Chaloner

Chaloner, established in 1992, is located in the Stellenbosch Mountains of South Africa on Falcon's Nest Farm. Founded by Perry Chaloner, the business began as a small-scale fruit tree cultivation venture before evolving into a producer of premium mountain-grown products. The initial foray into fruit-bearing trees faced financial challenges, leading Perry to pivot toward gastronomy. In 1998, he crafted the acclaimed Chaloner Seville Orange Marmalade, which marked the beginning of the brand's journey into artisanal food production.

Perry's subsequent ventures drew inspiration from French artisanal practices, leading to the invention of unparalleled flavour combinations and infused olive oils. He gradually evolved from farmer to jam maker to master olive oil blender. The business operates alongside Karen Chaloner, whose background in whisky marketing (previously Marketing Manager for both J&B and Johnnie Walker and co-owner of the Whisky Live Festival) brought complementary expertise to the venture. Together, they delved into the art of extra virgin olive oil blending, viewing the process akin to a perfumer or whisky blender composing a symphony.

The farm focuses on cultivating olives using biodynamic farming principles, combining traditional methods with modern techniques to ensure consistent quality. Their commitment emphasises unmatched quality and unique flavours, using the finest ingredients and making products seasonally when feasible. All products are small-batch produced with ingredient traceability, no added preservatives, and no artificial colours and flavours. The operations are free from corn syrup, palm oil, and added MSG, with most products maintaining a 24-month shelf life. Production involves small-batch cold extraction to preserve the natural characteristics of the olives.

The company's olive oils have received multiple awards, with signature products including the 1961 Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil and The Peregrine Limited Edition EVOO. The 1961 Premium is described as a medium intensity oil that compliments practically any dish. Their product range extends beyond olive oil to include locally sourced food items, infused oils, and lifestyle products under the Lucie & Long brand, reflecting the region's agricultural diversity. The farm also operates a tasting room offering signature tastings and Chaloner platters, alongside event hosting and private label services. Certified quality standards underpin its operations, ensuring traceability and adherence to production excellence.