The Art of Flavor: A Tour of Olivelle
There is nothing better than getting creative in the kitchen. From mixing and matching different spice pairings to trying out new recipes that you have been eyeing, playing with different flavor profiles is a wonderful way to keep your cooking and dining experience fun.
Olivelle, based here in Bozeman, MT, lives by their tagline “The Art of Flavor”, with a passion for making cooking enjoyable and easy. They offer a range of infused olive oils, rubs, balsamic vinegars, spice mixes, and more that are specifically designed to simplify cooking without sacrificing the deliciousness of any dish! Why clutter your pantry with a million different spices when Olivelle’s blends can do the work for you? Their variety of products is perfect for adding depth and complexity to any dish, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a grand get-together with friends!
Recently, we had the pleasure of touring Olivelle’s manufacturing facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that goes into each and every bottle of their infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and other cooking essentials. This Montana-owned and operated gem is revolutionizing the way we think about cooking!
The Origin of Olivelle
Olivelle’s story began back in 2006, where they started out in a tiny 800-square-foot retail space. From the get-go, the founders, Brie Thompson and her mother, Michelle, were eager to grow their space given any opportunity – even if that meant just knocking down some walls! As the popularity of their products grew, so did their space.
While they were constantly improving and growing, the team began to face other issues. Quality control issues from outside distributors nudged them to take production into their own hands. While this decision was a big undertaking, it allowed them to fully control the quality of their product from start to finish. That said, they began crafting their signature infused oils and vinegars in the back of their retail store.
Fast forward to today, Olivelle has become a well-known leader in their industry. They distribute their artisanal oils to over 100 on-tap companies across the country, and partner with many companies to sell their pre-filled bottles. Their passion for top-tier quality and craftmanship has made them a favorite with mom-and-pop shops across the USA, helping these small businesses boost their revenues and add variety to their product range!
Keeping it Fresh
One thing that makes Olivelle so unique is their method of production. They produce their products using a “Lean Manufacturing” perspective, only producing as much as needed, even if that is just a single case. This practice keeps their oils, vinegars, and spices as fresh as possible. The efficiency of their manufacturing process means ingredients are constantly moving, preventing any product from sitting around and getting old, stale, or losing its flavor.
Detail-Oriented Mindset
One of the highlights of the tour was seeing the love and care that goes into every product. For smaller orders, jars are dated, shrink-wrapped, and checked for quality by hand. Larger orders are handled with specialized machinery for a quicker workflow, but the same level of attention to detail is always clear.
To keep production as efficient and organized as possible, the Olivelle team uses the 5S methodology in their daily operations – Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. This organizational way of thinking helps them streamline processes, reduce waste, and keep their work frustration-free.
Images Courtesy of Luke Clark, MGC Photographer
Olivelle's Strict Allergy Avoidance Measures
To support their quality control efforts, Olivelle uses strict rules to prevent cross-contamination within their facility. This step is crucial given the variety of herbs they use in their products. For example, they have a special dairy room where herbs are mixed but dairy products never leave, ensuring that the safety of their products is never compromised.
Distribution of On-Tap and Pre-Bottled Products
After they are produced, Olivelle’s oils are pumped into barrels with a food-grade pump, bagged, and distributed to their on-tap locations. They offer a vast line of pre-bottled options, but their on-tap selection has even more variety, offering endless flavor combinations.
Our team had the opportunity to try several combinations ranging from PizzaOlio with Dark Balsamic and Caramelized Garlic Oil with Smoked Barrel Aged Balsamic. Each combination was full of flavor and would pair perfectly with different meals. In addition to this, our team was blown away by the fact that all of the recipes for their promotional content are crafted in-house, using their own line of delicious oils, vinegars, and spice blends!
Images Courtesy of Luke Clark, MGC Photographer
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to tour Olivelle’s manufacturing facility. It highlighted how passion, innovation, and dedication to quality can create a range of products that stand out and are loved by many. For anyone with a passion for cooking, Olivelle’s artisanal cooking essentials are a must-try. Here's to making cooking fun, flavorful, and fresh!
Want to try out their delicious products? You can find them at any Olivelle retail location or in the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at BZN Market!
Written by: Alexa Jorgenson, MGC Marketing Communications Specialist
Blog Cover by: Averi Thompson, MGC Graphic Designer
Production Facility Photography by: Luke Clark, MGC Photographer