ERT: Kyklopas Olive Oil from Makri in Flos Olei 2020 Catalogue
Another achievement for Makri extra virgin olive oil thanks to Kyklopas - an achievement that places Greece and Thrace once more in Flos Olei, a catalogue of the 500 best olive oils in the world.
"The Flos Olei catalogue is very well known in the olive oil industry, and it is available around the world in many languages. Anyone who wants to procure a credible, certified olive oil consults this catalogue and gets the information they need depending on the geographical area of interest. We have been in the catalogue for the last two years, and we even climbed two places. To give you a sense of how important this catalogue is, when you want to export to America, they ask first if your oil is in the catalogue. This list is credible and we are very pleased because it is not only about the olive oil we produce, but the overall image of the company: the taste, the aroma and all the characteristics of the oil we make, but also the exports that we do, the business itself, and our integrity. It is a combination of good work and we are even more proud because it shows the prestige of our company and our work", says Ms Valia Kelidou, one of the two children of Niki and Argyris Kelidis, who has brought fame to the area through Kyklopas and their hard work.
The Flos Olei catalogue is not only available to traders and dealers, but to anyone else who wants to learn more about olive oil. It is available in several languages and the important thing for the owners of olive mill is that the reference to their oil is accompanied by a photo with the map of the area, which shows the readers exactly where this oil comes from.
Kyklopas already boasts 105 awards and distinctions from participating in exhibitions and competitions around the world: Argentina, America, Japan, China, Portugal, Spain, London, Israel, and more. "The good thing is that in any competition we have taken part, we have won a prize, and that says something." As Ms Kelidou points out, many people who have tried their oil come to visit later on to learn about the place it is produced and the people who work there. In fact, the olive mill always warmly welcomes students from Thrace and other countries. This year they had school students from countries such as: Lithuania, Belgium, and Romania. "They are interested in how olive oil is made, and how olive trees are cultivated. They learn about us and come to see the production, that is, how a Greek olive oil is produced, and how it manages to gain such a high-profile. All schools that visit through European programs such as Erasmus+, come to our region again and again to see how olive oil is made, and they find that it a very enjoyable experience. Especially when they taste our oil.", says Ms. Kelidou, discovering how important it is to showcase the local area, by combining its produce with tourism.
And as for this year's cultivation? The final preparations in the field and the mill are underway, which means that as long as the weather holds up, they will begin to harvest for their early harvest olive oil soon and by the end of the week they will also start welcoming olive growers who can book an appointment for their own oil production. "It looks like it's going to be an average year. Some areas will have reduced production due to hailstorms and olive moths, while others will have a reasonably good level of production. Samothraki seems to be doing well this year, the signs are good so far. We always hope for the best, "says Ms. Kelidou revealing one of the secrets of success. "It is important not to see the people we work with as employees, but as partners. This is how we look at everyone that work with us."
Finally, we urge all small and large olive growers to go to their fields with a positive attitude. "Do not leave the olives on the trees, harvest them even if it is a small quantity. At the end of the day, even just come for the experience with your children. Remember also that with the olives in your yard, you can produce the oil you use at home. This way you will know exactly where your oil comes from."
Photo: Ms Vallia Kelidou with her father Argyris
Reportage-text-photos: Maria Nikolaou see here the article