Earth In A Bottle

Earth in a Bottle

Taïm Valley in Hasbaya, South Lebanon, home to the Abou Gaida family olive groves

Hasbaya, Taïm Valley

Our olives grow in Hasbaya, in the Taïm Valley of South Lebanon, shaped by centuries of olive farming, mountain air, and the Hasbani River.

Olive groves in Taïm Valley shaped by Mount Hermon winds, limestone soils, and the Hasbani River

Micro Climate

Cool mountain winds from Mount Hermon meet warm valley sun, while porous limestone soils enhance drainage, flavor, and antioxidant richness.

Ancient Souri olive trees over 1,500 years old growing in Taïm Valley, South Lebanon

1,000 Year Old Trees

Some of our olive trees are over 1,000 years old, producing olives with unique depth and character shaped by time.

Heirloom Souri olives, one of the oldest olive varieties cultivated in the Levant

Souri Heirloom Olives

We harvest Souri olives, one of the world’s oldest olive varieties, first cultivated over 7,000 years ago and spread across the Mediterranean by Phoenician traders from the modern day Lebanon, prized today for their bold, balanced flavor.

Abou Gaida Family

The Abou Gaida family has cared for this land for five generations, with Nohad and Laila expanding the farm over 60 years ago after inheriting it from their ancestors.

Iyad Abou Gaida, farmer and co-founder of Taïm Olive, continuing his family's farming tradition

New Generation

Iyad, the grandson and youngest custodian of the land, returned to the farm with a background in architecture, ecology, and art, shaping Taïm as a bridge between land and table.

The founding team of Taïm Olive bringing Lebanese olive oil from Taïm Valley to American tables

Taïm Team

Taïm was brought to New York during COVID, when Iyad shared his family’s olive oil with Natalie, Eric, and Jano around a table, turning tradition into a shared vision.

Earth In A Bottle

From our family to yours, Taïm is more than just an ingredient— it’s way to gather, nourish, and celebrate the connection between food, culture, and community.

Founders

Iyad Abou Gaida

Farmer, Ecological Architect, Artist

Raised in Taïm Valley, Iyad grew up among ancient olive trees, learning to nurture the land, gather its wild offerings, and cook with the wisdom passed down from his grandmother, Laila.

Natalie Megrabyan

Strategist, Author, Olive Oil Enthusiast

Born in the country of Georgia, Natalie was raised in a culture bringing people together over great food. She is excited to bring 15 years of experience advising global brands to the taïm family.

Jano Kordzaia

Finance Professional, Home Pastry Cook

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Jano bridges his passion for food and nature with his strong financial expertise. Having lived across multiple countries, Jano has shaped a diverse perspective, allowing him to approach challenges with insight, adaptability, and a global lens.

Eric Mundt

Operations Guru, Master mixologist, Sustainability Evangelist

The Mundt family has owned and operated farms in Idaho for three generations. Eric brings over 15 years of operations experience along with a passion for high-quality ingredients.