Oliva

Step into the world of Oliva, where you’ll embrace the challenge of becoming the ultimate olive oil producer! As a dedicated farmer, your mission is to manage your estate, harvest plump olives, press them into exquisite olive oil, and bring your products to markets around the globe.

Each turn invites you to select and reveal action cards that enable a variety of powerful actions, influenced by the cards displayed on all players' farms. Strategy and adaptability are key as you navigate this engaging competition!

Oliva unfolds over a series of rounds tailored to the number of players, culminating in an exciting finale where the farmer with the most victory points is crowned the victor.

Delve into the rich history of olive oil production that stretches back to the Visigothic era, when laws safeguarded the cultivation of olive trees. With Arabic influence paving the way, the cultivation flourished, and the word al-zait evolved into modern terms like Azeite in Portuguese and Aceite in Spanish. This heritage is echoed in the game’s design.

Portugal's olive oil industry blossomed, gaining international acclaim at the 1889 Paris Exposition. The 20th century saw a surge in industrialization, particularly during the 1950s, when olive groves expanded dramatically, yielding products that enchanted markets in Asia, the USA, and beyond. However, the trend of opting for more profitable crops posed challenges and led to a decline in olive cultivation until the early 21st century.

Today, the Mediterranean region proudly produces 95% of the world’s olive oil, a testament to its long-standing traditions and expertise. Oliva captures the essence of the 1950s and 60s Portuguese olive oil production, featuring authentic water-powered stone mills and hand-operated presses. This game honors the dedication of farmers, showcasing traditional methods like using sisal mats, stone-carved basins, and furnace-heated water in the quest for the finest olive oil.

Additionally, explore the thriving olive oil production in North Africa, where small-scale producers in Morocco and Tunisia excelled with time-honored pressing techniques. Known for their robust, peppery oils, these regions leveraged indigenous olive varieties that adapted beautifully to the Mediterranean climate.

With Oliva, you’re not just playing a game—you’re experiencing the captivating interplay of traditional and modern olive oil production. Discover the thriving productivity of small olive groves that still grace Portugal’s picturesque hills. Celebrate the breadth and quality of Mediterranean olive oil production as countries like Spain inch closer to Italy, with Greece and Turkey making their mark as well.

Gather your fellow competitors and prepare to experience the rich legacies and vibrant competition that Oliva has to offer!