The Company
The company was founded in 2013 and is located in the semi-mountainous, filled with olive groves, area of Pylos, in the picturesque village of Papoulia, a village with a long history following the history of Messinia and of the wider area of Pylia, since, in the Ancient Times, it was part of Nestor’s kingdom, ancient Pylos.
Our Philosophy
The passion for extra virgin olive oil and table olives, combined with the desire to secure a high and consistent quality of products, has led to the creation of a fully vertically integrated bioclimatic unit, with absolute respect for and in harmony with the environment, in an area of 5.000 square meters. This unit is where one of the most modern and innovative olive mills operates. Under new management since the beginning of 2020, the vision for the production and distribution of exceptional quality products is strengthened, and so is the passion for Greek olive oil and olives, that constitute an integral part of the world-famous Mediterranean diet.
The Olive Groves
Surrounded by olive trees, the production unit of the company is located at the top of a hill near the village of Papoulia, at an altitude of 350 meters, just 10 kilometers from the shores of the Ionian Sea in the greater Messinia region. The area has been known for growing olives for hundreds of years, while the variety of olive trees “Koroneiki” produces a select olive variety, used to produce one of the most exceptional olive oils in the Mediterranean.
At AGRO.POLY, the families of our olive producers cultivate the olive groves from generation to generation, using the same traditional methods, in combination with modern practices that ensure that the olive oil will possess the best organoleptic characteristics, flavors and aromas. In a rich physical relief with excellent climatic conditions, modern knowledge combined with tradition make the cultivation of olives a personal affair to every family of producers.
The Olive Mill
In our facilities there is an exemplary olive mill, equipped with the latest technology machines. Having secured the correct harvest of the olive fruit, in terms of its level of ripeness and healthy state, the olives are driven into small perforated tanks within 3 hours in the mill.
The steps to be followed are:
WASHING OF THE OLIVE FRUIT
The methodical washing of the olive fruit that enters the stage of oiling is extremely important, in order for the leaves and exogenous factors, such as dust, to be removed.
PRESSING OF THE OLIVE FRUIT
The proper pressing process is very important in order to achieve a natural fruit juice. To determine the quality of olive oil, the preparation of the olive paste and the whole process is carried out at a controlled temperature not exceeding 28ο.
CENTRIFUGATION
Through centrifugation, the olive oil is separated from the kernel and its additional liquid components.
FILTERING
A very important step in the oiling process, in order for even the smallest solid fruit molecules, as well as for the moisture molecules, to be removed from the olive oil. Filtering is one of the most important stages in the life cycle of the product, affecting its shelf life.
STORAGE
Following the controls necessary throughout the oiling period, the olive oil enters the storage stage in stainless steel tanks with nitrogen, so that it is not exposed to oxygen, one of its main “enemies”.
PACKAGING
In the final stage, that of standardization, only dark bottles are used to protect the olive oil against its 3 natural “enemies”, light, oxygen and high temperature.
Quality
AGRO.POLY adopts and implements modern business practices and total quality management systems, to ensure high – standard Greek products.
The successful implementation of quality management, food safety and environmental management, through controls, inspections and continuous improvement, are ensured for the company through the application of the standards ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and IFS and the Organic, PDO Kalamata products.
Sustainability
AGRO.POLY is the first in its industry to apply green operating practices, in an effort to reduce its environmental impact. The photovoltaic installation of the unit allows us to use solar energy in our daily operations. In addition to solar energy, AGRO.POLY uses led lighting and inverter technology in all production lines and utilizes biomass in the mill line, to minimize energy consumption. At the same time, water is saved both through its recycling in the production lines and through the collection of rainwater to be used in tree irrigation and cleaning works. The plant produces zero waste, as all by-products of the production process are properly utilized.
In addition to protecting the environment and natural resources, AGRO.POLY also supports local producers and strengthens the local economy in the region of Pylos, but also in the wider region of Messinia.
Overall, it abides by environmental standards and operates with respect for people and nature, while blending in harmoniously with the natural environment, creating an ideal symmetry between the olive groves, the brown color of the earth and the green color of the olive trees.
