Small-Scale, Big Impact: These Makers Are Shaping the Future of Good Food
When it comes to high-quality delicatessen products, small manufacturers are leading the way. These artisans, often family-run businesses, focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and the pursuit of exceptional flavors. They carefully source ingredients, preserve traditional methods, and innovate to create unique gourmet experiences and outstanding artisan products.
At Gourmie Goods, we take pride in working with some of the best delicatessen producers in Europe. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of five outstanding manufacturers that are redefining indulgence—each with its own unique approach to flavor, quality, and sustainability.
1. SOLO: Redefining Olive Oil with Heritage and Innovation
SOLO is more than just an olive oil brand—it’s a tribute to tradition, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. Founded in 2018 by siblings Ana and Juan Vargas Azorit, SOLO was born from a deep-rooted family heritage, honoring their grandfather Juan Antonio, who nurtured olive trees in Jaén, Spain. What started as a small endeavor bottling 250 liters of olive oil for friends and family has since evolved into a respected name in the world of extra virgin olive oil.
Based between San Sebastián, Jaén, and Madrid, SOLO remains committed to its core values: respect for the land, people, and family. Each year, their own olive trees in Southern Spain yield oils that are harvested in October and November, cold-pressed, and crafted in small batches to ensure superior quality. But SOLO’s vision extends beyond their own groves—they collaborate with small farmers across Spain to produce olive oils from distinctive native varieties like Arbequina or Negral, each reflecting the unique terroirs of their region.
The result? A collection of extraordinary extra virgin olive oils that consistently achieve top ratings in official tastings. SOLO’s philosophy revolves around continuous learning, exploring rare olive varieties, and sharing the culture of high-quality olive oil. Their portfolio includes oils like SOLO Picual, SOLO Fugaz, and their innovative SINGULARES project, which introduces new varieties and origins with every harvest.
From limited-batch collaborations—such as a bean-to-bar dark chocolate infused with their olive oil—to smoked organic oils developed with artisan producers, SOLO continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and preserving the essence of olive oil is what makes SOLO a standout in the world of gourmet food.
Discover more about SOLO and explore their exceptional olive oils here.
2. SWET: Pioneering Small-Batch Hot Sauce with Urban-Grown Peppers
SWET is redefining hot sauce with a commitment to purity, craftsmanship, and local sourcing. Founded in 2020 by Thibault Fournal, this Brussels-based brand creates bold, all-natural hot sauces made in small batches, free from powders, artificial additives, and shortcuts. Every sauce is crafted to enhance food with balanced heat and complexity—never just for the burn.
What makes SWET truly unique is its dedication to fresh ingredients. The majority of its chilies are cultivated on the rooftop of the Abattoirs d'Anderlecht in Brussels, grown without chemical treatments and nourished with organic matter. Harvesting from April to December ensures a steady supply of vibrant, high-quality peppers. Alongside seasonal organic fruits and local produce, these chilies form the foundation of SWET’s dynamic range of hot sauces.
At the SWET Factory, every aspect of production is managed in-house: from recipe development and production to bottling, labeling, and graphic design. This hands-on approach ensures that each sauce maintains the brand's high standards. SWET offers three core ranges—Essentials, Super Hot, and Pro-Model—alongside limited-edition collaborations and seasonal releases. Their philosophy? No marketing gimmicks, just authentic partnerships with like-minded creators who share their passion for flavor.
Whether you're a hot sauce connoisseur or simply looking to elevate your meals, SWET delivers a fresh, urban take on heat.
Discover SWET’s hot sauces and their commitment to real, handcrafted flavor here.
3. Daphnis and Chloe: Elevating Mediterranean Herbs to a New Standard
Daphnis and Chloe is redefining how we experience herbs and spices. Based in Athens, this artisanal brand specializes in hand-harvested, small-batch herbs sourced from Greece’s diverse landscapes. Founded in 2013 by Evangelia Koutsovoulou, the company was born out of a desire to bring Greece’s rare and heirloom herbs beyond their place of origin—ensuring that their full flavor and quality reach home kitchens worldwide.
Greece’s unique geography, with its mountain slopes, sun-drenched islands, and distinct microclimates, provides the ideal conditions for exceptional herbs to thrive. Yet, many of these native varieties remain undiscovered outside local markets. Daphnis and Chloe works closely with small organic farms across the country, sourcing directly from growers they know by name. With meticulous care, they oversee every step of the process—from harvesting to drying and packaging—ensuring that each herb retains its vibrant aroma and potency.
Their collection includes Aegean Isle oregano, wild thyme flowers, rosemary leaves, Greek sage, and smoked chili flakes—each carefully selected to bring an authentic taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Beyond seasonings, their herbal tea collection showcases native Greek plants such as mountain tea, peppermint from Peloponnesian foothills, and whole-leaf lemon verbena from Crete. These botanical treasures don’t just add depth to dishes; they offer a sensory experience rooted in Greece’s culinary traditions.
Daphnis and Chloe’s commitment to sustainability and quality has made them a pantry essential for chefs and home cooks alike. Whether you’re garnishing a Greek salad, enhancing a slow-simmered stew, or brewing a delicious cup of herbal tea, their herbs offer unparalleled depth of flavor.
Discover more about Daphnis and Chloe and explore their selection of hand-picked Greek herbs here.
4. BOUCHE: Pushing the Boundaries of Kombucha with Art and Innovation
BOUCHE is not your typical kombucha brewery. Based in Berlin, this experimental producer blends fermentation artistry with innovative brewing techniques to create deeply complex, non-alcoholic drinks. Founded in 2019 by Walker Brengel and Felix Rank, BOUCHE started as a small studio project and has since grown into a fully operational brewery in Berlin-Marzahn, where every bottle is crafted with precision, creativity, and a passion for flavor.
What sets BOUCHE apart is their commitment to live fermentation and their unique closed-system brewing process. Unlike traditional kombucha production, which relies on a SCOBY, BOUCHE has developed its own liquid starter culture—allowing for greater control over fermentation and deeper, more layered flavor development. By adapting techniques from beer and natural wine making, they craft kombuchas with sophisticated taste profiles that evolve over time, making each sip a dynamic experience.
Their range goes beyond kombucha, including alcohol-free proxies and pét-nats—fermented, kombucha-based drinks designed with the complexity of fine wine but without the alcohol. Whether it’s sparkling Melon Szechuan Pét-Nat, organic Hibiskus Kombucha, or still Quince Walnut & Meadowsweet Proxy, each bottle is a testament to their exploration of fermentation and depth of flavor.
BOUCHE’s kombucha is brewed with a base of black and green tea, regional beet sugar, and their signature starter culture. From there, they experiment with maceration techniques, using ingredients like hops, bergamot, and wood infusions to create nuanced flavors without relying on artificial syrups or concentrates. The result? Kombucha that is less sweet than sodas, refreshingly tart, and bursting with complexity.
Each bottle embodies their philosophy: a relentless pursuit of flavor, craftsmanship, and modern fermentation. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing alternative or paired with a meal, BOUCHE kombucha is designed to elevate the drinking experience.
Discover BOUCHE’s kombucha and explore their selection of handcrafted fermented drinks here.
5. Eugène Chocolatier: Artisanal Praline Spreads with a Passion for Purity
Eugène Chocolatier isn’t just about chocolate spreads—it’s about passion, craftsmanship, and ethical indulgence. Founded by Eugénie Gillot and Marie Mahieu, this Brussels-based brand is dedicated to creating high-quality, organic praline spreads using the finest locally sourced ingredients. With a commitment to purity, their products contain no added oils, preservatives, or artificial ingredients—just rich, velvety nut butters and praline spreads crafted with care.
The journey began in 2005, when Eugénie traveled through Ecuador and fell in love with the art of chocolate making. Inspired by the country’s deep-rooted traditions, she returned to Brussels to study chocolate production, refining her skills at CERIA chocolatier school while pursuing a management degree. What started as a personal quest to create the perfect spread for her children evolved into Eugène Chocolatier, officially launching in 2015.
Marie joined the adventure in 2020, bringing her background in environmental sciences and a shared passion for thoughtful, sustainable consumption. Together, they’ve built a brand that champions both flavor and ethics, offering a range of spreads that are adored across Belgium and beyond.
Eugène’s spreads range from classic Pure Praline Spread to nutty Praline Sesame Peanut Spread and Praline Walnut Spread, all organic and handcrafted in small batches. Their products aren’t just found on retail shelves—they’re also used in some of Belgium’s best brunch spots and ice cream parlors.
We had the chance to visit Eugène Chocolatier’s workshop and document their story—from sourcing the finest organic nuts to crafting their signature spreads with precision and care. Watch our exclusive documentary on Eugène Chocolatier’s journey and artisanal production process here.
Discover Eugène Chocolatier’s spreads and taste the difference here.
Why Small-Scale Artisan Manufacturers Matter
Unlike mass-produced food, delicatessen products from small manufacturers offer a level of care, quality, and authenticity that is hard to match. These businesses often source ingredients sustainably, prioritize craftsmanship over volume, and create outstanding flavors that tell a story of the region, its terroir, people, and culture.
By choosing gourmet products from independent manufacturers, you’re not only treating yourself to an unparalleled taste experience and high-quality ingredients but also supporting artisans dedicated to keeping culinary traditions alive and contributing to a more transparent, sustainable food system.
At Gourmie Goods, we carefully select the best delicatessen products from outstanding small manufacturers across Europe. In our range there is everything from single-variety olive oil to craft chocolate and hot sauces, all with direct delivery to your door within Germay and other EU countries.
Discover Handpicked Gourmet Delicacies in Our Shop.
About author
Baiba Soika
Food writer and Co-founder of Gourmie Goods, Baiba is dedicated to putting good food at the center of modern living, believing food is the foundation of a successful life. With a background in international trade, design, and technology, she brings a unique, multifaceted approach to food industry. When not sourcing products or exploring new brands and trends, you'll find her somewhere near the sea, on the badminton court, doing sudoku, or in the kitchen, crafting simple yet flavorful dishes. Based in Düsseldorf, Germany.
