Enzo Olive Oil expands California farming brand

Enzo Olive Oil, a California-based company, has successfully transitioned from traditional stone fruit farming to a globally recognized olive oil producer. Nearly two decades ago, the Ricchiuti family decided to pivot away from peaches, plums, and nectarines due to declining consumption, high labor costs, and increased competition from imports. They replaced approximately 2,500 acres of stone fruit with almonds and several hundred acres of olives.

To compete with the established European industry, the company utilizes high-density planting and mechanical harvesting to move fruit quickly from trees to mills. Since 2012, the brand has earned over 500 awards for quality.

To address the fact that 96 percent of olive oil consumed in the United States is imported, Enzo Olive Oil has adopted a direct-to-consumer business model. By utilizing catalogs and bypassing traditional distributors, the company emphasizes freshness and farm-to-table connections. The business has also expanded its product line to include balsamic vinegars, pesto, and other specialty foods. On the production side, the farm employs technology such as soil sensors and flyovers to optimize irrigation and harvest timing.