Quality / PDO Istra
More than a label. A promise of excellence
The European “Istra” Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is more than an indication of origin. It represents a system of control and traceability that follows the product from the olive grove to the final package.
When you hold Konfin, you hold a product whose origin, production journey and quality are documented throughout every stage of its creation.
From the olive grove to the final package
Control does not end at the mill. Origin and the production journey are recorded at every stage:
The grower registers the groves and harvest data.
The mill records processing data and the oil obtained.
The bottling facility records packaging and placing on the market.
Olives must be processed no later than 48 hours after harvest.
Only mechanical extraction processes may be used; no additives are permitted other than water.
During processing, the temperature of the olive paste, oil and added water must remain below 27 °C.
Packaging takes place within the protected geographical area to reduce exposure to temperature fluctuations, oxygen, light and unnecessary transfers.
Half the maximum acidity threshold
Under European Union rules, extra virgin olive oil may contain no more than 0.8 g of free fatty acids per 100 g of oil, expressed as oleic acid. The “Istra” PDO sets a stricter maximum of just 0.4%.
This is only one of the prescribed parameters. The “Istra” PDO specification also sets strict peroxide and other chemical limits and requires clearly perceptible fruitiness together with bitterness and pungency.
The result is an olive oil with a recognisable Istrian character — fresh, expressive and sensorially defined.
At the northern edge of olive cultivation
Istria lies around the 45th parallel, at the northern edge of the Mediterranean area suitable for olive cultivation. Its geographical position, climate, local varieties, earlier harvest and the knowledge of olive growers together influence the chemical and sensory characteristics of the oil.
Earlier harvesting developed partly in response to the risk of early autumn frost, while also contributing to desirable chemical quality parameters and pronounced positive aroma and flavour characteristics.
Origin you can trace
The “Istra” PDO connects place, fruit, the work of olive growers and a controlled production journey in a single designation of origin. For Konfin, it is not a decorative mark on the label, but evidence of the system behind the product.