Product Line 2009

Outstanding Product Line 2009: De Medici Imports A L’Olivier

In 1822, a chemist named Eugène Popelin set up an olive oil shop in the heart of Paris. It was there that the A L’ Olivier line of extra virgin olive oils, olive oil spreads, fruit vinegars and sprayable vinegars and olive oils was born. More than 20 years ago, the company headquarters moved to Nice in southern France to be close to its olive tree source, but the producer maintains a retail location in Paris as well as ten others scattered through the country. The company has been exporting to the U.S. exclusively through DeMedici Imports, Ltd., Elizabeth, NJ., since 1993, says Marie O' Daniels, DeMedici’s spokesperson.

The line’s bestseller is the A L’ Olivier Raspberry Fruit Vinegar, which comes in 200-milliliter designer bottles. “Thick and pulp filled, its rich raspberry flavor pairs well with white meats, blue cheese and salads,” says Daniels. Other fruit vinegar flavors include Fig, Passion Fruit, Tomato and the newly added varieties Mango, Cassis and Basquaise Pepper.

Daniels also highlights the A L’ Olivier’s new spreadable extra virgin olive oils that use an infusion of oils from plants and other natural ingredients. The spreads have no artificial additives and include Garlic & Herb, Lemon and Basil.

These new and innovative product launches combined with the company’s classic French olive oils and specialty nut and seed oils, available in glass bottles, stoneware crocks or decorative tins, create a line with superior depth, style and history. Suggested retail price: Varies. demedici.com.—D. Marrero