Over Two Decades Of Premium Teak Products From Olive Grove

Olive Grove Pvt Limited, a premium manufacturer of exquisite hardwood products, has built a strong reputation over the past twenty years, characterised by history, quality, and a deep connection to the country’s natural resources. The company specialises in durable and beautiful Zambezi teak, offering a comprehensive range of products—from elegant custom-made furniture to structural elements like
doors, windows, hardwood flooring, and decking.

With its humble journey dating back to October 1994 with the establishment of Bapedi Timbers, the company initially procured equipment to salvage local woods like eucalyptus, jacaranda, and cypress near Harare. However, a significant pivot occurred in 1996 when the company secured a timber concession in the Gwampa Forest Land (Matebeleland North). This opportunity led to the discovery and successful trial of various hardwoods, including mukwa, pod mahogany, and the relatively unknown Zambezi teak.
Recognising the immense potential of Teak, founder and current Managing Director, Jeremy Small ,launched Olive Grove in 2001.

Over the last two decades, the company has sourced and processed teak from concessions in Nkayi, Lupane, and Tsholotsho. While Zambezi Teak remains the primary material, Olive Grove is also celebrated for its versatility, working with other stunning local hardwoods such as rosewood, mopane, camelthorn, and leadwood to create truly unique pieces.

The Bulawayo factory is the nerve centre of this growing operation. The company proudly harvests the majority of its timber under the strict supervision of the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe and the local Rural District Councils, ensuring responsible sourcing. Once transported, the wood is milled, treated against woodboring beetles, and either air or kiln dried. The final, critical step is the selection of planks, ensuring each piece is optimally utilized for its intended product. This hands-on, waste-minimizing process underpins the company’s commitment to both superior quality and environmental sustainability.

Olive Grove is guided by four core values: Quality, striving for the highest standards in every product; Customer, dedicating themselves to understanding and satisfying client needs; Sustainability, minimizing waste and reducing their carbon footprint through green practices; and Community, maintaining a positive and reciprocal relationship with the local communities they partner with. These principles allow Olive Grove to deliver not only unbeatable prices but also a promise of lasting quality and
ethical craftsmanship.