Some journeys change the way you look at food.
Our recent trip to Sardinia was not about simply visiting suppliers or placing orders. It was about meeting the people behind every bottle, understanding their philosophy and seeing, with our own eyes, what makes exceptional extra virgin olive oil so special.
During our visit we spent valuable time with two Sardinian producers who will supply Authentic Oliv Co: Gariga and Sandalia.
Gariga: from the mill to the tasting table
At Gariga we visited the production facility, saw the equipment used during processing and bottling, and tasted a broad range of oils directly with the producer. The visit gave us a clear view of the work behind the bottle: the machinery, the storage, the tasting, the attention to detail and the pride in the finished product.
Gariga impressed us with its elegant range of premium extra virgin olive oils and naturally infused oils. Their collection includes classic Sardinian EVOO as well as lemon, rosemary, garlic, chilli and other Mediterranean infusions created for everyday cooking, finishing and sharing.
Sandalia: a different expression of Sardinia
Sandalia brought a different but equally important side to the journey. We spent time with their team, tasted their oils and Mediterranean infusions, reviewed their complete range and saw how carefully they present their products. Their approach is refined, modern and focused on creating oils that are easy to understand, enjoy and pair with food.
Meeting Sandalia helped us understand why Authentic Oliv Co should not be built around one single expression of Sardinia. Both producers bring something unique: different styles, different stories and different products, but the same commitment to authenticity, quality and Sardinian tradition.
Why we chose both producers
Rather than choosing one over the other, we selected products from both Gariga and Sandalia because together they allow us to build a richer and more complete Sardinian collection for the UK.
Gariga gives us a strong foundation of premium Sardinian extra virgin olive oils and naturally infused oils with a clear, confident identity. Sandalia adds another layer of character, presentation and Mediterranean flavour, helping us offer more choice to customers who want to discover the diversity of Sardinian olive oil.
Flavoured oils made the right way
One of the highlights of our journey was discovering the world of naturally infused olive oils.
Many people believe that “flavoured olive oil” means adding artificial flavourings or chemical aromas. That could not be further from the truth.
The producers showed us how their infused oils are created using carefully selected freeze-dried (lyophilised) herbs, spices and citrus fruits. Freeze-drying is a gentle preservation process that removes water while helping to retain the ingredient’s natural aroma, flavour and character.
This allows ingredients such as lemon, rosemary, garlic and chilli to blend beautifully with premium extra virgin olive oil — without relying on artificial flavourings.
Bringing Sardinia home
We returned home not only with carefully selected oils, but also with new ideas, stronger partnerships and an even greater appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
At Authentic Oliv Co, we believe that great olive oil begins long before it reaches the bottle. It begins with the people, the land, the olive trees and the passion passed from one generation to the next.
Thank you, Gariga and Sandalia, for welcoming us and sharing your knowledge, hospitality and dedication.
The journey continues, and we cannot wait to share the taste of Sardinia with you.