Meet the founders of Graecus Foods whose roots trace back to the proud families of Mani, known as the descendants of the ancient Spartans.
Elena’s family legacy in olive cultivation spans over a century, where the love for olive oil has been passed down from generation to generation.
Her surname, “Petrea” derived from the word “Petra,” meaning “rock” in Greek, symbolizes the rugged landscapes of Mani, characterized by its rocky terrains. This rocky terrain is the essence of the exceptional extra virgin olive oil produced in Mani, renowned worldwide for its quality
Sotirianika is a picturesque village located in the municipality of Avia, in the region of Peloponnese and was traditionally known for agriculture and animal husbandry. In recent years, it has also begun to develop in the tourism sector due to its charming landscape and traditional architecture. The village boasts attractions such as traditional springs and cobblestone paths, while nearby, visitors can explore historical monuments and monasteries worth visiting.
Nestled in a small village in the heart of the Messinian Mani, at the foot of Mount Taygetos, our family’s journey with olive oil began generations ago.
At our family-owned olive groves, we are driven by a set of core values and principles that guide our approach to olive oil production. Our foremost goal is to uphold the rich heritage of our land while embracing modern sustainability practices.
Our ancestral home, surrounded by ancient olive trees, served as the backdrop for our childhood memories and the foundation of our connection to the land. For generations, our family tended to the olive groves, nurturing the trees with care and dedication. Growing up, we learned the importance of caring for the olive trees in every season.
Our olive trees are of the Koroneiki variety, renowned as one of the finest olive tree varieties globally. Nestled within the rugged terrain of our region, these trees yield a true green gold. The unique combination of this particular variety with the rocky landscape of the area produces exceptional extra virgin olive oil, rich in flavor and nutrients.
The rugged landscapes of Mani, dotted with historic olive groves, remained untouched by the Ottoman invasion. Today, these ancient olive trees stand as a testament to resilience and tradition, embodying the spirit of Mani, where history, heritage, and olive cultivation converge.
Νo pesticides are ever used. We cultivate our trees with natural methods, ensuring the purity and exceptional quality of our olives.