Olasagasti is a legendary and traditional brand from the Spanish Basque Country, specializing in exclusive, top-quality canned fish . The family-run company is internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious names in seafood delicacies and has played a key role in elevating canned fish from a simple staple food to a true gourmet category.
Origin and eventful history
Founding and beginnings: The fascinating story of Olasagasti begins in the turbulent 1920s, when the Sicilian entrepreneur Salvatore Orlando left his homeland and emigrated to the Spanish Basque Country. With visionary foresight and Italian passion for culinary excellence, he founded two fish processing plants in the picturesque port towns of Guetaria and Ondarroa on the rugged Atlantic coast.
A tradition passed down through generations: For over a century, the company has consistently focused on processing fish using time-honored, artisanal methods. Olasagasti is world-renowned for its uncompromising handcraftsmanship in selecting, processing, and refining the finest fish of the Atlantic. Each generation of the family has contributed its own innovations without ever compromising the fundamental principles of quality.
Products and unparalleled quality
Tuna: The pinnacle of tuna: Olasagasti is internationally renowned for its exceptional canned tuna , especially the legendary Bonito del Norte (Alpha Blanc) from the Cantabrian Sea . This tuna is caught exclusively using the traditional handline method – a sustainable, dolphin-friendly, and highly selective fishing method that ensures only the finest specimens end up in the can.
Diverse premium range: The product portfolio includes much more than just tuna. Specialties include:
- Mackerel fillets in the finest olive oil
- Anchovies of the highest quality
- Exquisite fish pastes and creams
- Sardines from the best fishing grounds
- Seasonal specialties and limited editions
Quality features: The products are distinguished by several unique selling points:
- Use of extra virgin olive oil from Spanish olive groves
- Hand-picked selection of only the best pieces of fish
- Natural maturation in the can over months or years
- Delicate, juicy texture with an intense, but never overpowering aroma.
- Traditional processing techniques without compromise
Significance and revolution in the world of gourmet food
Paradigm shift: Olasagasti, along with other premium Spanish and Portuguese producers, has sparked a true revolution. They have successfully demonstrated that canned fish can be far more than a practical emergency solution – it can become an exclusive delicacy that, like a fine wine or cheese, even gains in complexity and depth of flavor over time.
Culinary recognition: Today, the brand is appreciated in the finest delicatessens in Europe, Michelin-starred restaurants, and by gourmet enthusiasts worldwide. Top chefs use Olasagasti products as the basis for innovative dishes or serve them simply with high-quality bread and a glass of Albariño.
Collector's items: Especially old vintages of Olasagasti canned goods are collected by connoisseurs like vintage wines and opened on special occasions. The distinctive, elegant cans have themselves become collector's items.
Sustainability and responsibility
The company is committed to sustainable fishing and works exclusively with fishermen who practice traditional, environmentally friendly fishing methods. Handline fishing not only guarantees the highest quality but also protects marine ecosystems for future generations.
Enjoyment and consumption recommendations
Olasagasti products reach their full potential at room temperature and should be enjoyed with respect for the artisanal tradition. A piece of crusty bread, a squeeze of lemon, and a good glass of Spanish white wine – that's all it takes to taste the centuries-old tradition of the Basque Country.
