Supplier Spotlight: Belazu

 

A big thank you to Ollie and the Belazu team for such a warm welcome and for taking the time to introduce us not just to their products, but to the people, partnerships and purpose behind them.

 

As fellow B Corp-certified businesses, we already knew we shared many of the same values – responsible sourcing, social impact and putting people at the centre of decision-making. Hearing more about Belazu’s sustainability initiatives and long-standing relationships with growers brought those values to life.

 

One example that really stuck with us was their approach to packaging. By shaving just 1mm off the thickness of their jars, Belazu has saved a significant amount of glass over the course of a year – proof that small, thoughtful changes can make a big impact when done at scale.

 

Walking through the production site was equally eye-opening. Around 95% of Belazu’s products are produced in-house rather than imported, which might come as a surprise given the breadth of their Mediterranean and Middle Eastern range. We also picked up some useful kitchen knowledge along the way – including the fact that their extra virgin olive oil has a high enough smoke point to be used confidently for cooking.

 

The highlight of the visit came at the tasting table, where we sampled a range of olive oils and vinegars. It was fascinating to explore how different olive and grape varieties, harvest times and growing conditions shape flavour. The team were particularly inspired by the traditional methods still used by many of Belazu’s partner producers, as well as the sheer variety of vinegars available, each with its own character and potential to elevate a dish. Safe to say, the rose vinegar sparked plenty of menu inspiration for the months ahead.

 

By the time we headed back to London, we left with more than just flavour notes and new ideas. We’d gained a deeper connection to the ingredients we cook with and an even greater appreciation for a partner whose values align so closely with our own.