Minoiko is a family-owned olive oil producer based in Lagouta, Minoa Pediadas, in the region of Heraklion, Crete. Our relationship with olive oil began in the family groves and developed into a commitment to bring an authentic Cretan product directly to consumers under its own identity.
Our family’s connection to olive cultivation began long before Minoiko was established. The olive groves cared for by previous generations provided the foundations for our knowledge, our values and our understanding of the land.
Today, we continue that relationship by combining family experience with organised production, modern equipment and a more direct connection with the people who choose our olive oil.
For us, olive oil is not simply a commercial product. It is part of the Cretan landscape, the Mediterranean table and our family’s everyday life.
The story of Minoiko is one of family continuity, local knowledge and the decision to protect the identity of the olive oil we produce.
Before the company was established, our family had already developed a close relationship with olive cultivation. The groves planted and cared for by our grandparents formed part of the family’s livelihood and created the foundation for the knowledge that continues to guide us today.
In 1997, members of the Alexakis family established the company in Lagouta and began operating a modern olive oil production facility. This marked the transition from a long-standing family connection with olive growing to a structured business focused on producing and promoting Cretan olive oil.
During the company’s early years, quantities of olive oil were distributed through third-party businesses operating in broader markets. This experience provided valuable insight into the commercial olive oil sector, and reinforced our belief that the origin of our product should remain visible all the way to the final consumer.
In 2000, we began developing the standardisation and direct promotion of our own olive oil. Our objective was to bring the product to the consumer under its own name, preserving the connection between the olive oil, the family and the place in which it was produced.
Today, Minoiko continues to build on its family foundations while adapting to the expectations of a modern market. We invest in responsible production, appropriate storage, careful bottling and clearer communication with consumers and professional partners.
Every olive oil has a place behind it. For Minoiko, that place is Lagouta and the wider Minoa Pediadas region of Crete. Our objective is to preserve this connection and communicate it clearly.
Quality is not created through one single action. It depends on a consistent approach across cultivation, harvesting, processing, storage and bottling.
We believe that consumers should be able to understand where their olive oil comes from and who is responsible for producing it.
We approach our products with the same sense of responsibility we apply to the food served at our own family table.
Minoiko represents the meeting point between Cretan agricultural heritage and a modern international product identity. Our packaging and communication should feel modern and refined while remaining connected to the landscape and culture of Crete.
Every stage influences the freshness, aromas and final character of the olive oil. That is why the Alexakis family carefully oversees the entire journey, from tree to bottle.
The olive groves are cared for throughout the year, drawing on knowledge passed down through generations and responsible practices that respect the natural cycle of the trees.
The olives are harvested with care at the appropriate stage of ripeness and transported to the olive mill without unnecessary delay, helping to limit deterioration before processing.
At our family olive mill, the fruit is cleaned, washed and processed under controlled conditions. Cold extraction helps preserve the aromas and vibrant flavour of the olive oil.
After extraction, the olive oil is transferred to food-grade stainless steel tanks and stored under controlled conditions, protected from light, heat and excessive contact with air.
The olive oil is bottled in carefully controlled batches and selected packaging designed to help preserve its quality and freshness until it reaches your table.
From the groves planted by previous generations to the olive oil presented under the Minoiko name today, our journey remains closely connected to family, place and product.
