Desantis oil

The result of a long family history in Puglia, Desantis oil brings to the tables the authentic taste of the Mediterranean, combining tradition, innovation and passion in every drop.

Desantis extra virgin olive oil: Classico, San Giovanni and Masseria di Corte for each of your recipes

The story of Desantis begins in the heart of Puglia, in Bitonto, among centuries-old olive groves and family traditions rooted in the 1950s, when Giovanni Desantis started a small oil mill that would soon become the beating heart of a long-lasting entrepreneurial project. From a simple artisanal business, the company successfully evolved into a modern industrial reality without ever losing touch with its origins. The first bottles produced in the 1960s and 1970s marked the beginning of a growth journey with key milestones such as the opening of the first industrial plant in 1976 and the founding of Olearia Desantis S.p.A. in 1987. Continuous evolution led to the adoption of advanced technologies, the introduction of elegant and recognizable packaging—like the one developed in 2013 with Owens-Illinois—and the renewal of the brand identity through the "Virginio" project, culminating in the recent rebranding of the "San Giovanni" line into the current "1909", in honor of the founder’s birth year.

Today the company is a national and international reference point in the olive oil sector, with over 120 million units produced annually across a 20,000 sqm area, 6,000 of which are covered, and a steadily growing turnover. Management remains family-run, with key figures like Dora Desantis, biologist and president of the Italian Olive Oil Supply Chain, ensuring strict supervision over quality and sustainability.

Among the most representative products stands out the Desantis classic extra virgin olive oil, a synonym for balance and authenticity. Its delicacy makes it perfect for daily use in the kitchen, enhancing simple dishes such as bruschetta on rustic bread or adding a genuine touch to a Mediterranean salad. Another excellent product is the San Giovanni extra virgin olive oil, now renamed “1909”, which represents the historical memory of the company with its full and harmonious flavor, especially suitable for those seeking a product with a strong identity.

Also noteworthy is the Masseria di Corte unfiltered oil, 100% Italian, which retains the rustic and cloudy appearance typical of unfiltered oils, offering an intense aroma and rich texture—perfect for raw dressings or to accompany regional dishes where oil takes center stage. In many traditional recipes, just like those featured in classic Italian preparations, extra virgin olive oil becomes the common thread of authentic flavor.

Desantis oil pairs perfectly with durum wheat pasta dishes. Combined with a selection of Italian pasta, it can enhance recipes like orecchiette with turnip tops or spaghetti with garlic, oil, and chili pepper, elevating their aroma and territorial identity. This oil fits naturally into a balanced diet, as demonstrated by industry studies and tests: Desantis 100% Italian received an "excellent" rating in the Altroconsumo test of 30 brands, with a score of 71.

The company’s history includes important milestones in communication as well: memorable is the 1992 commercial with the slogan “guardians of tradition” and the 2023 campaign featuring the phrase “your oil every day,” aired on RAI networks. This return to the public eye confirmed the brand’s commitment to staying close to Italian families, not only through product quality but also through the consistency of its values.

Over time, the brand has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Value Award Puglia 2024 and the Bellavita Awards Warsaw 2025 in the oil category, thanks in part to its adherence to international certification standards: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BRC, IFS, and product certifications such as DOP Terra di Bari, Organic, and 100% Italian. These standards confirm a genuine commitment to quality, safety, and traceability throughout the entire production chain.

One distinctive aspect of the Desantis identity is the deep connection with Giovanni Desantis, the company’s founder: the name “San Giovanni,” which for years identified one of its flagship products, was updated to “1909” precisely to honor the memory of the grandfather and his origins. This gesture reflects the family’s desire to pass on olive oil knowledge not just as a craft, but as a living culture.

Within the Italian large-scale retail market, Desantis holds a prominent position: the fourth brand in terms of market share according to Nielsen, with strong leadership in Southern Italy. The strategy of focusing on national oil has rewarded the company, bucking the trend of declining sales of EU oils. Even abroad—from Nordic countries to the Balkans, and all the way to the United States and Japan—appreciation for Desantis olive oil from Puglia continues to grow.

Desantis olive oil is not just a condiment, but a key ingredient capable of turning any dish into an authentic experience. From the simplicity of a slice of rustic bread with a drizzle of oil to the great recipes of Italian cuisine, its presence is subtle yet essential. The company’s ability to combine tradition and modernity, family passion and industrial vision, makes every drop a symbol of consistency and love for the land.

Quality Desantis

ISO 14001 - Responsible environmental management

Olearia Desantis has obtained the ISO 14001 certification, which attests to the adoption of an environmental management system in accordance with international standards. This recognition reflects the company’s commitment to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of its production activities, improving resource efficiency and reducing emissions. A concrete sustainability guarantee for a brand that looks to the future without forgetting its roots.

PDO Terra di Bari - Certified origin and link with the territory

The extra virgin olive oil Desantis DOP Terra di Bari is recognized and certified for its geographical origin, linked to the Apulian hills of the province of Bari. This certification guarantees that the oil is obtained from locally grown and processed olives, according to traditional methods and with strict quality standards. The PDO represents a distinctive sign of authenticity, typicity and traceability, enhancing the deep link between the product and its territory of origin.

FAQ Desantis

Where is Desantis oil produced?

Olearia Desantis is located in Bitonto, in the heart of Puglia olivicola, one of the most suitable areas for olive cultivation. Here, the company produces and packages its extra virgin olive oil in a 20,000 sqm factory, following strict quality standards. The local origin of the olives is guaranteed for all 100% Italian and DOP Terra di Bari certified lines.

Is Desantis oil 100% Italian?

Yes, many Desantis oil lines are certified 100% Italian, that is obtained from olives grown, harvested and milled in Italy. This specification is clearly indicated on the label and guarantees traceability, controlled supply chain and an organoleptic profile typical of the best national products. A quality choice that enhances the territory and responds to the growing attention of consumers towards the origin of the product.

Has the Desantis oil received awards or recognition?

Yes, Olearia Desantis has won numerous awards. The most recent awards include the Best Value Award Puglia 2024 and the Bellavita Award Warsaw 2025 in the oil category. In addition, the 100% Italian Desantis obtained a "excellent" rating in tests conducted by Altroconsumo. These awards confirm the high quality and international competitiveness of the brand.

What certifications guarantee the quality of Desantis oil?

Olearia Desantis has important certifications that attest to the reliability and sustainability of its products: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), BRC and IFS (food safety standard), as well as certifications of origin such as DOP Terra di Bari, EU Organic and 100% Italian. Each bottle contains the fruit of a controlled and transparent chain.