Westcountry

So how does a year long honeymoon travelling on motorbikes, around the Mediterranean result in the best olives in the UK? Maybe even the world…

Olives Et Al was launched in 1993 by Giles and Annie Henschel following a year-long adventure that saw them travelling on motorbikes through the Mediterranean, the Middle East and across North Africa.

During the trip the couple gathered several recipes hoping to bring back a taste of the many experiences and cultures they encountered. Lots of these recipes included olives, but those available back in England did not do the dishes justice, lacking in flavour, texture and aroma.

Partly formed to help satisfy their own cravings for Mediterranean cuisine, and partly out of a desire to share high quality olives with a wider audience, Olives Et Al began with the production of marinated olives using some of the recipes brought home from their travels. Over time, the range of products has grown steadily and now encompasses speciality olives, smoked olives, sauces, marinades and dressings, snacks, kiln-roast nuts and seeds, antipasti and extra virgin olive oils.

All the basic ingredients for the products are still sourced personally from the Mediterranean, helping to achieve the aim that all Olives Et Al products taste and look exactly as they should, without the use of any artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives.

The business, still wholly owned by its two founders, Annie and Giles Henschel, now employs 30 full-time members of staff and one part-time financial director.

Dorset-based Olives Et Al has built up a first rate reputation for innovative products and remarkable marketing backed up by excellent service and a leadership style founded on the basis of honesty and integrity. More recently, the business has become recognised for its championing of the independent food sector in Britain with Purple Love Week, an initiative launched in 2006, now the most prominent annual event in support of independent food shops everywhere.

The business sells its products across Britain to every sector of the fine food market, including 800 delicatessens, 400 caterers, hotels, bars and restaurants, airlines, department stores, own-label development for the top London stores and even a chain of cinemas. Export includes an exciting partnership in Ireland.

Olives Et Al, who source over 98 per cent of their olives from Greece, has some 14,000 mail order clients and operates a successful internet site handling online ordering and marketing activities. It also offers a factory deli specialising in local Westcountry foods from its headquarters on the North Dorset Business Park in Sturminster Newton.

The company grew by more than 30 per cent in the last 12 months and says it has some great plans for the future.