Cristina is a passionate entrepreneur from the sun-drenched region of Messinia in southern Greece. Growing up among ancient olive groves, she developed a deep respect for the land and its traditions.

Today, Cristina continues her family’s legacy and her work reflects a perfect blend of tradition, quality, and love for nature — a true taste of Messinia in every bottle.

Could you tell me about your background and what inspired you to create  Lia Extra Virgin Oil?

I was born on December 28, and growing up in a family deeply connected to the olive harvest, I learned early on what it means to be part of something bigger. Back in those days, the harvest started in October and stretched all the way through January, and families worked together in the groves.

My mother was pregnant with me until the very last day of the harvest—she gave birth, and soon after, took me in a basket back to the grove to finish picking olives.

My earliest memories are tied to the smell of my mother and the olive trees, or perhaps they are one and the same.

I grew up in the grove with my brother, and all of our school holidays were spent helping our parents in the fields. Those were truly my childhood freedom days—playing and running up and down the hills among the olive trees.

As I got older, like many teenagers, I felt the desire to explore beyond my roots. I went to Florence to study Italian language and art history, drawn to the city’s rich history and its connection to olive oil and wine.

While in Tuscany, I was surrounded by Italian friends who were so proud of their olive oil and groves. It made me realize how deeply rooted olive oil culture is, even beyond my own family’s tradition.

During that time, agriturismo and olive oil tastings were becoming quite popular, so I took courses in olive oil tasting, immersing myself in the craft.

When I returned to Greece, I worked in various fields, but in 2012, while cycling around Messinia with a Dutch friend, I experienced a moment of clarity.

I realized that what truly made me happy was the olive tree, the sunrises and sunsets of the western Messinia, and the smell of fresh olive oil. It was in that moment that I made a deep connection with my roots and knew I had to create something that shared the essence of that joy.

And that's how LIÁ Extra Virgin Olive Oil was born.

Was it something you always wanted to do?

What I’ve always wanted is to be free and connected with nature. That’s what inspired me to study art, because I’ve always loved observation, colour, and the deeper connections that art allows us to see.

I believe the same is true for our food and olive oil—it’s about connection, depth, and the story that each drop tells.

I also love the place where I live. West Messinia is one of the most unique and revolutionary olive-growing regions in the world. The groves face west, so you get these stunning sunsets every day, creating a magical atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else.

This place, with its beauty and richness, has shaped me and my connection to olive oil in ways I couldn’t have imagined before.

In the end, I feel like an artist. Every bottle of LIÁ Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a creation—a piece of nature’s art that tells the story of this incredible place and the people who care for it.

Can you walk me through the process of making your olive oil, from harvesting the olives to bottling the final product?

Making our LIÁ extra virgin olive oil is a process that begins with our deep love and respect for the land, its biodiversity, and our commitment to good agricultural sustainable practices.

At LIÁ, we carefully nurture every step, ensuring that the final product reflects the essence of the place and the care we put into it.

The journey begins with the harvest, which takes place at the perfect moment when the olives are still green. We harvest the olives with great care. Once picked, the olives are transported to the mill the same day to prevent any oxidation or loss of freshness.

The quicker we process the olives, the more aromatic and flavorful the oil will be.

At the mill, we pay the utmost attention to every detail. Our careful processing ensures that the oil retains its natural nutrients, antioxidants, and polyphenols—elements that make extra virgin olive oil so special.

We always filter the oil to ensure clarity and purity while preserving its rich flavours and health benefits. 

Finally, the extra virgin olive oil is bottled in our white glass bottles and tins, designed to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil over time. We seal each bottle tightly to preserve its freshness and aroma until it reaches our consumers.

Throughout this process, we focus on quality at every stage. We believe in a holistic approach—where nature, tradition, and modern technology come together to create something exceptional.

At LIÁ, we aren’t just making olive oil, we’re crafting an experience—one that begins in the grove and ends in the bottle, with every drop representing the rich history and natural beauty of Messinia.

Do you think women play a unique role in the olive oil industry in Greece? If so, how?

Yes, absolutely! I believe that women have played a pivotal and unique role in the olive oil industry in Greece, both historically and in the modern context. For centuries, it has been women who have preserved our agricultural and culinary heritage.

They were the ones who saved ancient seeds, passed down recipes, and ensured that olive groves were cared for with the utmost attention.

I remember vividly how my mother would plant olive trees with such dedication, knowing that each tree would not only provide for the family but also preserve a legacy for future generations.

In the past, women were the backbone of olive cultivation and oil production. They were the ones who nurtured the groves, harvested the olives, and managed the oil.

Over time, the industry has become more male-dominated. But if we want the future of Greek olive oil to thrive, women need to return to the fold.

Women bring a unique attention to detail, creativity, and care that is essential in producing high-quality olive oil. They have an innate ability to nurture, whether in the fields or in the bottling process.

If more women become involved, particularly in roles that focus on quality control and marketing, I firmly believe the Greek olive oil sector will not only survive but will continue to grow and flourish.

Women can be a powerful force in this industry, as they are often the ones who care the most about quality, sustainability, and preserving the authenticity of what we produce.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, have you faced any challenges, and how have you overcome them?

Yes, as women in this field, we face many challenges, from the everyday to the more significant. For example, there are still conferences where the contributions of women aren’t even acknowledged.

Men are often invited to speak and promoted within the industry, while the important work of women remains overlooked. This is a persistent issue, and it highlights the need for greater recognition of women’s roles in the olive oil sector.

Another challenge is the lack of women in decision-making positions within the industry. Olive oil production has historically been a male-dominated field, and despite progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles.

This imbalance affects the direction of the sector and the opportunities available to women in the industry.

This is why it’s so crucial to establish a powerful network of women in olive oil across Greece. By connecting and supporting each other, we can strengthen the sector as a whole.

Women have so much to offer, from innovative ideas to a deep commitment to quality and sustainability. Together, we can ensure that the olive oil industry not only survives but thrives, with women playing an active and visible role in its growth and future.

How do you approach sustainability in your brand strategy?

Sustainability is truly at the core of everything we do at LIÁ. We believe that our success as a brand goes hand in hand with the well-being of the land, the people, and the communities we work with.

At the LIÁ Olive Oil Hub, we’ve created an environment where sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s woven into the very fabric of our practices.

We focus on preserving the land by promoting sustainable farming and reducing our environmental impact at every step, from the grove to the final bottle. For us, it’s about making sure we’re leaving the land in as good, if not better, condition for future generations.

Sustainability is also about the people. We want to support local farmers, fostering long-term relationships based on mutual respect. Women, in particular, play a crucial role in agriculture, and we’re focused on empowering them in every part of the process.

Ultimately, our approach to sustainability isn’t just about doing less harm—it’s about creating positive change. We want to show that high-quality, authentic olive oil can be produced with care for both the land and the people, making a real, lasting impact.

It’s this commitment that we hope will inspire others in the industry to follow suit and make sustainability an integral part of their own journey.

What are some of the biggest challenges you faced and how do you deal with them?

One of the biggest challenges we face at LIÁ is the climate crisis. Unpredictable weather, like extreme heat and droughts, can severely impact the health of the trees and the quality of the olives.

To tackle this, we focus on sustainable practices like water management and soil health, which help our groves withstand these changes.

Additionally, meeting the growing demand for sustainable practices requires investment in technology and processes to minimize our environmental footprint.

While the climate crisis is a significant challenge, it’s also an opportunity to lead by example. We’re committed to doing our part and collaborating with others in the industry to ensure a sustainable future for olive oil production.

Olive oil is known for its health benefits, especially in Mediterranean diets. How do you see the role of olive oil in promoting health and well-being?

Extra virgin olive oil plays a fundamental role in promoting health and well-being, and its benefits are widely celebrated, especially within the Mediterranean diet.

Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, extra virgin olive oil supports heart health, aids in digestion, and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The beauty of extra virgin olive oil lies in its versatility—not only is it a key ingredient in a healthy diet, but it’s also a powerful, natural source of nutrition.

It’s rich in polyphenols, which have been linked to reducing inflammation and supporting brain health, making it a great ally in the fight against aging and oxidative stress.

Beyond just its nutritional benefits, extra virgin olive oil has a deeper connection to well-being, especially when consumed as part of a balanced, mindful lifestyle. It’s a symbol of the Mediterranean way of life, which emphasizes simplicity, enjoyment, and connection with the land.

At LIÁ, we are proud to produce extra virgin olive oil that not only tastes exceptional but also contributes to a healthy lifestyle and promotes overall well-being

Has the international demand for Greek olive oil changed in recent years? How do you see Greek olive oil being perceived abroad?

Yes, in recent years, international demand for Greek extra virgin olive oil has grown significantly.

At LIÁ, we’ve experienced this firsthand. Our extra virgin olive oil is in high demand, particularly as consumers around the world recognize the importance of authentic, high-quality products.

Winning 'Best in Class' awards at renowned international competitions has further elevated the perception of Greek bottled olive oil, reinforcing its position as one of the best in the world.

We actively contribute to this demand by hosting olive oil tastings in Messinia and at various international venues. These events educate people on the unique flavors and health benefits of Greek EVOO, which is often misunderstood.

Through these tastings, we introduce more people to the exceptional quality of Greek bottled olive oil, building deeper appreciation for it.

Additionally, we support initiatives like the 'Greek Olive Oil Varieties' project, which preserves the country’s diverse cultivars and ensures our olive oil remains a symbol of quality and authenticity.

By promoting these varieties, we contribute to the growth of the sector and the global recognition of Greek olive oil as a premium product.

Is there a special family recipe or dish you make with your olive oil that you’d like to share?

Yes, I’m absolutely obsessed with ladera—that’s the term we use for oil-based dishes in Greece. There’s something so comforting about cooking with olive oil, especially when the vegetables are fresh from the garden.

Every morning, I go out and pick whatever’s in season—wild greens, herbs, tomatoes, or beans—and I cook them slowly in our olive oil.

One of my beloved recipes is a dish with mavromatika beans, which we pair with wild greens and herbs from the garden.

The combination of the rich olive oil, the earthy beans, and the vibrant flavors of the greens is simply divine. It’s a dish that feels like home to me, and it captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking—simple, fresh, and deeply nourishing.

It’s also a perfect example of how olive oil can be at the center of a healthy and delicious meal.

Looking back on your journey as an olive oil producer, what are you most proud of?

Looking back on my journey as an olive oil producer, I’m most proud of two things: the consistent quality of our product year after year, and the human relationships we’ve built along the way.

At LIÁ, we are deeply committed to producing the best possible olive oil, and maintaining that high standard is something I take immense pride in.

But what truly sets LIÁ apart is the human connection. People love our olive oil because it’s not just about the oil itself—it’s about the values behind it. It’s about the care we put into every step of production, the respect we have for the land, and the community we support.

LIÁ is more than just a product; it’s a reflection of the people and the principles that guide us, and that makes it so special.

(Τhank you Cristina)