About US
The Story of Hamri Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
A Family Legacy Since 1920
Nestled in the golden hills of Om Jenna—a legendary terroir 5 km from Mateur (Bizerte Governorate), near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ichkeul National Park (inscribed in 1979)—centuries-old olive trees stretch their branches beneath a generous sky. Here lies the soul of a passion passed down through four generations: Hamri Extra Virgin Olive Oil
First Generation: Belgacem Ouafi, the Pioneer of Om Jenna (1920s)
Belgacem Ouafi, a son of Mateur’s soil, planted the roots of this legacy on Om Jenna’s fertile slopes. Using traditional methods, he cultivated ancient Chetoui olive trees, a variety uniquely adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
“In Om Jenna, the olive tree draws its strength from the blood of the earth,” he declared, convinced that the secret of his oil lay in this singular terroir of red soil (hamri).
Second Generation: Hmed Ouafi, the Builder (1960s)
Hmed Ouafi modernized the estate while safeguarding Om Jenna’s delicate ecosystem. He dug irrigation channels to harness water from Mateur’s springs, protecting the groves from arid summers. Under his leadership, the name *Hamri*—inspired by the region’s iconic reddish soil—was etched onto the first bottles. Harvest season became a celebration: families and neighbors gathered at dawn to pick olives, their laughter echoing among ancient trees.
Third Generation: Allala Ouafi, the Visionary (May He Rest in Peace)
Allala Ouafi propelled the family legacy onto the global stage. “Our strength lies in Om Jenna: its soil, its sun, and olive trees that whisper our ancestors’ stories,” he proudly asserted. He secured the *Terroir de Bizerte* certification, a mark of authenticity and exceptional quality for Hamri oil.
Fourth Generation: Hichem Ouafi, Guardian of the Terroir
Hichem’s Pledge
When Hichem Ouafi left his native Om Jenna, he made a solemn vow:
“One day, I will return. I will return for you, my red earth, to make you richer, more beautiful, and prouder than in my memories.”
Today, he honors this heritage with humility. Faithful to ancestral methods, he transitioned Om Jenna’s groves to *organic farming, protecting local biodiversity—from wild bees to almond trees. Hamri’s oil, certified *Terroir de Bizerte, balances innovation and tradition: drones monitor olive ripeness, yet harvests remain manual to preserve fruit integrity. Each autumn, the family gathers under the same trees Belgacem cherished, their gnarled bark bearing witness to their history.
Hamri: The Soul of Om Jenna in a Bottle
Our oil reflects an extraordinary terroir:
– Om Jenna’s Red Soil: Iron-rich clay earth that gives Hamri its velvety texture and herbaceous notes.
– Mateur’s Microclimate: Bizerte’s mild winters and sun-drenched summers ensure slow, balanced olive maturation.
– Chetoui of Bizerte: A rare olive variety with bold fruitiness and a peppery finish, emblematic of our region.
And Tomorrow?
Hichem dreams of passing Om Jenna’s olive groves to his children, where every stone tells a chapter of their family’s story. As Allala once said: “An olive tree is not inherited—it is earned.”
Generation after generation, we vow to share a taste of Bizerte’s soul in every drop of Hamri.
“From Om Jenna to your table—a love story since 1920.”
The Ouafi Family – Mateur, Bizerte