It was 1993 and a young Toby Simmonds, aged 20 was working on German building sites when a West Cork cafe owner contacted him to source some good olives, and so The Real Olive Company was born. Toby took that idea, and set up his first market stall at the English Market in Cork to sell 10 varieties of olives and a few other Mediterranean food items to an initially bemused public. Not many in those days were familiar to the tastebud delight of a tasty olive. However food trends and customer tastes were evolving and he quickly moved to a bigger stall and in 1994 he took the show on the road to the street markets of Ireland, many of which he helped establish.
From its very inception The Real Olive Company has bought from small market traders, representing small local producers. They have been working with some of these companies for over 35 years. They only source the highest quality, natural produce and products, this means no additives and no refined oils. The Real Olive Company core business is all about importing and selling the finest Mediterranean foods that they can source.
Awards
- McKennas Guide Best in Ireland 2021
- Irish Food Writers Guild Award 2013
Show your digital support and follow them on social media for more @therealolivecompany