ABOUT US

In an area of 60 acres in Fragokastello, the organic farmer Manolis Fasoulakis with cottage industry number GR94000148 from Chora Sfakion cultivates organic aromatic and medicinal herbs and olives (Lianes and Tsounates). 

He then uses the aromatic Cretan plants and herbs in extra virgin olive oil, resulting in a unique aroma that steals the impressions of foreign and Greek visitors.

"Since I have olives and produce olive oil, I thought of adding herbs to enrich it," says Mr. Fasoulakis. He has been involved in cottage industry since 2017. He describes the activity as a "tool" for small producers as it helped them in training, organizing and promoting their products. But the most important thing is that with ensured hygienic conditions, they can legally sell their products, through the self-production area, but also in farmers' markets or in retail stores. "We learned things we didn't know through seminars we held on good farming practices while the cottage industry helped us a lot in promoting the products," he noted.

Manolis Fassoulakis also owns 60 beehives with EL94/926 code.

Recognizing the quality and authenticity of the products, foreigners and locals alike seek out the herbal oil and the thyme honey with pistachios from Aegina from shops with which he cooperates in the Venetian port and in the city center of Chania.

"Especially foreigners prefer herbs and when they come to Chania they look for organic products. So they get small packages and take them to their country. They like them because they are pure, they have aromas. An asset of our region here in Sfakia is the great sunshine. And the climate helps the herbs to give their best aromas," he explains.

"A producer understands that he is doing a good job when his products sells. And mine sells a lot..." he tells us with satisfaction.