UK Enterprise Awards 2026/ 18 Largely driven by health-conscious consumers, the UK’s olive oil market is gaining momentum. With so much research highlighting olive oil’s benefits for heart health, plus the ongoing love for the Mediterranean diet, more and more people are actively seeking out premium options that fit their wellness goals. The market is responding to meet this demand, offering a fantastic variety of flavours for every taste and recipe. All great news for Danilo Manco, Founder of The Olive Oil Co. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago in Borough Market, on the bank of the Thames, The Olive Oil Co. has become a stalwart of the London olive oil scene. Danilo himself hails from Puglia, a region in southern Italy and the hub of olive oil production, which is where many of the company’s oils are sourced. “We strive to source from small producers with a long heritage for olive oil,” Danilo tells us. “It is also important to us to have a producer with a sustainable view from field-to-production.” Whilst the main production takes place in Danilo’s beloved Puglia, the selection of oils offered at the shop cover most of the Italian regions, including the rarer northern olive oils too. Unusual oils available from the iconic London store include Racioppella, the prestigious Ortice or Itrana, Tonda Iblea, Maurino, and Cima di Mola. Plus, there are also olive oils that are high in polyphenols, which are currently in huge demand due to their natural antioxidant benefits. Danilo has certainly noticed the shift in consumer interest for his wares over the last 20 years, citing that it is now a staple ingredient in pretty much every UK kitchen, thanks to its natural antioxidants and cholesterol-lowering abilities. But perhaps the most well-documented benefit of olive oil is its ability to protect your heart. It is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids - specifically oleic acid - which make up about 73% of its total oil content. Olive oil isn't just pure fat; it is also a potent source of vitamins E and K, alongside a mountain of antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active, meaning they actively help your body fight off oxidative stress caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells). One standout antioxidant is oleocanthal, which has been shown to work similarly to ibuprofen by naturally reducing inflammation in the body. Since chronic, low-level inflammation is a major driver of diseases like cancer, Olive oil has long been an essential element of Mediterranean cuisine. However, its popularity in the UK market has boomed over the last 20 years, thanks to this golden elixir being rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. We speak to Danilo Manco, Founder and Owner of The Olive Oil Co, and learn more about this highly prized ingredient as the firm celebrates a double success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2026. Best Specialist Artisan Olive Oil Sourcing 2026 – London & Premium Small-Producer Food Import Excellence Award 2026 The Olive Oil Co
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