We are based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Fundamento was founded by João Bernardo Ribeiro in August 2023.

We are 100% owned by our founder. There are no external investors, hidden funds or interests.

For any questions, updates, or photos, please contact hello@fundamento.ch.

Our olive oil is 100% from Portugal. You can see the exact location and details of the olive groves on each product page.

Yes. Our olive oil is certified according to the European Union organic standards. The code number of the certifier and the place of farming, in our case, always Portugal, can be found on each bottle. 

Both. Our olive oil can be used for cooking and finishing because of its high smoke point and green-tasting properties. To a certain extent, you can think about this question using a wine analogy: although you can drink all the wine, some you only use to drink and some only to cook.

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. It's linked to heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and inflammation. Its antioxidants may protect cells from damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases. It's also beneficial for brain function, skin health and cancer prevention.

Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from light and heat. Consume within a few months of opening, as fresh consumption ensures the highest flavour and health benefits. 

There are four grades of olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil, Virgin olive oil, Olive oil and Olive Pomace. Extra Virgin - highest quality, cold-pressed without heat or chemicals, low acidity, no tasting defects. Virgin - from first pressing, slightly higher acidity, no tasting defects. Olive Oil - blend of refined and virgin/extra virgin oils, milder flavour. Olive Pomace - solvent-extracted/ refined from olive pulp.

Two Portuguese artists designed our bottle. Inês von Hafe Pérez was responsible for the logo and layout, while Lourenço Providência drew the illustration. Their work is also reflected in other parts of the business visuals, such as general branding and additional illustrations, respectively.

The bottle is made of glass, and the capsule is aluminium. 

The UV-protected coating protects the olive oil from light exposure. 

The olive oil industry has a significant fraud problem. We believe the best way to prevent it is by taking an opposite action - complete transparency.

The exact quantification of fraud in the olive oil industry is challenging due to varying definitions, regional differences, and the clandestine nature of fraudulent activities. However, studies have shown that a significant percentage of the total volume of extra-virgin olive oil is subject to fraudulent practices. Extra-virgin olive oil is repetitively one of the most counterfeited products in Europe and the world.

The most common fraudulent practices involve adulteration with lower-quality oils, mislabeling as extra virgin when not meeting standards, faking geographic origins, and blending different olive oil grades. Counterfeit packaging, selling stale or rancid oil, and chemical alterations to mask defects also occur.