We are Abandoned Grove
Our name is our shared vision: a world where no olive groves are abandoned.
We believe this is an inside job. Guided by this principle, we’re pioneering a sustainable and fresh approach to independent olive oil production –– expertly crafting supremely healthy and wildly delicious extra virgin olive oil from groves we rescue from abandonment and bring back to life.
Every bottle of our extra virgin olive oil transcends geographical boundaries and tells the story of a grove reborn. Our proactive efforts are part of an extensive program to rejuvenate or sustain olive trees. We harmonize Mother Nature’s supply with human demand, all while growing impact and respecting the natural output of an olive tree.
Together, we are rekindling our connection to nature, each other, and ourselves. This work takes passion, patience, and trust in the process –– and in the idea that nature knows best.
It may not be the easiest way to do business, but to us, it’s just good taste.
Our Why
Traditional olive groves are disappearing.
We challenge the extractive mentality that dominates society and businesses where the pursuit of maximum gain from every resource creates win/lose scenarios.
In the relentless pursuit of quick gains, generational neglect, and profit-only-driven practices, many independent extra virgin olive oil producers are in a race that can't be won and often accept lower wages or shut down, abandoning thousands of olive groves. This has far-reaching adverse effects on the community and the environment.
The extra virgin olive oil market is mired in confusion, which leads us to consume sub-par ‘extra’ virgins and contribute to the ongoing abandonment of land that fails to produce enough to satisfy the high demand.
To date, hundreds of thousands of olive groves remain abandoned worldwide—forgotten acres, people, and communities—stories untold.
We’re here to tell them, to change the ending, and to bring us all back to the table.
What began with one man's passion for true extra-virgin olive oil and a homespun reservation list has led to the rescue and rejuvenation of 64 acres of groves in Florence, Italy, the preservation of 5,052 olive trees, countless community events, and a growing team of locally hired, empowered premium extra virgin olive oil artisans.
As the work, message, and mission gained traction and demand started to outpace supply, Fil was faced with a choice: follow the traditional path of commoditizing olive oil with its adverse effects on quality, community and environment or use exceptional extra virgin olive oil as a vehicle for positive change.
Thus, Abandoned Grove was born.
It may not be the easiest way to do business, but to us, it’s just good taste.
We stand rooted in celebration of our connectedness and with a shared purpose.
Every harvest brings our vision closer.
We’re committed to shifting the perception of extra virgin olive oil from a mere commodity to a vehicle for positive change beneficial to our health, communities, and planet.
Our Origins
Abandoned Grove traces its roots to a transformative encounter with extra virgin olive oil that forever altered Fil Bucchino's path.
This experience not only shifted Fil's music career trajectory but also reshaped his understanding of extra virgin olive oil, food, community, and the true meaning of sustainability.
Driven by a desire to share his experience with the world, Fil embarked on a global exploration of the art and science of modern olive oil production. His journey, spanning over two decades, took him across the globe, where he learned from the most respected masters in olive oil tasting, production, harvesting, and milling.
This obsession led Fil, his friend, and collaborator Ed Zych to produce the world's first award-winning documentary on premium extra virgin olive oil, Obsessed with Olive Oil
As Fil's journey progressed, his life hit another tipping point when he noticed the abandonment of Tuscan olive groves, leading to severe socio-environmental and economic impacts. This concern eventually evolved into the concept of 'Abandoned Grove.'
To Fil, extra virgin olive oil is art –– a medium capable of widening horizons, transforming culinary experiences, enhancing health, and connecting people worldwide.
To date, hundreds of thousands of groves remain abandoned globally. Hopefully, not for long.