Carlos Urzaiz: The Highest Quality Olive Oil - Lecciana Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Director of Artajo, Carlos Urzais, discusses the unique quality of Lecciana Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the changes in Spain's olive oil market.
Is there a change in Spain's olive oil market according to last year's data?
The fact is, unfortunately, Spain is experiencing a shortage of olive oil due to drought in the Andalusia region. As a result, oil prices have risen rapidly. We have never encountered such a situation before. If production methods are not renewed and actions are not taken according to climate conditions, the number of unexpected situations will increase.
Of course, this situation can be reversed, and time will tell. However, at this point, our sole focus should not be on production quantity; the primary goal should be the production of high-quality olive oil, and steps should be taken in this direction.
Which varieties are suitable for high-quality olive oil?
Genetics offers us great options. Today, there are varieties that offer high yield and quality along with high antioxidant value, and these varieties greatly strengthen our hand in terms of both quantity and quality.
There are already old and well-established varieties that perform well in the market, but I believe that new genetic studies will definitely make a difference and that investment in these varieties is necessary.
Lecciana is a new variety developed for high-density planting. What do you think about this?
At Artajo, we have been working with Arbequina and Arbosana, the reference varieties for high-density planting, for many years. After several years of trial periods, we made the first commercial plantings of the Lecciana olive variety last year. Based on our observations so far, I can say that the quality of Lecciana oil is excellent and has a uniqueness that cannot be found anywhere else in the market.
In olive oil tasting, it is common to compare the flavors of different varieties. However, I don’t think there is another variety that can be compared to Lecciana. I can say it is unrivaled not only in quality but also in its unique aroma.
It has extraordinary qualities that will allow us to differentiate in the market.
Can you compare Lecciana and Coriana?
As I said, Lecciana offers us everything that should be in a quality oil, including uniqueness. The notes that we can usually find in very different varieties are found together in Lecciana.
In Coriana, a hybrid of Koroneiki and Arbosana, you can feel the blend of these two varieties, but they do not have the distinctive notes that Lecciana possesses.
Is high-quality olive oil always more expensive?
Do you think olive cultivation will be a profitable business model in the future?
I don’t think there is another option. For economic stability, olive cultivation must be profitable. According to our observations over the last 25 years and our experiences over the last 10 years, it is very clear that high-density (hedge system) olive cultivation is much more profitable than traditional cultivation. Moreover, it promises not only profitability but also high quality.
As Artajo, we have been ranked as the best in Spain and the second-best ecological olive oil pressing facility in the world. We obtain all our oils from varieties grown in the high-density (hedge) system. Combined with our ability to quickly harvest and take directly to the pressing facility, I think we have created a value that makes a difference for both our brand and the system.
How important is diversity in agricultural production?
I think it is a very important and necessary issue. After completing all the preparations for high-density (hedge system) cultivation, we also planted almond trees suitable for the system alongside olives and started marketing the almonds we obtained as a final product under the Artajo brand.
We strongly believe in the high-density (hedge system) model and the quality it provides. We observe firsthand how everything, like quality and diversity, reflects on customer satisfaction.
Can you provide information about Artajo's future plans?
As Artajo, our focus in the future will definitely be on quality. Northern Spain cannot compete with Southern Spain in terms of production quantity. Therefore, there is no other option but to invest in quality in the northern region; only in this way can we differentiate.
I think all producers in this region should also focus on quality.
