At La Canopea, our mission is rooted in a deep love and respect for nature, tradition, and excellence. We are dedicated to producing cold-pressed, high-quality extra virgin olive oil that embodies the essence of our Mediterranean heritage. With a commitment to organic and sustainable practices, we aim to offer a unique blend of Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki olive varieties, creating a harmonious and smooth flavor that delights the senses. Our mission extends beyond delivering exceptional olive oil; we are driven to preserve, and nurture abandoned olive groves, providing these ancient trees with a second chance and promoting biodiversity in our fields.
Our method of olive oil production is a labour of love and craftsmanship. Located in the heart of the Alt Penedès region in the province of Barcelona, our olive groves benefit from the perfect Mediterranean climate. Every October and November, our family gathers to hand-harvest the olives at their peak, ensuring a unique twist and higher quality to our oil. The olives are swiftly transported to a nearby mill, where they are cold-pressed within hours of being picked, preserving their nutrients and delicate flavours.
To achieve this end, we embrace both ecological and traditional techniques. We uphold our core values by planting our olive trees with a respectful distance between them, preserving the land and avoiding unnecessary exploitation. Additionally, by avoiding the use of heavy machinery and harmful chemicals such as pesticides and toxic fertilisers, and firmly rejecting mono-cultivar approaches to farming, we encourage a self-correcting ecosystem that positively affects the growth of other plants and insects that support the health of our groves.
Moreover, we collaborate with local farmers near or at retirement age, offering assistance in tending to their olive cultivars and fields, granting these groves a new life and preventing them from falling into disuse.
Our vision at La Canopea is twofold: to bring the taste and benefits of our exceptional olive oil to health-conscious consumers in Europe and beyond, and to be stewards of the land, preserving our cultural heritage and promoting ecological sustainability. We envision a future where the quality and uniqueness of our olive oil are recognised by discerning customers who seek genuine, artisanal products with a story to tell.
With a focus on storytelling, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we aim to connect with our audience through various platforms, including social media, our website, and regular blog posts. By nurturing a direct relationship with our customers, we aspire to build a loyal community of individuals who appreciate not just the exquisite taste of our olive oil but also the journey behind every drop - a journey that embodies family values, sustainable farming, and a deep connection to the natural world.
In the coming years, we aim to take significant strides in reclaiming local olive varieties that were lost in the past. Some of these include “Menya” and “Becaruda”, two olive varieties with great personality that once thrived in our region before gradually being overshadowed and replaced by more productive breeds, leading to a decline in the diversity of olive families.
Spain has long been renowned for its agricultural products, thanks to the temperate climate and fertile soils that have bestowed an abundance of flavours, making them a staple in most European supermarkets. However, challenges, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events, pose a threat to the viability of this sector.
To confront these challenges and embrace greater sustainability, we are committed to implementing several measures. Currently, our main focus is on installing an advanced underground irrigation system that will efficiently deliver collected rainwater directly to the root systems of each tree. By doing so, we aim to minimise water loss through evaporation and maximise water absorption by every olive tree.
Moreover, we are exploring the feasibility of establishing a network of solar panels across some of our lands. This initiative aims to harness clean energy from the sun, reducing our reliance on conventional power sources and contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach.
In this ever-evolving journey, we humbly embrace both success and challenges, understanding that our actions today will shape a brighter, sustainable future for our olive groves, our community, and the planet.