Terre Francescane: umbrian olive oil excellence conquers Switzerland since 1639
A tradition spanning nearly four centuries: based in Umbria, Terre Francescane has been producing high-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil—including DOP Umbria, single-varietal, and organic oils—alongside premium single-dose condiments since 1639. In 2022, the company added Olio di Roma IGP to its portfolio.
Leveraging this extensive experience, the company has partnered with the Italian Cuisine Festival in Switzerland, backed by a prestigious client roster that includes Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs such as Carlo Cracco, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, Bruno Barbieri, the Cerea brothers, and British chef Jason Atherton. We discussed this with Commercial Director Andrea Gradassi.
Alongside its commitment to top-tier production, Terre Francescane incorporates eco-friendly practices. For instance, the company runs on 70% clean energy sourced from renewables. Its product offerings feature several distinctive lines, ranging from exclusive limited editions and DOP Umbria oils to an organic line.
«We have always specialized in producing premium-quality olive oils, such as DOP, IGP, organic, and single-varietals,”says Andrea Gradassi. “We serve a highly demanding clientele, including gourmet food shops and Michelin-starred restaurants, which naturally requires us to pay meticulous attention to product quality. We cultivate roughly 40,000 olive trees, a tradition we have maintained since 1639. The harvest season is extremely delicate and crucial for us: by harvesting olives before they are fully ripe, milling them within 12 hours, and applying proprietary production techniques in our mill, we are able to achieve superior quality. Our oils boast an intensely fruity and herbaceous flavor profile with notes of artichoke, balanced by a light spiciness and bitterness typical of Umbria. Harvested often from centuries-old trees growing on sunny, stony hillsides, our oils are rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and antioxidants».
Finally, let’s talk about the Italian Cuisine Festival in Switzerland, an event dedicated to promoting authentic Italian gastronomy—a mission that aligns perfectly with your work.
«Joining this important event felt completely natural for us, as we have always partnered with the finest restaurants, both Michelin-starred and fine dining. We are thrilled to showcase our olive oils to such a key market like Switzerland, where appreciation for our products has grown significantly in recent years. We are distributed there by Maista Food, and I personally share a strong professional bond and friendship with brothers Giuseppe and Martino Borghese. Together, we are doing extraordinary work to promote the culture of ‘Made in Italy’ across Switzerland».
