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Join us as we embark on a sensory voyage through the fascinating life of Sarah Ben Romdane, where olive oil becomes more than just a culinary elixir—it becomes a symbol of resilience, cultural exchange, and the audacity to rewrite one’s destiny. A family history, a Covid crisis, and a desire for change is what brings about this story that will leave an indelible mark on your soul, and a newfound appreciation for the artistry and devotion behind every bottle of liquid gold. An impulse to revisit her family heritage in Tunisia and a thirst to continue their legacy is what brought Sarah to where she is today.

Delving into Sarah’s enchanted world, we were lucky enough to accompany her as she gracefully dances between the verdant groves and the mesmerising golden fields. Her journey unfolds before our eyes, captured in every drop of precious oil that cascades from the olives she cultivates with love and expertise. Witness the intimate moments, the arduous labour, and the triumphs that punctuate her quest for excellence.

The story begins five generations ago with Sarah’s third great-grandfather, Mohamed Romdane. He was a transporter of foodstuffs living in Mahdia, a coastal city in Tunisia. One fateful day, Mohamed made a life-changing decision to invest in olive trees and build a thriving business. “Mohamed Romdane and his son, Romdane Ben Romdane, became the first Tunisians to export their olive oil to the United States, displaying an unwavering pioneering entrepreneurial spirit.” From that point on, the Ben Romdane family continued to distribute Mahdia’s olive oil throughout 19th-century America. Sarah emphasised the significance of this achievement, noting that at the time, it was primarily the French or Italian communities in Tunisia who had the means to engage in such exportations. The tradition of exporting their family’s olive oil persisted over the generations, passing down to Sarah’s grandfather. “Subsequently, my father and his cousins sold the oil to intermediaries who, in turn, sold it to prominent industrial companies” she tells us.

When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the world, it presented Sarah with an opportunity to reassess her way of life. “I found myself wondering how we could exist in such a catastrophic world,” she reflected. As soon as Tunisia reopened its borders, Sarah swiftly boarded the first available plane. Initially intending to take a three-week vacation, she ended up staying for six months. The pandemic had a profound impact on her, causing her to question the purpose of her own existence. “We had just come out of a lockdown, and everyone was grappling with a state of semi-social anxiety, pondering the meaning of our lives,” she revealed. It was during this period of introspection that Sarah started asking herself how she could reorganise her life to make it healthier, happier, and more sustainable.