OUR STORY
100 years of history
SINCE 1927
For nearly a century, the people of Kritsa have not simply been growing olive trees—they have been cultivating a way of life.
Since 1927, our Cooperative has been bringing together generations of local producers, honoring our land, our traditions, and our enduring commitment to quality.
With our roots in the fertile land of Kritsa and guided by our respect for nature, we continue to produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil that authentically reflects the heritage of our region.
The History of the Kritsa Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative
The story of the Kritsa Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative is deeply rooted in the history of the land, its people, and the olive tree. For generations, olive cultivation has shaped the economy, culture, and identity of Kritsa, one of Crete's most historic villages. Recognising the need to strengthen local production, ensure fair distribution, and improve the livelihoods of olive growers, a group of visionary farmers founded the Kritsa Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative in 1927. The establishment of the Cooperative marked a defining moment for the community. For the first time, local producers united around a shared vision built on cooperation, mutual trust, and sustainable development. Their ambition was simple yet powerful: to produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil that would showcase the unique character of their land while creating lasting value for every member of the Cooperative.
In 1937, the Cooperative inaugurated its first olive mill, opening a new chapter in olive oil production for the region. Since then, continuous investment in modern facilities, advanced technologies, and certified production systems has allowed the Cooperative to evolve while remaining true to the principles upon which it was founded.
At the heart of its operation lies the Cooperative's olive milling process. Olives are harvested with care and delivered directly to the mill, where they are processed on the very same day. This ensures that every batch preserves its natural aromas, nutritional value, and distinctive sensory characteristics, resulting in premium extra virgin olive oil with exceptionally low acidity and outstanding quality.
Over the decades, the Cooperative has continued to grow, welcoming the neighbouring cooperatives of Lakonia and Prina into its family. Today, it brings together approximately 1,350 members who cultivate more than 300,000 olive trees across the wider Mirabello region. Every year, around 450 metric tons of premium extra virgin olive oil are produced, almost exclusively from the renowned Koroneiki variety, perfectly suited to the area's unique microclimate and terroir.
The pursuit of excellence has led to the development of state-of-the-art production and bottling facilities that comply with internationally recognised standards for food safety, quality, and traceability. At the same time, the Cooperative remains actively committed to producer education, environmental responsibility, sustainable farming practices, and innovation throughout every stage of olive cultivation and production.
The exceptional quality of Kritsa Coop extra virgin olive oil has earned worldwide recognition. Over the years, it has received numerous distinctions in prestigious national and international competitions. One of its greatest achievements came in 2008, when it received the Mario Solinas Quality Award from the International Olive Council—one of the most respected honours in the global olive oil industry. Since then, the Cooperative has continued to receive important awards across Europe, Asia, and North America, reinforcing its reputation for producing olive oil of outstanding and consistent quality.
Beyond its awards and achievements, however, the Kritsa Agricultural Olive Oil Cooperative remains a vital part of the local community. For nearly a century, it has supported generations of olive growers, contributed to the economic development of the region, preserved the traditions of Cretan olive cultivation, and passed on the values of cooperation, knowledge, and respect for the land from one generation to the next.
Today, as the Cooperative approaches its centenary, it continues to look ahead with the same vision that inspired its founders almost one hundred years ago: respect for nature, confidence in collective effort, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Every bottle of Kritsa Coop extra virgin olive oil carries with it the story of a community that believed—and continues to believe—that true excellence is achieved through collaboration, dedication, and an enduring passion for the land.
