Comptoir O Huiles: An Olive Oil Bar in Marseille 

The converted old bakery is today a warm, enticing meeting place for lovers of extra virgin.

 On holiday in Marseille, the Parisian couple was curious by the sign “Comptoir O Huiles".  They simply had to go in, have a look and maybe buy some oil from Provence.  They knew hardly anything about olive oil but here in beautifully displayed rustic surroundings was a boutique with an extensive range of olive oils where the owner invited you to learn about the art of tasting olive oil:  here too was a place which served light authentic dishes from Provence all made with healthy extra virgin. 

They were captivated.

What better environment to learn about aromas and olive oil fruitiness?

Gaëlle Carougeau is the owner of Comptoir O Huiles situated in France’s second largest city. She runs her business with real professionalism. The young entrepreneur is an olive oil expert trained by AFIDOL, the French Interprofessional Association of Olive and also a member of the Afidol jury. This means that she is experienced in the different profile flavors of extra virgin olive oil; she knows the importance of the French term Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, ( the EU equivalent, the Appellation d'Origine Protégée)  

Gaëlle teaches novices how to smell and taste extra virgin, how to recognize the different flavors.  But not all her customers are novices. Some are knowledgeable; they already know about Provencal flavors; these clients are keen to discuss subtle flavors and how best to use them with different dishes.

 How does this connoisseur choose the oils for her boutique?

Gaëlle said that aroma, terroir, harvesting methods and the date of harvest significantly influence her choice. About 80% of her oils come from the region, the rest she buys from producers in Italy and Crete.

The young entrepreneur gets enormous satisfaction from seeing customers seated around her “table d’hote’ sharing, learning and discussing Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil, and food -    all principles of the Mediterranean diet.  She says’ there’s nothing more rewarding than sharing your passion.’

The visiting couple opted for a pasta dish, a Provençal specialty 'Pate a la Poutargeus' followed by a 'fondant au chocolat' made with extra virgin olive oil AOP from the Baux de Provence.

The verdict?

A superb experience, they said delightfully.

“We were shy and nervous to sip and slurp the oils as we started the tasting but Gaëlle is an excellent hostess, with an infectious laugh, and a talent for putting her guests at ease. You couldn’t ask for a better teacher.” 

Why is Savon de Marseille Still Struggling against Fake Brands?

Only four genuine soap manufacturers make the legendry olive oil based Savon de Marseille soap and there is  only one place it can be made – Marseille, France’s second largest city. Over the years however, fake Savon de Marseille soaps are being been made elsewhere: in countries such as Malaysia, Italy, Germany, Tunisia and even in France.
You can find this olive oil based soap in almost any hygiene department, but have a closer look at the labels. On the cheaper imitations you’ll see that half of them aren’t even made in Marseille, some made without olive oil.

Why is this happening?

Because there was never any patent of protection laws put in place meaning anyone, anywhere can make soap and call it Savon de Marseille.  These knock offs are even carrying the Savon de Marseille stamp.

To protect the soap, the four remaining genuine soap manufactures formed a union, L’union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille in 2011, they then approached the French Ministry asking for three specific criteria to be addressed; the composition, the method of manufacture and the geographic origin. Although they managed to get European official Protected Geographic recognition of origin and quality (PGI) in April 2013, fake soaps are still being made, even in France.
For PGI  products the link with the geographic area is not essential.


Save the soap petition

The four soap makers are now asking French consumers to help them save the true Savon de Marseille by signing a petition addressed to the appropriate French Ministry. 

Keeping the traditional soap making technique is important for these manufacturers. The real soap is cubic shaped with no preservatives and no perfumes. It is made from olive oil, takes about two weeks to make and about a month before it’s ready to be sold.  The final product is stamped by hand with details on all 6 faces indicating the weight, the name of the manufacturer, the percentage of oil and the legendary Savon de Marseille stamp.

Protected Designation of Origin

Manufactures such as Savon de Marseille need to be protected. After all it is a regional and traditional product, one based on special savoir- faire. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) the European Union protects food products closely linked to terroir.

Granted Savon de Marseille is not a food product  but why can't it apply to  Savon de Marseille where there is a specific link between the  product and its geographic link?

                         Genuine Savon de Marseille will be stamped on the sides.