Olive trees are typical of the province of Bari, both as an arboreal species which grows in this very favourable habitat and from the naturalistic, countryside and historic point of view, since these trees are strictly linked to the history and cultural and commercial traditions of the region of Puglia. Olives have been cultivated in the Bari area since Neolithic times (5000 B.C.). Their economic and commercial importance was recognized during the Roman Empire, when importation and exportation were regularised by the Central Administration. Other incentives were developed in the Middle Ages, thanks to the religious orders which were on the land. The Bari oil reached also Venice, were it was also exported to various cities in Europe.

The words "Denominazione di origine protetta Terra di Bari", in full or abbreviated compulsorarily appear on the label sometimes combined with the community identification mark of the Dop. For the producers who are members of the consortium, there is also the possibility of applying the quality mark authorised by the consortium.