PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Why Sopato Organic Olive Oil from Crete Stands Out

If you’ve ever searched for the best olive oil to use in your kitchen, you’ve probably come across the term PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil. But what does PDO actually mean, and why is it so important when choosing a high-quality, organic olive oil like Sopato?

PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin. It is an official EU certification that guarantees a product is deeply tied to its place of origin. For olive oil, this means:

• The olives must be grown, harvested, and pressed in the certified region.

• The oil must meet strict quality standards.

• The production follows traditional methods passed down for generations.

When you see PDO on a bottle of olive oil, you know it’s authentic, traceable, and truly represents the land where it comes from.

Our Sopato olive oil carries the PDO Sitia, Crete certification, one of the most renowned olive oil regions in the world. This small corner of Eastern Crete is famous for its mountain slopes, unique microclimate, and centuries-old olive groves. The result? An olive oil that is naturally rich in antioxidants, with a fresh, fruity flavor and the peppery finish that true extra virgin olive oil lovers seek.

And because we produce Sopato in small batches, everything is carefully done: from hand-harvesting to cold-pressing within hours of picking. On top of that, our olive oil is certified organic, meaning no pesticides, no chemicals – just pure, clean olive juice.

For anyone passionate about cooking, the quality of olive oil can completely transform a dish. Whether you drizzle it over fresh salads, finish grilled vegetables, or simply dip warm bread into it, PDO Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil like Sopato guarantees:

• Authentic origin and taste

• High levels of natural antioxidants

• Strict quality standards

• A sustainable, chemical-free product

It’s not just olive oil – it’s a story of the land, the people, and the traditions of Crete.

At Sopato, we keep things small and personal. 99% of our production is sold directly through our webshop. This way, you get the freshest oil straight from the farmer, without long storage or supermarket shelves.