Top Kalamata Olive Brands for Exceptional Flavor Experience

Kalamata olives are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, known for their rich flavor and versatility in various dishes. As olive enthusiasts seek the cream of the crop, certain brands have risen to prominence due to their quality and authenticity. These brands not only ensure that their olives capture the true essence of Greek tradition, but they also pay meticulous attention to sustainable farming practices. To help you navigate your options, we have compiled a list of the best brands for Kalamata olives below.

Illustration of kalamata olives

Best brands of kalamata olives in 2025

Divina

Divina is renowned as one of the best producers of Kalamata olives, known for their high-quality and flavorful products. Picked in western Greece, these olives are cured for up to six months to enhance their smoky, fruity, and wine-like flavors. Divina Kalamata olives are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and vegetarian, making them a versatile choice for various culinary uses. With a sealed shelf life of 24 months, these olives maintain their freshness and nutritional value, including 6% of the daily fat intake and 8% of the daily sodium intake per 15g serving. The meticulous hand-sorting and X-ray detection process ensure consistency and quality. Discover more about their Kalamata Pitted Olives.

Krinos

Krinos Foods is a leading producer of Kalamata olives, renowned for their high quality and robust flavor. The company, under the leadership of president Alexander Georgiadis, has emphasized the dominant position of Kalamata olives in the global market, with Greek Kalamata olives being the highest selling table olive variety. Krinos Foods holds a significant role in the US market as one of the largest buyers and distributors of Greek olives, including both Kalamata and Halkidiki varieties. The company supports technological advancements in the olive sector, such as the Krinos Laboratory at the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, which aids in traceability and improved yields. Krinos Kalamata olives are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a staple of the Mediterranean Diet.

Iliada

Iliada is a renowned brand synonymous with high-quality Kalamata olives, leveraging over 120 years of olive-producing history from the Velmachos family in Kalamata, Greece. Their Kalamata olives are 100% authentic, hand-picked to preserve their delicious taste and strong aroma, and are certified with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. These olives are produced using traditional methods, involving a brine solution or a fermentation process in 10% saltwater, ensuring they are preservative-free and rich in nutritional value. Iliada's commitment to quality has earned them significant recognition and awards in the market. The olives are packed in jars with brine, vinegar, and olive oil, maintaining their unique flavor profile.

Gaea

Gaea is a renowned brand and one of the best producers of Kalamata olives, leveraging its location in Agrinio, Greece, to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The company harvests olives within 24 to 48 hours, using cold-pressing techniques at temperatures below 28°C, and stores the oil in nitrogen-filled tanks to maintain freshness. Gaea's products are 100% Greek-origin and traceable to the farm, with varieties like Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sitia Crete Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The company operates under strict standards such as ISO 9001, HACCP, BRC, and IFS, and has recently acquired ISO 14001 for environmental accreditation. Gaea's innovative approach includes introducing the world's first carbon-neutral olive oils, certified by the Swiss nonprofit organization "myclimate".

Roland

Roland Foods is renowned as one of the best producers of Kalamata olives, offering high-quality, tender, and briny olives harvested and brined in Greece using authentic recipes. Their Whole Kalamata Olives are particularly popular for their deep purple color and meaty texture, making them excellent for salads, pasta, and pizzas. Roland Foods is a key player in the global ripe olives market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.56% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a market size of USD 3.53 billion by 2033. The company's products are favored for their simple ingredients and traditional preparation methods. With a strong presence in the market, Roland Foods continues to meet the increasing demand for ripe olives globally.

Mezzetta

Mezzetta is renowned as one of the best producers of Kalamata olives, sourcing these succulently rich and tender olives directly from small family farms in the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece for over 30 years. These olives are naturally cured in a salt brine and then stored in a brine containing red wine vinegar to achieve optimal flavor. Mezzetta ensures the highest quality by developing long-term relationships with local farmers and rigorously checking products before, during, and after they leave the factory. Their Kalamata olives are certified gluten-free and keto-friendly, with no artificial colors or flavors. This commitment to quality makes Mezzetta a trusted name in the culinary world. For more details on their Pitted Greek Kalamata Olives, visit their official website.

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese region, particularly Messenia, is renowned for producing some of the world's best Kalamata olives, with this area accounting for a significant portion of Greece's olive production. In the 2022/23 crop year, the Peloponnese produced over 100,000 tons of olive oil, almost a third of Greece's total national production. However, the 2023/24 harvest saw a steep decline, with production in the northern regions of the Peloponnese dropping to just 20-30% of the previous year's yield. Despite this, the quality of the olives remains high, and the liberalization of the Kalamata name allows producers across Greece to market their Kalamon olives as Kalamata, enhancing their global recognition. For more detailed insights, you can refer to the comprehensive analysis on the 2023/24 olive harvest.

Mina

Mina, though not specifically known for Kalamata olives, is a renowned brand for introducing authentic Moroccan cuisine to the U.S. market. Founded by a mother-son team, Mina has successfully launched products like harissa, shakshuka, and artisanal Moroccan couscous, emphasizing authenticity and user-friendly packaging. Their products are made with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, catering to the growing demand for ethnic and healthy foods. In 2018, they expanded their product line to include organic Moroccan teas and artisanal couscous. Mina's focus on quality and authenticity has helped them build a strong presence in specialty stores and beyond.

Gia Russa

Gia Russa, although primarily known for its pasta sauces, does not specialize in the production of Kalamata olives. However, for those seeking high-quality Kalamata olives, it is important to note that these olives are typically produced in Greece, accounting for around 20% of the country's total table olive production, with an average of 30,000 tons per year. The main production areas include Laconia, Aetolia-Acarnania, and Phthiotis. Kalamata olives are harvested by hand from November to December and are prized for their conical-cylindrical shape and deep black color. They can be processed in various forms such as whole, pitted, sliced, and stuffed. For more information on Gia Russa Organic Kalamata Pitted Olives, consider visiting the product page.

Terra Medi

Terra Medi is a renowned brand known for its high-quality Greek products, including Kalamata olives, which are cultivated using traditional methods that have been perfected over 5,000 years. The company ensures that 80% of its total Greek production is extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality, and its products are certified as NOP Organic and grown to USDA standards. Terra Medi's commitment to authenticity and excellence is evident in its ultra-low acidity levels, less than the required 0.8% for extra virgin classification. Their products are free from additives and preservatives, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Greece. With a strong presence in gourmet markets and specialty food retailers across the United States, Terra Medi brings the real taste of Greece to every table.