The EU Funded Campaign

“A Drop of Gold” is a three-year campaign, funded by the EU that aims to promote European premium quality olive oil to the markets of Japan and China.

The main objective of the campaign is to raise the awareness regarding the quality of European agricultural products and the high standards in force for production and processing methods in the E.U. as well as to increase the competitiveness and consumption of E.U. olive oil by a Consortium of six Agricultural Cooperatives of protected designation of origin (PDO) Olive Oil Producers of the wider area of Sitia, located in eastern Crete.

The area of Sitia in Crete is recognized as an olive oil area. The Agricultural Cooperatives have been producing quality olive oil for many generations, starting from the ancient Minoans until the present days. Olive tree cultivation as well as Olive oil production has been a way of life for the Cretan farmers, long before the modern world learnt of its beneficial properties and the “Mediterranean diet” was introduced. Altogether they farm the highly exceptional “Koroneiki” variety, which produces an olive oil unique comparing to any other cultivated in the rest of Greece.

The

Consortium

The Consortium of Agricultural Cooperatives of protected designation of origin (PDO) olive oil producers of Sitia was created in the context of the EU funded “Promotion campaign about EU farm products” program and consists of six (6) Cooperatives based in the wider area of Sitia:

  • The Stafidikos’s Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Sitia
  • The Chrysopigi’s Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Sitia
  • The Stavromenos’s Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Sitia
  • The Nea Prassos’s Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Sitia
  • The Krya’s Agricultural Olive Cooperative of Sitia
  • The Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative of Epano Episkopi, located in the municipality of Sitia in the prefecture of Lassithi

European High-Quality Agriculture Products

Quality is one of the most potent advantages of European producers that renders European products compliant with consumers’ requirements. E.U. high-quality agriculture products is the result of centuries of tradition, innovation and dedication. Over the centuries, European farmers and food producers have developed some of the world’s most renowned and high-quality agricultural products.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of European high-quality agriculture products is the region’s diverse and fertile soils. The European continent boasts a wide range of climates and terrains. This diversity allows farmers to cultivate a wide variety of crops, each with its own unique flavor and nutritional profile.

Another factor contributing to the success of European high-quality agriculture products is the region’s strong traditions of craftsmanship and innovation. Many of Europe’s most famous agricultural products have been produced using the same time-honored techniques for centuries. These techniques have been passed down from generation to generation, and they are a testament to the skill and dedication of European farmers and food producers.

In addition to these traditional methods, European farmers and food producers are also at the forefront of innovation and research. European countries have invested heavily in agricultural research and development, and this has led to the adoption of new techniques and technologies that have improved the quality and sustainability of agricultural products.

CRETE, AN ISLAND UNDER THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES

The Gift of the Gods

FINE DINING EXPERIENCE

The prosperity of Crete has been intertwined with the cultivation of olives since the Minoans created the first European civilization. They were the first to discover the richness of olives, using them as food and light source, and they have never lost their value since then. In the greater Sitia area, ancient pots and amphorae have been found filled with olives and designed as an offering to the gods – an offering that no man would dare to make to the divine unless it was the most precious and pure thing they possessed.

CRAFTED WITH CARE & EXPERTISE

One of the most significant challenges facing European agriculture in recent years has been climate change. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have had a significant impact on crop yields and quality. However, European farmers and food producers have been quick to respond to this challenge, and many are adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

European agriculture is also characterized by a strong commitment to animal welfare and food safety. The European Union has some of the strictest regulations in the world when it comes to animal welfare and food safety, and this has helped to ensure that European agricultural products are of the highest possible quality.

European agriculture is at the forefront of quality and sustainability as far as the production process is concerned. By continuing to invest in research and development, and by implementing sustainable and eco-friendly practices, European farmers and food producers will continue to produce some of the world’s most renowned and high-quality agricultural products for generations to come.

PREMIUM QUALITY PDO SITIA OLIVE OIL

Premium Olive Oil

FINE DINING EXPERIENCE

Olive oil is a type of oil that is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree. It is one of the oldest and most widely used cooking oils in the world, particularly in the Mediterranean area. Olive oil is produced by pressing whole olives and comes in various grades, including extra virgin, virgin, pure, and light. Extra virgin olive oil is considered to be the highest quality and is extracted through a meticulous process that includes solely mechanical methods without the use of powerful petrochemical solvents or excessive heat. It has a rich, fruity taste and a characteristic vibrant green color.

One of the remarkable characteristics of olive oil is its high content of monounsaturated fats, which are considered beneficial for heart health. Olive oil is also a potent source of antioxidant biophenols, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help in strengthening and balancing the immune system from free radicals along with reducing inflammation. In addition, olive biophenols can help in repairing skin damage due to sun burn and UV rays. Nutrition experts tout olive oil as a health-conscious component of a balanced meal.

In terms of culinary uses, olive oil is a staple ingredient in the Mediterranean cuisine and is valued for its ability to enhance the flavors of various dishes. Its robust flavor makes it perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and drizzling over grilled vegetables or bread. It can also be used for sautéing, roasting, and baking, adding a delightful richness to the food. It should be noted that for thousands of years, the people of the Mediterranean basin have consumed olive oil as the main source of dietary fat.

Beyond its culinary applications, olive oil and extracts of olive leafs has been used for centuries in skincare and haircare routines due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is often used for the production of beauty products, such as moisturizers, soaps or shampoos.

When choosing olive oil, it is important to consider its quality and authenticity. Consumers should look for reputable brands and labels that indicate the oil’s origin and extraction method. In fact, this product has set out on a path of progressive differentiation based both on the quality and on main credence attributes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), local production and organic certification.