Rooted in Safita.
Since 1982.
Four decades of Syrian olive oil craft — from a traditional hydraulic press to a modern Pieralisi centrifugal system, and from local groves to international markets.
"Every drop carries the memory of the land, the hands that harvested it, and the family that built this mill."
The Ward family has been part of the olive lands of Safita, in the Tartus Governorate of Syria, for generations. The olive tree is not simply a crop here — it is a marker of identity, of season, of continuity. Long before the mill was built, the family harvested olives by hand and pressed them through traditional means, as their neighbours had done for centuries.
In 1982, that tradition took a new form. Ward Modern Olive Mill was established — a dedicated facility that would allow the family to process their own olives and those of surrounding growers with greater consistency, care, and capacity.
Four Decades of Craft
Ward Modern Olive Mill Founded
Established in Safita, Syria, the mill opened with a traditional Italian hydraulic press system — a method that honoured the craft of generations before it. The press extracted oil slowly and gently, preserving the character of the Syrian olive.
Two Decades of Hydraulic Craft
For over twenty years, the hydraulic press defined the mill's output. The Ward family built deep relationships with local olive growers across the Tartus Governorate, processing their harvests alongside their own and earning a reputation for quality and integrity.
Pieralisi Super 1 Upgrade
The mill was upgraded with a Pieralisi Super 1 centrifugal extraction system — Italian engineering at the forefront of modern olive oil production. This investment combined the family's deep-rooted heritage with the precision and efficiency of contemporary technology, significantly increasing capacity while maintaining the quality standards the Ward name had come to represent.
Modern Mill, Enduring Heritage
With the Pieralisi system in place, Ward Modern Olive Mill expanded its reach — processing larger volumes, achieving greater consistency, and building the infrastructure for international trade. Storage facilities were developed, quality control protocols formalised, and the foundation for export laid.
Safita, Tartus Governorate —
Syria's Olive Country
Safita sits in the coastal mountains of the Tartus Governorate — one of Syria's most fertile olive-growing regions. The combination of Mediterranean climate, limestone soils, and altitude produces olives with a distinctive character: fruity, peppery, and rich in polyphenols.
The Ward family's own olive lands form the core of the mill's supply. Beyond their own groves, the mill works with a network of trusted local growers — families who have cultivated these same hillsides for generations, sharing the same commitment to quality and craft.
The harvest season, typically from October through December, brings the entire community together. Olives are hand-picked at optimal ripeness and transported directly to the mill for same-day processing — preserving the freshness and character that defines Ward.Olive.
Ward Modern Olive Mill
A facility that honours tradition and embraces technology — combining the family's heritage with the precision of modern Italian olive oil engineering.
Heritage, Craft & Integrity
Family Ownership
Every decision is made by the Ward family — no outside investors, no compromises on quality.
Syrian Origin
Our oil comes exclusively from Syrian olive lands. We are proud of our origin and transparent about it.
Vertical Integration
From our own groves to the mill to export — we control every stage of the process.
Modern Precision
The Pieralisi centrifugal system ensures consistent quality, traceability, and efficiency at scale.
Experience the Heritage
Explore our products, request a sample, or get in touch to discuss your requirements.