In Giovinazzo: where centuries-old olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see

From the meeting of three young entrepreneurs, Ortoplant was born:

a project that combines expertise, dedication, and a genuine love for the land. Year after year, thanks to their professionalism and experience, the company has established itself in the professional horticultural nursery sector, becoming a benchmark for those who seek quality and reliability.

Every story, however, has deeper roots. In the olive groves inherited from their fathers, among trunks shaped by time and harvests that carry the fragrance of tradition, a new challenge takes shape: transforming this heritage into excellence. Thus, the brand “Oro di Rufolo” was born, an authentic expression of a family and territorial bond renewed over time.

The acquired lands have been improved through targeted interventions aimed at specialization: outdated fruit trees were removed, planting distances optimized, and young, certified olive trees were planted and treated according to organic cultivation standards.

The successful story of the three entrepreneurs continues: since 2012, when they first entered the world of extra virgin olive oil, their oils have received growing recognition and appreciation. This is evidenced by their consistent presence in the most prestigious guides dedicated to exceptional olive oils, as well as numerous awards in national and international competitions.

In the 13th century, Nicola Rufolo, a native of Ravello, had a splendid architectural example of a fortified farmhouse built in the immediate vicinity of Giovinazzo, where “liquid gold” was produced from the olives grown in Giovinazzo and neighboring towns. A true industry of yesteryear, it has come almost intact to the present day to testify to all the importance that oil has always had in these places. Imposing its walls, visible “walkways” carved into the double walls to defend against external attacks, its large barrel “lamie,” the “cameni” for the storage of olives. The circular tanks, dug into the rock, collected oil from the presses that flowed into underground cisterns.

Awards

The large stone millstones on the floor testify to the hard work marked by a slow and steady rhythm. Passing by these places the mind tries to imagine those times, those fatigued men, with worn clothes, working in the dim light of oil lamps and the large fireplace that heated the room to facilitate the extraction of oil.

Every day to go to work, we pass by Torre Rufolo, our company is located in the homonymous district and the brand “Oro di Rufolo”, wants to be a passage of witness to continue the journey in this extraordinary and fascinating world of extra virgin olive oil.

In fact, today as then, the entire village is involved in the harvesting and milling of the long-awaited fruit, every family participates and rejoices in the new harvest. The new techniques impart different rhythms, alleviate many of the labors of yesteryear, nothing detracts from the passion and maniacal care we give to extract the precious drops of gold, on the contrary they improve the quality by enhancing the typical characteristics of our product.