My first taste of LIÁ olive oil was a couple of years ago when I first met Evita from Agora Products. She introduced me to the world of wonderful Greek produce and excellent extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). I’ve always been a fan of a good EVOO, but LIÁ is an exceptionally delicious premium product that has won an array of well-deserved awards worldwide.
Every new harvest, I order at least two bottles of LIÁ. One is for my table and the other I use as a gift to impress (unless I am too greedy and keep it for myself!). Evita has often told me about the wonderful people behind the brands she brings to Singapore. I’m totally obsessed with LIA so I was pleased and delighted to hear their story.
Thank you, from Agora Products for the introduction and Cristina and Konstantinos Stribak (Co-Founders at LIÁ Cultivators) for telling this all began.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourselves
Cristina: I studied art history in Italy. The only thing I took with me in my luggage was a bottle of extra virgin olive oil from my family’s olive garden. While studying, I started a debate with my friends to find out which olive oil was the best. For this reason, I attended many courses, and I became an official olive oil taster.
At the same time, my brother Konstadinos specialised in the cultivation and production of premium extra virgin olive oil. He has over 17 experience in this field.
We both love nature, olive trees and we think that extra virgin olive oil plays a central role not only in defining the quality of our life but also in the history, construction and evolution of our culture and identity.
That’s why we choose the word Cultivators (cultivation & culture) as part of our name.
How did you get Where did it all begin?
It all began from my need to communicate the values of nature and a 100% natural extra virgin olive oil. I wanted, in particular, to say more about our culture and our land through this valuable product that my brother and I were producing from the olive groves that we were fortunate to inherit from our parents.
I dreamt that our brand could become a daily choice in every meal. That it would be more than a lifestyle brand but really turn into a healthy “modus vivendi” (Latin phrase for “way of life” or “mode of living”).
What do you believe in?
I believe in nature! I am in love with the trees. They always have something to teach me.
With my brother, we continue the circle of life just like our trees do by fostering the same values we have been taught by our parents while cultivating our grove and our soul. Our trees are not only memories of the past but also tools of inspiration for the future.
What is your favourite part of what you do?
I love everything! Each season in the olive oil grove has a different beauty. However, to be honest I love that moment, in the mill, when the fresh extra virgin olive oil comes! I immediately take a glass, I close my eyes and I smell it.
That is a magic moment because there, in my nose, comes all the smells from every season, it is a charming journey that reminds me the beauty and power of nature.
Is there any advice you’d give to someone who wants to start a business for themselves?
When you have an idea you have to write down a realistic business plan. We should never think of failure, but even if it happens it turns into knowledge.
You start and create something from nothing, and if the idea fails in the end, we can not talk about failure but of experience. Only through these steps of entrepreneurship, can we evolve social creation and progress.
What do you do for fun?
I love travelling! I enjoy a dance course, I never miss my yoga practice, I take care of my garden, I play with my two beautiful nieces and I am a volunteer in an Art Museum. When I go to Athens I visit art galleries and theatres.
What is your favouriate place or thing to eat?
I love fish, vegetables, good wine and of course LIÁ EVOO. Over the last years, I’ve always gone around with a bottle of LIÁ because chefs invest money and time to prepare delicious dishes but they sometimes don’t accompany them with a superb olive oil. So, in order to enjoy my meals and stop complaining about the quality of the olive oil, I bring my own bottle of LIÁ!
For more amazing Greek products, visit agoraproducts.com.sg.
