Messinian Union

Messinian Union is a co-operative of olive farmers in Greece.

Messinia is known as 'the land of the olive tree' and is home to the world famous Kalamata olives. Olive trees have been cultivated here since the 12th century BC and the Messinia Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced here is 100% pure and exceptionally high quality. Its distinctive characteristics have even earned Messinian Extra Virgin Olive Oil the distinction of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

The vast olive groves of the region are split into smallholdings tended by independent growers who use their skills to tend the olive trees and harvest the fruit at the optimal moment. This results in perfect olives to be pressed for a superior olive oil.

The Union of Agricultural Co-operatives of Messinia was formed in 1987 joining seven existing farmers' co-operatives into a union 26,000 members strong dedicated to protecting the regions signature products and standardising quality and marketing. The co-op now has three state-of-the-art processing plants for the region's specialities of olive oil, table olives and currants. All the ingredients processed in the plants are grown and supplied by the co-operative members so all products are of the finest quality and fully traceable. There is also a laboratory dedicated to ensuring the highest food safety and quality standards are met.

The co-operative is a fine example of how traditional farmers can meet the demands of the modern customer by joining together to offer these unique regional products with consistency and quality guaranteed.