Père Olive: the Belgian leader in fresh Mediterranean product
The story starts in 1988 with the founders Erik Maes and Christine Beckers who started a small olive business. The production at the time was 200 tubs /day.
The company takes a turn in 1991 with a collaboration with the Agricultural department of University of Gembloux which leads to a revolutionary concept of packaging with modified atmosphere.
In 1993, the Père Olive S.A. company is created and starts its incredible progression. Under the impulsion of Père Olive the fresh Mediterranean products offer went from a few packs per store to several meters of shelf space and the consumer demand keeps growing throughout the years.
25 years later, Père Olive processes 6000 tons of olives and Mediterranean products per year, is the undisputable leader in Belgium (70% MS in the Belgian Olives category) and exports in 12 countries.
A key of its success is the focus on the quality the raw materials in order to ensure premium products to its customers:
• Respect of a stable high-quality products thanks to long lasting partnership with producers.
• Production of fresh olives packed under protective atmosphere, without liquid, brine, marinade or oil bath. They are Non pasteurized or blanched. Père Olive do not add ant preservative or food coloring.
• Constant R&D efforts to strive for innovations in fresh and authentic products
On top of this, Père Olive is an Eco responsible company using a packaging 50% recycled. The production site has developed a heat recovery facility and a waste water reduction and on-site treatment.
PO in few facts
Surface 22,000m²
38M€, 140 people (excl. temps)
16 lines
All key Quality certifications in place (BRC – IFS – HACCP- AFSCA auto-control)
Organic certification
High level quality facilities and on-site laboratory
Portfolio: 60% olives / 23% spreads / 17% antipasti