A Brighton shop is at the forefront of a revolution in taste.

Oliviers and Co, an olive oil speciality company, has opened its fourth UK store at 23 East Street.

There are now more than 30 branches worldwide.

The group was founded by Olivier Baussan in 1996, when he decided to start a company dedicated to the finest oils from the Mediterranean region.

Director Beatrice de la Marnierre said the first British store had taken about six months to take off but was now thriving with regular customers and tourists.

Stores in New York, Boston and Paris were an instant hit.

She said: "Olive oil is highly regarded by people who like good food and is even given as gifts at dinner parties, instead of wine or flowers.

"Each year, a special tasting committee from Oliviers and Co samples hundreds of different oils to find the finest to offer at the stores.

"Like fine wines, the taste and colour of each vintage is different, as is each olive oil - some pale yellow and fruity, others deep emerald green and peppery."

Managing the new store in Brighton will be Sophie de Pischoff, who says she is still learning about all the oils and olive products.

For the past few months, she has been working in the store in London's Covent Garden.

She said: "Olive oil is now a very important ingredient of British food and people want to know more about it. They want to know where it comes from and the types of olives used.

"There are oils that go better with particular foods and customers want advice on the best one for their planned menu."

For people who like olive oil but cannot decide which one, there is the opportunity to taste some of the oils before buying.

www.oliviers-co.com