Winning the Berlin GOOA award is an incredible honour for Eladion Taxiarches, based in Drama, Macedonia. Knowing our olive oil has been evaluated by top tasters and food scientists and featured on the Elite Olive Oils Index 2024 is truly validating. This recognition highlights our dedication to quality and sustainability and inspires us to keep delivering the best of Greek olive oil to the world.
Nikolaos kassiteropoulos
Eladion Taxiarches
The Story
Can you share a bit of your company’s background and what inspired you to become an EVOO producer?
Eladion Taxiarches began in 1985 when our parents planted a few olive trees for our family’s needs. In 2014, we expanded our grove with 200 new trees and an additional 400 over the years. As first-generation farmers without an agricultural background, we faced challenges but committed ourselves to mastering olive cultivation. Our small-scale operation started as a hobby, driven by our passion for quality. Since we are the primary consumers of our olives and olive oil, we ensure that our products reflect our dedication to excellence, which truly sets us apart.
What are your goals for the future of your company? How do you plan to continue pushing boundaries in the olive oil industry while staying true to your roots?
Our goals for the future of Eladion Taxiarches revolve around sustainability, quality, and innovation. We aim to expand our olive grove further while maintaining the meticulous care and attention that define our production process. We plan to incorporate advanced agricultural technologies to enhance our efficiency and environmental responsibility, ensuring that we preserve the rich heritage of our land.
While we seek to push boundaries in the olive oil industry, we remain committed to our roots by prioritising quality and authenticity. We want to share the unique flavours of our Macedonian olives with the world, showcasing the traditions that have shaped our journey. Ultimately, our vision is to be recognized for our awards and unwavering dedication to producing exceptional olive oil that reflects our family’s passion and the beauty of our region.
What are your goals for the future of your company? How do you plan to continue pushing boundaries in the olive oil industry while staying true to your roots?
We have some exciting developments on the horizon at Eladion Taxiarches! With over eight olive tree varieties, including some lesser-known ones from North Greece, we plan to introduce mono-varietal olive oils to showcase these fantastic varieties to the world.
Additionally, we’re thrilled about our recent installation of a smart agriculture station in our olive grove. This innovation will enhance our farming practices, allowing us to monitor various environmental factors and optimize our production for better quality and sustainability.
What makes your olive oil different? Why should consumers choose your brand?
At Eladion Taxiarches, our unwavering commitment to quality and the health benefits of our olive oil make us stand out. Crafted with care from the finest olives, our premium olive oil offers a sensory journey like no other—each sip promises an unforgettable and perfectly balanced experience. Additionally, our oil has received health claim awards for its high polyphenol content, renowned for its antioxidant properties and benefits for heart health.
As an evoo producer what are the growing practices and techniques you follow?
We actively protect and enhance the biodiversity of our groves by preserving natural habitats for wildlife and promoting companion crops, including nitrogen-fixing plants, that support beneficial insects and pollinators. Additionally, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint throughout the production and distribution by employing energy-efficient practices, minimizing waste, and supporting renewable energy sources whenever possible.
Water conservation is crucial to our mission, so we optimize its use in our olive oil production, benefiting our groves and the broader community. We also engage with local communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices, supporting the well-being of those who work in our olive groves. Techniques such as mulching with sheep wool from neighbouring farms and composting branches after pruning help us maintain soil health and sustainability. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to quality and the environment.
How much has technology helped you?
Technology has been instrumental in transforming our olive oil production at Eladion Taxiarches. With the recent installation of our smart agriculture station, we can monitor key environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature, rainfall, and sunlight intensity in real time. This data helps us make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest management, ensuring optimal growth for our olive trees.
Does your evoo brand have sustainable and environmentally friendly characteristics?
Absolutely! At Eladion Taxiarches, sustainability and environmental friendliness are at the core of our olive oil production. We utilize sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, avoiding pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to ensure our groves remain fertile for generations. Additionally, we are in the process of becoming certified organic producers, which further underscores our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
To what degree has climate change affected your production and business development?
Climate change has significantly impacted our production and business development at Eladion Taxiarches. We’ve noticed changes in weather patterns, such as increased temperatures and irregular rainfall, which affect the growth and health of our olive trees. These shifts can lead to challenges in water availability and may require us to adapt our irrigation practices to ensure our trees receive the necessary moisture.
In response to these challenges, we’ve implemented innovative agriculture technology to monitor environmental conditions in real-time. This helps us make data-driven decisions to optimize water use and manage our groves more effectively.
Additionally, we’re focusing on resilience by diversifying our olive varieties to ensure we can withstand changing climate conditions. Our commitment to sustainable practices also plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change, as healthier soils and biodiversity contribute to more resilient ecosystems.
While climate change presents challenges, it motivates us to innovate and adapt, ensuring that Eladion Taxiarches continues to thrive while producing high-quality olive oil that reflects our commitment to the environment and future generations.
Eladion Taxiarches received a Gold Award at the 2024 Berlin GOOA – Global Olive Oil Awards.
