Oro del Desierto: A Quarter Century of Pioneering Sustainable Olive Oil
In 2024, Oro del Desierto will celebrate its 25th anniversary, a remarkable journey closely linked to Rafael Alonso’s vision. In 1995, he began taking over the family business and decided to introduce organic olive farming. This decision laid the foundation for a company characterized by quality, sustainability, and innovation.
A Philosophy of Sustainability
Rafael Alonso’s success is based on a farming philosophy already practiced by his ancestors: traditional methods without synthetic inputs. In 1999, he acquired a historic mill dating back to 1925, a testament to his commitment to traditional values and, at the same time, to innovation.
Challenges and Innovations
The early years were challenging, as the market for high-quality oils was still young and organic production in a semi-desert region presented additional difficulties. Oro del Desierto met these challenges with innovation and a willingness to explore new paths.
Knowledge Sharing and Recognition
Rafael Alonso openly shares his knowledge and experiences with others. Oro del Desierto has established itself as a pioneer in sustainable practices, including the efficient use of water resources and renewable energy.
Oro del Desierto’s Farms and Production
The organic extra virgin olive oil “Oro del Desierto” is obtained from organically grown olives that are carefully harvested by hand or machine. Agricultural management includes drip irrigation, organic fertilizers, and the integration of Asturcón horses for natural vegetation control.
International Recognition and “Greenwashing”
Oro del Desierto initially gained recognition abroad for its sustainable products. Rafael Alonso warns against “greenwashing” and emphasizes the transparency and traceability of Oro del Desierto’s practices.
Partnership with OlivaresVivos
Oro del Desierto is part of the LIFE-funded OlivaresVivos project, which promotes biodiversity in olive groves. This partnership underscores Oro del Desierto’s commitment to ecological sustainability.
The olive grove as an example of sustainability
Rafael Alonso is convinced that olive cultivation can be both ecologically sustainable and economically profitable. He emphasizes the importance of combating soil erosion and pollution through adapted cultivation methods.
Special features of the oil mill
Oro del Desierto focuses on the highest quality through early olive harvesting, rapid processing, and cold extraction. The resulting oil is carefully filtered and stored to preserve its quality.
Differentiation as a competitive advantage
Oro del Desierto uses differentiation to add value to its products. The company cultivates both traditional and modern olive groves and is exploring new opportunities such as olive oil tourism.
Oro del Desierto: A Look to the Future
Oro del Desierto will continue to pioneer sustainable olive oil. The company strives to continuously improve its practices and always offer its customers the best.
In summary, Oro del Desierto is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand to create a product of exceptional quality that is also respectful of the environment.