About

Illyria Olive Oil began when Andrew Strong - hopeless romantic, talented musician, and brilliant human rights attorney - fell in love with Kosovo as a young man. Before embarking on a celebrated career defending Kosovar freedom in the international courts of The Hague, Andrew lived in Prishtinë, learned to speak Albanian, traveled extensively throughout the region, and became deeply knowledgeable of its rich history and culture. This included southern Albania's stunning Ionian coastline. Known as Illyria in Ancient Greece and Rome, this region remains one of the most beautiful and unexplored parts of the Mediterranean and has been producing olive oil for over 2,500 years. 

When Andrew moved back to the States a decade later he settled in East Hampton, NY and married the love of his life (Rachael). Together they founded Illyria Olive Oil as a way to keep this beloved part of the world close, share its beauty with the people they love, and to provide a meaningful livelihood to farmers and families close to their hearts in Albania. Luckily, Rachael was a decent artist and was able to sketch this fine little label. (What she was going for here was for it to feel like a little piece of art; like a real pen and ink drawing, or a watercolour, or something...). And of course, none of this would be possible without cofounder and dear friend Alban Rafuna in Prishtinë, always keeping us smiling as well as on track with our deadlines. 

Illyria Olive Oil is pressed in Vlorë from a single varietal of olive called the Kalinjot (ka-lee-nyot), which grows exclusively in southern Albania. It is high in polyphenols and antioxidants (the things in olive oil that make it good for you) and has a fresh tomato-vine aroma, bright flavor, and peppery finish. Our olives are hand-picked each fall by local families, never blended, and always cold pressed within 24 hours of leaving the tree. 

We're also the first company to introduce Albanian olive oil to the U.S. market, and since our start in 2013 have won a loyal following as well as international recognition for our outstanding quality and flavor. 

We proud to share this special olive oil with you. Thank you for being here!

Enjoy!

Rachael