FAQ

Answers to our most common questions.

Product Questions

100% from the Peloponisos region of southern Greece.

Specifically, the areas of Messinia, Argolida, and Lakonia, three of the premier olive oil producing regions of Greece and the world.

Yes, our packaging is 100% recyclable!

It has to do with differences in fertilization, weed control and insect control. Organic groves are fertilized with free-roaming goat and sheep manure whereas non-organic groves tend to be fertilized with synthetic fertilizers. In organic groves the weeds are ploughed into the soil to provide nutrients for the roots whereas non-organic groves are sprayed with toxic herbicides.

Insect control in organic groves is achieved by hanging sticky paper in the trees or hanging plastic bottles with sugar water that attracts the insects. Non-organic groves are sprayed with insecticides. Spraying for insecticides is mandatory in high-cultivation areas for non-organic trees.

Every bottle of ralo is single varietal. We never blend olive oils and never will.

Each bottle contains the distinctive flavour and personality of a single grower's olive trees.

To keep their integrity. As it left the olive, that’s how it gets to you. Filtering removes olive fruit particles that give olive oil more flavour, aroma and more nutrients. Beyond any doubt, unfiltered olive oils have significantly more flavour and aroma than filtered olive oils. Unfiltered oils leave sediment at the bottom of the bottle and more sediment at the bottom of each tin. This is why we recommend that the bottle or tin be inverted back and forth several times to evenly distribute the olive fruit particles, nutrients, flavours and aromas so as to spread the goodness to every drop.

Some are and some aren't. Natural olive oil ranges in colour from a golden yellow to a neon green as you can see from the above photo of seven just-pressed oils.

Our oils vary in colour from grower to grower and from year to year, but we always keep each in its natural colour. Since many consumers are known to be positively influenced by the green colour some olive oil marketers add green pigments to satisfy these consumers and to increase sales. We don't. You will see only the natural colour of the oil.

Every bottle of ralo shows this information on the label.

We are present when the olives are harvested or when they are pressed, or both. When we are not present we ask to see the pressing reports from the Olive Press.

Our oils are at their peak in terms of flavour intensity and nutrients in the first 12-18 months after pressing. The pressing date is noted on every label of ralo oil.  While we offer "just-pressed" oils every year, our oils keep longer than 18 months and up to several years if properly stored. 

Store your olive oil in a cool, dark place away from sources of heat and light, and without drastic temperature fluctuations. The cupboard is fine. A cold cellar or basement with stable cool temperature is ideal.

Refrigeration is not recommended as the oil tends to lose flavour and be less vibrant, even after it returns to room temperature. Only refrigerate your oil if you will not use it for several months.

Shipping & Delivery

Unfortunately we do not, yet. We may expand our shipping destinations in the future.

Yes, we offer free shipping for all Canadian orders over $80. Otherwise, shipping rates vary depending on your region and are calculated at checkout.

Pro tip - subscribe to our email list and you may find an offer in there from time to time!

Our shipments generally take between 5-8 business days to arrive.

We offer expedited shipping which you can upgrade to at checkout.

If you've received a tracking number, please reach out directly to the carrier and request an address change. 

If you just placed your order, contact us and we will make the change before your product ships.

All orders are tracked and shipped from our warehouse. You will receive a shipping confirmation with a tracking number once your order has shipped.

If you have shipping protection, you will be reimbursed without a sweat! We highly encourage protection for large orders.

We try our best to ship products with safety in mind. However, we understand things can happen during the shipping process.

Please reach out to support@ralooliveoil.com and we will take care of you.

We are not able to accept returns since olive oil is a perishable food product. However, if you have any issues with your order, let us know and we'll make it right.

Company Questions

We are a small family business in existence since 2001: a brother- and sister-in-law. Robert was born in Greece, grew up in Canada and is a Certified Professional Olive Oil Sommelier. Deborah is a university chemistry graduate and a certified high school teacher who has been part of ralo since our first day at St. Jacobs Market in 2002. We source our own products and sell only our own products under the ralo brand. 

We are based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. As of 2020, we are entirely an online business with a modest presence in local specialty stores.

Certain years, we also have naturally cured olives, wild herbs and teas, handmade certified organic olive oil soap and balsamic vinegar. Each and all are of the finest quality. If we don’t love the product, we don’t sell it. 

  • US and YOU - we get sales and you get a super-premium quality olive oil at a reasonable price 
  • your family's health and taste buds since you will be eating healthier and more delicious food
  • small scale family farms so they can continue growing organically and survive against industrial producers
  • the environment as more organic cultivation means fewer pesticides, insecticides and chemical fertilizers on the earth, in our foods and in us
  • an economically hard-hit country and its farmers who bear an unfair share of the risks from climate change affecting our food supply
  • ethical and fair practices in growing, importation and sale of real olive oil that retains its integrity

Still have a question? Send us a message.