Extra virgin olive oil as a corporate gift: why it works and how to choose it

Every year, as the end of the year approaches, companies ask themselves the same question: what should we give our clients, suppliers and staff? The branded gadget ends up in a drawer, and the panettone gets lost among all the others. The gift that stays with people is the one they actually use, and the one that says something about the giver.

That is why quality extra virgin olive oil is one of the most appreciated corporate gifts. Let's look at why, and at how to choose it well.

Why extra virgin olive oil makes a good corporate gift

It gets used every day. A bottle of good oil does not sit on a shelf: it goes into the kitchen and stays with the recipient for weeks. Every time they use it, they remember who gave it to them.

It suits everyone. Unlike wine or spirits, olive oil causes no awkwardness with people who do not drink alcohol, whether by choice, for health reasons or for religious ones. It is a gift you can give to the whole office, without exception.

It tells the story of a place. A monocultivar oil that states its area of origin and harvest season has a story to tell. It is an elegant way to communicate your company's values: quality, attention to origin, sustainability.

It keeps for a long time. An extra virgin olive oil is at its best within 12 to 18 months of the harvest: there are no imminent expiry dates and no cold chain to worry about. The recipient can open it whenever they like.

It ships easily. Bottles and tins travel well, even to clients abroad.

How to choose the right oil

Not every oil is suitable as a corporate gift. To make a good impression, look for:

• a certification of origin, PDO or PGI, that guarantees where the oil comes from. If you are wondering what the difference is, we explain it in our guide to PDO, PGI and organic olive oil;
• the harvest season stated on the label: giving oil from the new season means giving the product at its best;
• a recognisable producer, ideally one who also grows the olives and mills them;
• a profile that appeals to many: a medium fruitiness is the safest choice when you do not know the recipient's tastes.

Around Christmas there is one more reason to choose olive oil: it is the season of new olive oil, freshly milled and at the peak of its aromas.

How to put the gift together for each recipient

You do not need the same gift for everyone. Here are a few ideas, from the simplest to the most generous.

For many recipients: a bottle to remember

When there are many recipients, a 250 or 500 ml bottle of a PDO monocultivar is the most elegant choice. Il Galante, Monti Iblei PDO from Moresca olives, has a medium, balanced fruitiness that pleases practically everyone.

For key clients: a tasting to enjoy at home

For the clients who matter most, give them a comparison: our three monocultivar oils together. Il Distinto from Tonda Iblea, intense and awarded by Gambero Rosso, Il Galante from Moresca and Il Primizio from Verdese, delicate and grassy. Three oils from the same territory, three different characters: a small journey to take at the table. To tell its story, there is our guide to the three Sicilian cultivars.

For a more generous gift: olive oil and Sicilian specialities

Pair a PDO oil with a few specialities from the estate: a lemon flavoured oil, Sicilian caponata, Modica chocolate with carob. If alcohol is not an issue, an organic wine such as Nero d'Avola completes the gift. You will find more ideas in our guide to Sicilian food gift ideas.

For your staff: a gift that lasts all year

For employees, a very popular idea is the 3 or 5 litre tin: oil for the family kitchen for months. L'Amabile, organic and 100% Italian, is perfect for everyday use; Il Galante suits those who also use it raw. It is a practical gift that the whole family notices.

A tip: tell them what you are giving

A quality oil is worth more when the recipient knows what they are holding. Add a card that says where it comes from, which cultivar it is and how best to use it: raw, on a bruschetta or on a pulse soup. It turns a bottle into an experience, and your gift into something people talk about.

When to order

Corporate gifts need to be prepared early, for three reasons:

1. quantities: oils from small producers are not unlimited, and the most popular sizes can sell out before the holidays;
2. shipping: in December, courier delivery times get longer;
3. organisation: if the gifts have to go to several addresses, it takes time to prepare the shipments.

For Christmas, our advice is to request a quote by mid-November and confirm the order by the end of the month.

A note on tax

The tax treatment of business gifts depends on the country, and usually differs depending on whether the recipient is a client or an employee. In Italy, for example, VAT on gifts to clients is deductible only for items costing no more than €50 each. Before setting your budget, check with your accountant or tax adviser how the expense should be treated.

How to request a quote

For corporate gifts we put together tailored selections, with dedicated quantities and prices and a contact person who follows you from order to delivery. Write to us from our business page, telling us:

• how many gifts you need and for which recipients;
• your indicative budget for each gift;
• where they need to be delivered: to your offices or to several addresses, in Italy or abroad;
• by when they need to arrive.

In short

Extra virgin olive oil is a corporate gift that gets used, suits everyone and tells the story of a place. Choose an oil with a certified origin and a stated harvest season, tailor the gift to the recipient and order early, especially around Christmas.

Read also

• Sicilian food gift ideas: what to give someone who loves good food
• PDO, PGI or organic olive oil: what is the real difference?
• Best Sicilian extra virgin olive oil: how to choose it online without mistakes

---

For corporate gifts we put together tailored selections: request a quote. For a single gift, you will find all our suggestions on our gift ideas page.