California Olive Ranch, the largest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the United States announces its acquisition of Lucini Italia, a leading producer and importer of premium Italian extra virgin olive oils. In the equity transaction seller Molinos USA retains a significant minority share in the combined company. California Olive Ranch and Lucini Italia will continue to operate under their own labels. The company will maintain its headquarters in Chico, California.
California Olive Ranch CEO Gregg Kelley says:
Lucini shares our standards of quality and authenticity and will continue California Olive Ranch’s mission to bring genuine and delicious extra virgin olive oil to the American consumer. We see strong growth in the premium segment in coming years and we think these two brands are best positioned to prosper as consumers trade up to better quality.
Like wine, olive oils vary according to soil, climate and olive varietal. Our merger with Lucini will allow us to offer the American olive oil consumer a wider variety of trustworthy oil. This transaction also allows us to enter the sauce, vinaigrette, and vinegar categories with Lucini’s portfolio of quality products.
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