Ciao! 

This summer in Umbria has been warm and dry, good for ripening, but also the time when the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) becomes active. These flies lay their eggs in the fruit, and the larvae can damage both yield and quality.

In the past few weeks, some nearby groves, have shown early signs of infestation. 

That’s why our grower, Stijn, acted quickly, applying a natural spray made from minerals and plant extracts to help prevent the fly from laying eggs. We’re not officially organic-certified yet (that process takes years of documentation), but our farming follows organic principles, avoiding synthetic chemicals and favoring low-impact, nature-friendly methods.

For now, the olives remain healthy, and we continue to monitor conditions closely. As summers get warmer worldwide, these challenges are becoming more common, which makes the work of farmers like Stijn all the more important. A big thank you to Stijn for his dedication in maintaining the healthy growth of the groves. Supporting producers who work this way truly makes a difference, not only for the planet, but also in bringing you oil of the highest quality, exactly as it was meant to be.

Impacted Olives from a grove near by

healthy olives

Summer Pruning in Umbria

Stijn is also doing one of the most important jobs of the season: summer pruning.

Summer pruning isn’t just about keeping the grove neat. It’s about giving the trees what they need to deliver the best olives, and eventually, the best oil, come October.

Why We Prune in Summer

• More light & air – By thinning branches, Stijn opens the canopy so sunlight can reach deep into the tree and breezes can flow through, keeping the grove healthy.
• Better fruit – Cutting back excess shoots and water sprouts directs the tree’s energy into the olives instead of extra leaves.
• Balanced growth – A well-shaped tree is easier to harvest by hand and builds strength for future seasons.

Every cut is made by hand. No machines, just Stijn, his clippers, and decades of experience tending these trees.

August Weather in Umbria
This month has been warm, around 30 °C (mid-80s °F) with cooler nights and steady breezes, ideal conditions for pruning and setting the fruit up for the final stretch before harvest.

Countdown to Harvest
We’re about 50+ days away from picking, likely in the second week of October if weather holds steady. What Stijn is doing now will directly shape the flavor of the oil you’ll be tasting in November. This is what “handcrafted” really means at SOLO OLIVES, from pruning to picking to bottling, every step is intentional and done with care.

Quick Updates

• Six-Pack Ordering Fixed
  We had a hiccup with six-pack orders on the website (thanks to those who flagged it). The issue is now fixed. To thank you, here’s a free shipping coupon for six-packs:
  Code: 7425pv6t
• Low Inventory Alert
  We’re down to about 15 bottles left from this first batch. Demand has been picking up, and while we may increase next year’s order, this year’s run is strictly limited. Once these bottles are gone, they’re gone until the 2026 harvest.

So if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time to place your pre-order to make sure we can count you in.

Thank you so much for supporting SOLO OLIVES in its very first season. This project exists because of your enthusiasm and trust, and we’re excited to keep bringing you the very best from Umbria.

The SOLO OLIVES Team