In the early 2000s, Anne and Gilles Brun, then in their twenties, embarked on an ambitious project to ensure the longevity of the family estate, in collaboration with their parents and grandparents. Seeking to give the farm a new direction, they decided to shift from vegetable farming to an arboriculture focused on olive trees—an audacious choice to secure the future of the estate.
The idea of creating a mill arose from the Brun family’s desire to actively contribute to olive oil production, a symbol of Provence. This visionary yet risky project required significant financial and human investments, adding another challenge to their agricultural daily life. The transition to olive cultivation involved a complete overhaul of the family estate’s operations, including a meticulous search for new suppliers and partners.
After an intensive study of olive oil production processes, the construction of the mill began. This building, which became the heart of their olive oil business, allowed them to produce high-quality olive oil. However, since the estate's production alone was not enough to keep the mill running, the family turned to local producers to press their olives, thus supporting a sustainable local industry.
Once the mill was operational, the Brun family focused on a communication campaign to promote their mill and olive oil. Their commitment to quality and collaboration with producers in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence helped them create a product recognized and appreciated throughout the region. Today, Moulin du Calanquet is a symbol of the olive-growing revival in Saint-Rémy, combining traditional expertise with innovation.
Le Moulin du Calanquet has obtained HVE certification which is an environmental certification for farms particularly committed to the implementation of environmentally friendly approaches.