Olive oil has long been a symbol of Mediterranean tradition, but increasingly also of modern entrepreneurship. One of the brands attracting attention is Montenegro’s Odiva—an extra virgin olive oil born from a family vision to elevate local olive growing to the highest level. We spoke with Andreja Šuškavčević Novović, Director of the “Odiva” olive mill.
C.M: How was Odiva created and what inspired you to enter olive oil production?
– Odiva was born out of love, dedication and the belief that quality is never accidental—it is the result of thoughtful, deliberate work. This premium domestic olive oil was created with the idea of blending tradition with a contemporary approach, resulting in an authentic product capable of standing alongside Italian, Greek and Spanish oils.
We cultivate over 13,500 olive trees in a region ideal for olive growing, combining experience with modern agronomy. Special attention is given to soil, cultivation and harvesting in order to achieve the highest standards of extra virgin olive oil quality.
Our vision was clear—to show that Montenegro can be competitive and even surpass major producers. Odiva brings together emotion and science, tradition and innovation, and its distinctive taste makes it truly recognizable on the market.
C.M: Odiva is often described as a “diva among domestic oils.” What do you consider the key to its premium quality and authentic taste?
– The key lies in complete dedication to every detail—from tree to table. Olives are harvested by hand, and within 15 minutes the fruit reaches a modern mill, where it undergoes washing, crushing and cold extraction. This preserves all nutritional values.
The authentic flavor comes from a blend of Koroneiki, Arbosana and Arbequina varieties, achieving a balance of intensity and aroma. Dark glass packaging also plays an important role, protecting the oil and preserving its quality. All of this positions Odiva as a premium product, confirmed by numerous national and international awards.
C.M: How demanding is it today to produce top-quality olive oil in Montenegro? How important are international competitions and certifications?
– Producing premium olive oil requires significant effort and discipline—from cultivation to processing. Every step influences quality. International competitions and certifications validate that quality, build trust and open new markets, but they also bring a responsibility for continuous improvement.
The awards we have received have confirmed our standards and enabled Odiva to reach markets across Europe and beyond.
C.M: What are the biggest challenges faced by small and medium-sized olive oil producers in Montenegro?
– The main challenges are limited production volumes, high equipment costs and restricted market access. Many rely on seasonal sales and personal engagement. There is also a lack of infrastructure and shared processing facilities.
That is why we opened the doors of the Odiva mill to small producers, allowing them to use modern equipment and get the most out of their olives.
C.M: Is there sufficient support from the state and institutions for the development of olive growing?
– Olive growing has great potential, but it is not yet fully realized. There are programs such as IPARD, but what is needed is a long-term strategy. Support should also include promotion on international markets. Cooperation between producers, institutions and the state is essential for building a competitive sector.
C.M: How do small producers balance investment with economic realities? Can Montenegro compete with larger countries?
– Striking that balance is challenging, as quality requires significant investment. However, the market increasingly recognizes premium products. Montenegro’s advantage lies in smaller, controlled batches and authenticity.
The focus should be on quality and storytelling, because that is exactly what modern consumers are looking for.
C.M: Odiva has received the “Good from Montenegro” label. What does that mean to you?
– It is an important confirmation of both quality and origin. For us, it carries symbolic value because it affirms that we represent the best of domestic production, but also practical value, as it builds consumer trust. At the same time, it brings responsibility—to continuously maintain and improve quality.
C.M: What are your plans for future development?
– We plan to expand our olive groves and continue investing in quality and technology. Export is also a key focus, as we want Odiva to become an ambassador of Montenegrin olive growing.
Our goal is to build a long-term, sustainable brand that unites tradition, innovation and premium quality.
