Our History
Levante
Levante
Levante
The history of Levante begins in 1902 when the Cassetta family starts the selection and shelling of almonds and the milling of olives in Andria, in the heart of the Puglia countryside. Surrounded by the vast expanses of centuries-old olive trees of the prized Coratina cultivar, which embellish the hills of the Murge chain, the small traditional mill of the Cassetta family begins to produce a strictly raw and unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil of quality. An oil that is the result of artisanal processing obtained from stone mills for crushing olives harvested in their own olive groves. Year after year, the oil produced by Levante begins to receive numerous accolades even outside the city. For its distribution, traditional means of transportation of the time are no longer sufficient, and the purchase of a motorcycle becomes necessary: the first specimen is still kept in the company, as a testimony to the first important sign of modernization.
The years of the two world conflicts also affect the Levante company. These are tough years, where production continues but with great difficulties, alternating periods of activity with periods of production block. Only the desire not to give up, commitment, and the will to work have given the right charge to the Cassetta family to keep the company and the ideals of love and passion for this work alive.
Since the post-war period, the company has grown, becoming industrial with the introduction of the first packaging line and the diversification of its production to meet the needs of all consumers. Thus, the transition is made from the marketing of bulk oil to packaged oil in 5-liter cans, thanks above all to the determination and foresight of the progenitor Nicola Cassetta: a courageous, innovative, and crazy choice for the urban context of the 1970s still very tied to tradition. This futuristic and strongly entrepreneurial mentality, together with great passion for the olive oil art, is passed on to his children, Riccardo, Maria, Angela, and Gina, who gradually become part of the family business. In the same years, a Bianchina enters the Levante family, which will be the first vehicle used for the delivery of the precious oil to consumers in Northern Italy. It is the beginning of an exciting journey that will bring the scents and flavors of Puglia into the homes of all Italians.
With the first fairs beyond national borders, Levante gains popularity first in Germany and France, then worldwide. Extra virgin olive oil begins to be exported to many international countries, foremost among them Japan (since 1994). Production lines are strengthened in line with market needs, to cope with the growing demand for oil in different formats. In 2002, when it turns 100, Levante is a renowned and recognized brand also beyond national borders: present in 47 countries around the world, from America to Australia, from Africa to Asia. 100 years of tradition and commitment.
In 2019, Levante renews its Brand Identity and expands its production with new varieties of Extra Virgin of the highest quality. It is a path of renewal that naturally comes following the passage of time and developing a certain resilience, the ability to welcome a new situation as an opportunity for change. The culmination of this evolution is the creation of a new image, based on a study and a brand concept, without ever contradicting the identity of the company but reflecting its character, personality, and values that have always distinguished it.
Today Levante employs the same processing systems as in the past, in agreement with modern technologies, continuing to produce oil with a passion for things that are healthy, sincere, and genuine, and with the awareness of passing on the ancient experience in full respect of nature. Appreciated worldwide, Levante is projected into the future with over 8 packaging lines.
