- Ottolenghi partners with Citizens of Soil to launch first extra virgin olive oil exclusively at Waitrose
- The oil is pressed from olives grown in the Tuscan and Umbrian hills where Yotam Ottolenghi spent his childhood summers
- Sourced directly from small-scale family growers committed to regenerative farming, the oil launches on August 10 2026
As in so many kitchens, extra virgin olive oil is one of the most-used ingredients in Ottolenghi's. It goes into the pan before anything else, and it's usually the last thing a dish is finished with too: there at the start of a stew and the end of a salad, under the fish and over the beans, standing in for cream, for butter, sometimes for a sauce altogether.
Ottolenghi has partnered with Citizens of Soil on an EVOO from the Tuscan and Umbrian hills - the same hills where Yotam spent his childhood summers. Citizens of Soil work only with small-scale family growers committed to regenerative farming, harvesting and milling within hours, which is key to locking in freshness, flavour, and quality.
It's a finishing oil rather than an everyday cooking one: green, grassy and peppery, with notes of artichoke bitterness, and almond running underneath. Built for drizzling, not frying - over burrata, over roasted vegetables, over a really good piece of bread, and always poured over generously.
"Good olive oil changes everything - it's my most used ingredient, by a country mile," said Yotam Ottolenghi. "Working with Citizens of Soil on our own oil, sourced from Tuscany and Umbria - regions I've known since childhood - is the perfect fit. It's a finishing oil: the last thing on my plate, poured over salads, pasta, fresh fish. Always last and always generously. I'm so proud to be putting our name on it."
Sarah Vachon, Founder & Olive Oil Sommelier at Citizens of Soil, added: "We have the privilege of working with some of the most talented and thoughtful small-batch producers of olives, who all prioritise flavour, nutrition, and nature over yields.
"When the Ottolenghi team came to us and talked about Yotam's favourite styles of olive oil and his connection to this region, we knew we had the perfect people to create something together Something that represents the landscapes, the gastronomy, and the culture of this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean."
Charlotte Kissane, Oil Buyer at Waitrose, says: "We're delighted to launch this exclusive collaboration between Ottolenghi and Citizens of Soil. Our food lovers are increasingly seeking out premium, small-batch finishing oils that put flavour and sustainable farming first. Citizens of Soil's focus on regenerative agriculture and soil health aligns perfectly with our own values, and when paired with Ottolenghi's unparalleled flair for flavour, the result is an extra virgin olive oil of extraordinary quality built for finishing and drizzling."
Tasting notes: herbaceousness with artichoke, a chicory-like bitterness, almond nuttiness, and strong pepper. Individual nuances may shift slightly between harvests, but the green character, bitter and peppery and lively structure remain the constant signature.
Ottolenghi Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means. Available in 500ml bottles. RRP: £24.
The Ottolenghi Extra Virgin Olive Oil launches on August 10th, 2026 and will be available at Waitrose or via www.ottolenghi.co.uk and www.citizensofsoil.com.
Notes to Editors
Images of the new launch are available here.
About Waitrose
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership - the UK’s largest employee-owned business - Waitrose has over 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint.
It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing - using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate.
Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.
