24 September 2020
The taste of the Mediterranean in Byron Bay
In the Byron Echo
Story and photo Eve Jeffery
Original story in the Echo
Antoine Quezel’s range of olives, sweet pickled garlic, antipasti, tapenades and cheeses at the Byron Bay Olive Co, brings the taste of France to the Northern Rivers, using as many local and organic ingredients as they can.
Produced in their kitchen in the Byron Industrial Estate, the inspiration for the recipes comes from Antoine’s family’s authentic traditions back in Sanary-Sur-Mer, a beautiful village in the South of France.
‘Since 1989 my parents have had a daily market stall where they sell a variety of olives, garlic and spices at the Sanary Farmers Market.
‘I grew up in my parents’ stall working for them when I could. My first job at the market was to scoop the spices for customers when I was just five years old.’
Antoine says he first arrived in Byron Bay in 2014. ‘It was one of those perfect days where the water glistened and the surf was pumping. I visited the markets in the area and noticed that none really offered olives or Mediterranean flavours. I opened our first market stall at Bangalow in June 2015. We sold out all of our stock and realised how much the local area desired quality olives and other Mediterranean products.
‘From there we grew the number of market stalls, and in 2018 we opened La Cuisine, our deli shop, out the front of our kitchen.’
Antoine says his customers love Byron Bay Olive Co products. ‘The support from the local community as we’ve grown as a business has been great. We are extremely grateful for the relationship we have built with our customers – the result of our hard work throughout the years.’
Antoine says he is not alone anymore and is very grateful for his staff. ‘I want to acknowledge and give thanks to the support of my amazing team. We will keep trading at our markets in the region, offering our products and sandwiches at our deli shop, online and to various retail shops.
For the full article in the ECHO click here:
The taste of the Mediterranean in Byron Bay