Basso, the renowned olive oil brand, has been bringing the essence of Italian cuisine to tables across Georgia since 2019. This culinary journey begins with a simple yet profound truth: happiness begins with the letter “B”.

Tamta Kalandadze, Brand Manager at BMS, a Georgian company that imports and distributes Basso oil products nationwide, shared with Golden Brand that Basso aims to establish itself as the leading olive oil brand in the country.

We invite olive oil enthusiasts and home cooks to explore the diverse range of Basso products in this interview, where Tamta will discuss how each variety of the Italian brand is crafted to complement Georgian cuisine and ingredients, making it an essential addition to any kitchen.

Q. How do we choose the right olive oil? What factors should we consider when selecting a product?

A. When choosing olive oil, it’s important to pay attention to the packaging. Genuine olive oil is typically stored in dark glass bottles, as the color protects it from light, which can lead to spoilage. The best quality olive oil is unrefined and obtained through cold pressing. This method ensures the oil has not undergone any heat treatment, allowing it to retain all the beneficial properties found in olives.

True olive oil will solidify at low temperatures, often forming a precipitate at the bottom of the bottle. This is not a cause for concern, as high-quality olive oil will return to its original state when warmed and will still retain all its properties. However, it may take some time to do so, and consumers should be aware that this process is completely safe.

Q. Let’s explore Basso’s varieties, considering pairings and reasons to buy.

A. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is obtained through cold pressing without any chemical intervention, preserving all the beneficial microelements and vitamins, such as E, K, Omega-3, and Omega-6. It has an acidity level of up to 0.8% and is made from freshly picked olives. This oil is characterized by its dark color, distinct aroma, and vibrant taste. To maintain these positive properties, we recommend using Extra Virgin Olive Oil on salads, for drizzling over pasta, as a base for sauces, and for marinating fish and vegetables.

Pomace Olive Oil, on the other hand, is a refined oil produced through secondary distillation and processed at high temperatures. We advise customers to use it primarily for frying, as it has a high smoke point.

Refined and Cold Pressed Olive Oil, also known as Pure Olive Oil, is a blend of oils derived from both cold and hot pressing, consisting of 20% extra virgin and 80% pomace. Due to its composition, it serves a dual culinary purpose and can be used for both frying and sautéing while retaining many beneficial properties of the primary cold-pressed olive oil.

Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12, and contains essential minerals like potassium, calcium, sodium, and iron. It is suitable for frying and sautéing and is known to improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, it is often utilized in cosmetic and personal care products.

Avocado oil is similar to olive oil in that it is pressed directly from the fruit’s pulp. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying, as well as for dressing salads and making sauces. Its creamy texture and milder flavor compared to olive oil make it versatile; some consumers even use it as a butter substitute in vegan recipes.

Q. Can you tell our readers which Georgian dishes pair best with Italian oil Basso?

A. Basso Italian olive oil complements Georgian cuisine beautifully, enhancing its rich flavors. It’s particularly delightful when paired with walnut eggplant, as Basso Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes the creamy filling more aromatic and delicious. This olive oil also works well with salads and pasta, where Basso light olive oil highlights the freshness of herbs and vegetables. Fried mchadi [a traditional Georgian cornbread] cooked in Basso avocado oil is equally aromatic. In short, whatever dish you love, remember that happiness begins with the letter “B”.

Q. What characteristics set Basso olive oil apart from its competitors?

A. Basso stands out from its competitors due to its unwavering commitment to flavor, premium ingredients, and strict quality standards in the production of edible oils. The oils are carefully sourced from Italian olives and produced using traditional methods, ensuring exceptional flavor and nutritional value. For instance, Basso’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil adheres to international standards, boasts low acidity, and is high in polyphenols, which contribute to both its flavor and health benefits. This dedication to quality, authenticity, and sustainability has earned Basso the trust of consumers and garnered prestigious recognition, solidifying its status as a premium olive oil brand.

Q. How has the demand for olive oil been increasing in Georgia?

A. The demand for olive oil in Georgia is steadily increasing, reflecting changing consumer preferences and culinary trends. Georgian consumers are becoming more health-conscious and increasingly recognize the nutritional benefits of olive oil. Rising interest in Mediterranean cuisine and international flavors has further driven up demand.

Basso’s success in the market, highlighted by winning the Gold Brand Award, emphasizes this shift as consumers prioritize high-quality, authentic products. In 2024 Basso reported a sales increase of approximately 30%, clearly demonstrating the growing demand for the brand and the trust consumers have in it. This growth was bolstered by strategic market expansion, targeted marketing campaigns, and the brand’s unwavering focus on quality and authenticity.

These results underscore Basso’s position as one of the leading olive oil brands and its ability to adapt to evolving market trends while maintaining a commitment to quality and flavor.

Q. Can you recall the first product introduced under the Basso label in Georgia, and how do you plan to strengthen the brand’s presence in our market?

A. Since 2019, Basso’s premium oils have been exclusively imported into Georgia by BMS. The first product we launched was Basso’s extra virgin olive oil, followed by pomace oil, which is ideal for frying. Initially, our main goal was to achieve widespread brand penetration. Alongside this, we ran marketing campaigns – efforts we continue today and plan to expand in the future – to highlight the brand’s high quality, production process, and positive impact on human health.

Looking ahead, our plans focus on market expansion, with a priority on growing our distribution network to reach new locations. We will also invest in digital marketing and e-commerce platforms to enhance our brand’s positioning and engage consumers more effectively. By consistently prioritizing quality, authenticity, and affordability, Basso aims to solidify its status as a leading olive oil brand while addressing consumer needs.