November 03, 2023
Posted in: News
In October, the International Olive Council gathered farmers, scientists, corporate leaders and policymakers together to bring awareness to an exciting potential benefit of beloved olive groves: mitigating climate change.
When sustainable farming practices are in place, the council’s research shows that olive groves can become carbon sinks, effectively absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release in the production of olive oil. Forests around the world are also frequently lauded as carbon sinks, but olive trees are especially impressive climate warriors because they can grow in extreme climates and often thrive on rainwater alone.
FOODMatch has had a close relationship with olive farmers since its inception in 1996. We continue to cultivate that relationship as we work directly with farmers on a commitment letter detailing best farming practices in the grove. These practices not only support local biodiversity and reduce impacts of flooding, but also will ensure our groves are doing all they can in the fight against climate change.
From Grove to Table® FOODMatch strives to bring you products that both taste delicious and you can feel good about eating.
For more information, visit the source article from The Olive Oil Times.
October 18, 2023
Posted in: News
Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council has released their ninth-annual trends prediction report, and this year’s is hotter than ever. Predicting a trend towards “Complex Heat” created with global hot peppers, the council has featured one of our absolute favorite ingredients, the Calabrian chili pepper. Divina offers this versatile ingredient in both retail and bulk packaging, whole or chopped, packed in a delicious spicy oil that is excellent for repurposing into dips, sauces, or dressings or simply to sauté with or drizzle atop a dish for some added complexity and heat.
Some fun facts about Divina’s Calabrian chili peppers:
- Officially named Peperoncino Calabrese, Calabrian peppers come from the Calabria region of Italy, where they have been cultivated since the 16th century. Calabria’s optimal climate and clay-rich sandy soil promote the growth of top-quality chili pepper crops.
- The growing and harvest season typically culminates in late summer.
- Calabrian chilis typically rank from 20k – 40k on the Scoville scale (around 10x hotter than a jalapeno pepper).
Learn more about Divina bulk Calabrian chili peppers for foodservice, deli programs, or grocery pack-out:
Learn more about Divina Calabrian Peppers for retail grocery:
Reach out to your sales representative or Contact Us to learn more.
October 09, 2023
Posted in: News
On October 4, we partnered with Boarderie to host an attempt to set the world record for the largest charcuterie board ever unveiled. The 20 by 14 feet board featured an array of products provided by Divina, including Castelvetrano Olives, Orange Fig Spread, and Sour Cherry Spread, as well as cheeses, meats, crackers, and chocolates provided by additional sponsors. Weighing in at 769 pounds, the massive charcuterie board significantly broke the previous Guiness World Record® held, at 441 pounds of qualifying product.
Founded in 2021, Boarderie has been featured on Shark Tank and as one of Oprah's "Favorite Things" of 2022. Boarderie provides handmade charcuterie boards that are assembled daily and can be ordered online for next-day delivery. "We take so much pride in our products and are absolutely ecstatic to now be the official title holder of GUINESS WORLD RECORDS Largest Charcuterie Board," said Rachel Solomon, Boarderie co-founder and CEO.
Fans of both brands can find Divina products such as Orange Fig Spread and Tangerine Chili Olives available on Boarderie charcuterie boards.
For more on the event, check out these articles:
Food Network
Yahoo
July 28, 2023
Posted in: News
2023 Crop Update: Divina Roasted Tomatoes
“The tomato offers its gift of fiery color and cool completeness.”
Pablo Neruda
Our team in Virginia awoke with eagerness and excitement this morning as we officially kick off our tomato harvesting and roasting season! From now until mid-fall, the fields and production facilities will be preparing the roasted tomatoes that you will enjoy through much of 2024.
As with all FOODMatch specialties, we go through great lengths to secure you the best raw material. For tomatoes, that means securing our crop from fields across the Eastern seaboard (primarily in Pennsylvania, with occasional fill in from New Jersey). To secure top quality tomatoes we pay more per pound than a typical cannery producing ketchup, salsa, or sauce. We coordinate and contract every detail from varietal to seed type with the farmers to get exactly what we need each season.
The 2023 tomato crop looks bountiful. Throughout the growing season, mother nature cooperated, providing rainy nights and sunny days (the ideal combination for tomatoes). While one field in PA was flooded in some low spots, we do not anticipate any issue meeting our projected needs. Should further updates become available, we will share them, but for now, we look forward to the usual award-winning flavor and quality you’ve come to trust in a Divina Roasted Tomato.
Looking for a deeper dive into the quality behind our Roasted Tomatoes? Did you know...
- Our tomatoes are harvested and processed within 4-24 hours
- To maintain soil quality, our tomatoes are planted on 3–5-year rotations
- Rotation allows the soil to reset and allows for less use of insect and pest treatment
- Our fields use drip irrigation:
- Allows for almost zero water waste
- Tomatoes aren’t damaged from water pressure
- No field flooding, which can damage soil and land
- Our roasted tomatoes maintain an impressive level of traceability. We can pinpoint each tomato through all cycles of the supply chain:
- Field
- Varietal
- Time picked & truck transported on
- Date/time/temperature roasted in the oven
For more on our selection of Divina Roasted Tomatoes, including our full catalog of seasoned and unseasoned wedges, cuts, and diced selections, visit our tomato catalog.
June 01, 2023
Posted in: Mediterranean Diet, News
FOODMatch and Divina – FOODMatch’s flagship brand – established National Olive Day in the United States eight years ago. Occurring annually on June 1, the holiday coincides with the new crop arrival of Kalamata olives. Each year, the company has marked this commemorative day in a fun and exciting way, and this year is no exception. FOODMatch is thrilled to announce the arrival of several new and innovative products in celebration of National Olive Day.
Available in bulk case packs of four 2.2 lb pouches, the new Divina Cerignola Verde is a bright eye-catching olive for restaurant menus, olive bars, and deli repack. Cured in the style of the Castelvetrano, Divina’s Cerignola Verde retains the firm, buttery bite and bright emerald color of the Castelvetrano with the stunning size of a classic Italian Cerignola, resulting in an aesthetically-pleasing olive for charcuterie boards and cheese plates.
For grocery and specialty retailers, FOODMatch has released a new marinated varietal line. The line consists of a classic Greek Market Mix and Pitted Italian Olive Mix, as well as an innovative Chili Lime Frescatrano™ Olive, all available in a shelf-stable glass jar. While they anticipate plenty enthusiasm for the entire line, Divina is especially excited to share the Chili Lime Frescatrano™ with fans of the brand. This trademark olive – an unfermented Halkidiki varietal that is known for its sweet, mild, buttery flavor – is marinated in a zesty, spicy chili lime brine. This is a unique flavor profile that’s staying ahead of current flavor trends.
According to FOODMatch’s VP of Marketing, Brandon Gross, “National Olive Day has been a way to honor and celebrate one of the oldest and most diverse foods in the world.”
New products are available for distribution across the U.S. and most of North America. Inquire about international ordering. For more information or to place an order, contact [email protected]. Existing customers should reach out to their FOODMatch sales representatives.
FOODMatch is an award-winning producer of traditionally and responsibly crafted Mediterranean olives, antipasti and specialty ingredients.
