Sciabica’s California Olive Oil
People
Owners Daniel and Nick Sciabica (third generation), Jonathan Sciabica (fourth generation), Andrew and Nick Jr Sciabica (fifth generation), with 24 full-time employees
Farmland
14.5 acres in Modesto, about 90 miles to San Francisco
About
The Sciabica family (pronounced “sha-bee-ka”) began pressing olive oil in California in 1936 using techniques that founder Joseph Sciabica’s father, Nicola (“Nick”), learned in Sicily as a young man. The Sciabicas have been farming the same land since 1925. The Sciabicas maintain soil fertility by using natural amendments and synthetic fertilizers. They never use synthetic pesticides. Sciabica olive oils are 100% extra virgin, unrefined, and cold-pressed on their farm. Oils are pressed separately by variety of olive and harvest date.
Certification
Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) since 1991. As of 2003, certification is provided by NutriClean.