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Perfect Mixture of Tradition and Innovation: Lučka Olive Mill

On the Tuzi Plain, at the foot of Dečić Hill, in a settlement known as Lučka, locals have cultivated the land for generations. Offshoots of the Cijevna River, via the Rujela tributary, once irrigated fields of wheat, maize, and other crops. That very tradition served as the inspiration behind the creation of the Lučka Olive brand.

Emin and Selma started with just a few olive trees and a desire to revive the heritage but with a slightly different vision in mind.

“Here, olives were mainly planted as ornamental trees. We wanted to continue the tradition of farming but with a more serious approach toplantation. We chose the olive tree,” recalls Emin Hadži.

An olive tree bears no fruit until it learns to grow on the stone. Whether on coastal karst or in the Skadar basin, cultivating olives requires love, patience, and perseverance – the Hadži family brings all these things to the table.

Today, over a decade later, they tend more than 3,500 olive trees and run a modern olive mill – the first of its kind in continental Montenegro.

Their olive processing facility was established with the support of the European Union through the IPARD programme.This project enabled the construction of a modern facility that meets all standards, along with the installation of cutting-edge equipment for processing, packaging, and storing extra virgin olive oil.

“Through the IPARD, we acquired the latest machine that processes around 600kg per hour. We also obtained filling machines, which significantly speed up the bottling process, as well as labelling and capping machines,” says Selma Hadži.

This support of the European Union was crucial in bringing their vision to life – blending tradition, innovation, and European quality standards.

In addition to producing and processing officially the best olive oil in Montenegro, the company has also developed the first Montenegrin olive leaf extract. The production range also includes natural olive oil soaps and a balm made from olive oil and immortelle.

“Our olive grove is located right next to our machinery, and it’s essential that the olives go straight from harvest to processing. This immediate transition ensures we produce extra virgin olive oil,” Selma explains the processing method.

Lučka is the only olive mill in the region to integrate artificial intelligence into the processing system, developed in collaboration with a team of scientists from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Podgorica. This pioneering venture is pushing boundaries – merging AI with agriculture and setting new standards for the future of olive farming.

Lučka Olive represents a synergy of innovation, tradition, and true support. What sets this hard-working family and their oil apart is their dedication, expertise, and consistency. Because when the harvesting time arrives, it’s clear: every moment of waiting was worth it.

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