Olive Oil from Southern Albania: Why Myzeqe and Ardenica Stand Out

Olives grow along the whole Albanian coast, but the oil is not the same from Shkodra to Saranda. The soil, the altitude and the number of sunny days change the composition of the fruit. The south has advantages that oil traders have known about for a long time.

What makes the area different

Southern olives ripen under more hours of sunshine, in a climate with long, dry summers. This produces fruit with a higher oil content and a more intense aromatic profile. Well-drained hills, such as those of Ardenica, force the trees to put down deep roots, and the slight stress of drought increases the polyphenols.

The plains of Myzeqe, meanwhile, offer rich soil where traditional groves have been producing for decades. The combination of the two, plain and hill, is the basis of Shkrela’s raw material.

The main production areas in the south

• Myzeqe and Fier: extensive groves, consistent production, an old processing tradition
• The hills of Ardenica: moderate altitude, good drainage, a pronounced aroma
• Vlora and Himara: olives close to the sea, salt in the air, a distinctive taste
• Berat: an area known for the Kokërrmadh variety – large fruit and a mild oil

Why a precise origin matters

When a label only says “Produced in Albania”, it can cover oil bought from dozens of different suppliers and blended in one tank. When it tells you the area, and the producer owns the groves, you are buying a traceable product.

This was also the factor that opened the way for our exports to Italy. Read the full story in the journey to the Italian market.

How to recognise southern oil in the glass

On the nose you get an aroma of cut grass, tomato leaves or fresh almonds. In the mouth you feel a slight bitterness in the middle of the tongue and a peppery catch in the throat. These are not defects – they are signs of polyphenols. A flat oil without any character points to overripe fruit or a blend.

To test it step by step, see the six checks for genuine olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best olive oil produced in Albania?

The south and central Albania – areas such as Myzeqe, Fier, Ardenica, Berat and Vlora – are known for high quality thanks to their climate and tradition.

Where is Shkrela oil produced?

From groves in the Myzeqe area and the hills of Ardenica, processed in Fier.

Does the taste change from area to area?

Yes. The soil, the altitude and the olive variety directly affect the aroma and bitterness.

Get to know our company and our process or try our extra virgin olive oil.