Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil PGI 500ml by Arké Olio

When the Arkè family first arrived in Sicily in 1945, they planted an olive tree. After all the destruction of the Second World War, it was a symbol of peace, of hope, and of a new beginning for the family. They’ve been growing olive trees ever since – quietly learning, growing, and discovering just how much their humble fruits have to offer. Which, of course, includes the traditions and techniques of turning olives into olive oil. In 2001, the family started on a new journey. Four cousins, born into these traditions, founded Arkè, with the simple mission of bringing fresh, authentic, natural olive oil to the whole world.

For Arkè, amazing oil comes from amazing olives. And amazing olives come from Sicily – plain and simple. The Arkè family grow all their olives themselves, in the small town of Serradifalco. Nestled in the hills of Sicily, the island life created the perfect blend of warm sun and salty sea breezes for olives to flourish. The soil is nutrient-rich, but it’s also diverse – from black, loam soils that give powerful flavours, to light, sandy soils that create a sweet tasting fruit. But the most important factor? Sicily is a place of tradition. Some of the world’s finest olive oils have been made in Sicily for centuries – in fact, it’s one of the reasons the Arkè family was drawn to the island, all those years ago.

It’s not just about making fabulous olive oils – Arkè have an amazing connection with the natural world around them. Since 2008, they’ve made huge strides to cut back on their carbon footprint. 100% of the energy they use is supplied by solar panels on their warehouse roof. They’re closing the waste gap too, using by-products of the oil-making process to heat their facilities and make biogas for a nearby power station. They’re trying new conservation efforts, and actively preserving nature all around their farm. All of this isn’t just nice. It shows their mindset and their dedication to working with the Sicilian countryside to preserve absolutely everything it has to offer for their oils.