italy’s rich heritage but also a shining example of modern, sustainable agriculture.
Can you share the story of Società Agricola Terre Del Papa Srl? How did the company begin, and what are its roots?
Società Agricola Terre Del Papa Srl was founded in 2018 with a clear and ambitious vision: to create a company that could represent the pinnacle of Italian olive growing by blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability.
Our olive grove covers approximately 600 hectares of Umbrian hills, making us the largest single-body organic olive grove in Italy. This is more than just a number - it symbolizes our ability to manage and control every stage of the supply chain, from land cultivation to the final product, ensuring the highest quality organic extra virgin olive oil.
Umbria, with its ancient olive-growing tradition, serves as the beating heart of our project. Our mission is to preserve and enhance this heritage by combining it with innovative technology to offer a product that perfectly balances authenticity and modern innovation.
What core values and philosophy guide your company’s work?
For us, producing extra virgin olive oil is not merely a business - it’s a responsibility rooted in respect for nature and future generations. Three key principles guide us:
- Quality: Every product we create must embody the highest standards of Italian olive growing excellence.
- Sustainability: We practice certified organic farming methods, ensuring environmental preservation while promoting biodiversity.
- Innovation: We adopt the latest technological advancements to reduce our environmental footprint and continually enhance our production process.
Being the largest organic olive grove in Italy comes with a profound responsibility. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact while constantly improving every aspect of our production process. Additionally, we are developing premium packaging to reflect the luxury quality of our oils, with eco-friendly materials and exclusive designs whenever possible.
What distinguishes your extra virgin olive oil from others in the market?
Our oil is a sensory journey through the flavours of Umbria and the Mediterranean basin. What sets us apart is the diversity and richness of our cultivars. In addition to the classic Italian varieties - Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino - we have selected unique varieties from across the Mediterranean.
With 16 different cultivars and over half a million olive trees, we can create oils with distinct organoleptic profiles tailored to various uses, from gourmet culinary experiences to everyday meals.
The cold extraction process, carried out in our state-of-the-art facility, preserves the oil’s natural properties, ensuring high polyphenol content and a perfectly balanced flavour profile - combining fruity notes, subtle spiciness, and a delicate bitter aftertaste. The result is an oil rich in natural antioxidants, ideal for a healthy and balanced diet.
What technologies are used in your production process to ensure quality and sustainability?
We firmly believe that tradition and innovation can coexist in perfect harmony. Our olive groves are equipped with a drip irrigation system that optimizes water usage and minimizes waste - an essential feature in modern sustainable agriculture.
The olives are harvested using advanced yet gentle techniques to preserve the integrity of the fruit and ensure freshness. In our modern, energy-efficient mill, we employ cold extraction methods that minimize oxidation while preserving the beneficial properties of the oil.
We maintain complete control over every stage of production, from agronomic management to final packaging. Each bottle of our extra virgin olive oil is the result of a meticulously monitored and certified process, reflecting our uncompromising dedication to excellence.
You mentioned plans for an oleotourism project. Could you share more details?
Absolutely. Oleotourism is an essential part of our long-term vision. We want people to experience our oil, not just consume it. To that end, we are developing an immersive oleotourism program that allows visitors to connect with our world and discover firsthand what it means to produce organic extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality.
Our guests will have the opportunity to:
- Walk through our expansive olive groves, learning about the various cultivars we grow.
- Participate in the harvest, gaining insight into the most crucial moment of the production cycle.
- Witness the transformation of olives into oil, through guided tours of our cutting-edge mill.
- Attend sensory tastings, designed to educate visitors on how to recognize and appreciate the finest qualities of premium organic extra virgin olive oil.
Our aim is to educate, inspire, and create a meaningful connection between the producers and consumers of our oil.
What message would you like to convey to the readers of Manufacturing Journal?
We do not just aim to launch a new product - we want to offer a truly unique experience. Every bottle of our oil tells a story of passion, tradition, and innovation.
Terre Del Papa is more than just a farm - it’s an ambitious project dedicated to sharing the best of Italian organic olive growing with the world. Through our extraordinary oil, exclusive packaging, and immersive oleotourism experiences, we strive to offer something truly unforgettable.
Choosing Terre Del Papa means embracing authenticity, sustainability, and excellence. It’s a journey that begins in our olive groves in Umbria and ends on dining tables across the globe - bringing not just flavour but a deep connection to the land and a commitment to quality that goes beyond the ordinary.
