Category: World Farmer story | Country: Greece
One man’s journey to revive tradition, farm sustainably, and sell Greek gold to the world.
A Farmer’s Return to His Roots
In the sun-kissed hills of Kalamata, Greece, where olive trees have stood for centuries, a forgotten grove once lay silent. But in 2015, Dimitris Karras, a former mechanical engineer living in Germany, made a bold decision. Amidst Greece’s post-crisis chaos, he returned home to reclaim his grandfather’s land, which had been left untouched for over a decade.
“I saw potential where others saw failure,” says Dimitris. “To me, these trees were not just trees. They were heritage, history — and hope.”
Building an Organic Olive Dream
With limited funds and no formal training in agriculture, Dimitris started from scratch:
Land Area: 20 acres of traditional olive groves.
Challenges: Poor irrigation, aging trees, no market access.
Action Plan:
Adopt organic farming techniques.
Invest in drip irrigation and composting.
Use hand-picking for quality.
Cold-press olives within hours of harvest to ensure freshness.
In just two years, Dimitris transformed his farm into an EU-certified organic grove.
The Birth of “Golden Roots”
In 2019, Dimitris launched his olive oil brand – Golden Roots.
The name reflects both the ancient heritage of Kalamata and the modern, high-quality oil he produces. Packaged in minimalist glass bottles with eco-friendly labels, his olive oil quickly caught the attention of global connoisseurs.
He participated in international food fairs, used Instagram to share harvest videos, and told authentic stories about Greek farming culture.
A Global Brand from Local Soil
By 2021, Golden Roots olive oil was being exported to:
Germany
Canada
Japan
He added olive leaf tea, natural olive oil soaps, and even started farm-stay tours for European tourists who wanted to experience Greek farming firsthand.“Tourists love picking olives, tasting the oil straight from the press, and staying under the stars in our old stone house,” he laughs.
Earnings Breakdown (2024)
Source of Income Annual Revenue
Extra virgin olive oil (8,000L) €160,000 (avg. €20/L)
Olive-based products (tea/soap) €30,000
Farm-stay & tours €10,000
Total Revenue €200,000+
Net Profit (after costs/taxes) €90,000–100,000/year
Major Cost Areas:
Labor (handpicking)
Organic certification
Packaging and logistics
Marketing
Awards & Recognition
Berlin Olive Oil Awards (2022): Best Organic Olive Oil – Small Producer
Featured in “Greek Gourmet” Magazine (2023)
Collaboration with Athens-based chefs and eco-conscious cosmetic brands.
What Makes Him Successful?
1. Heritage + Innovation
He respected traditional farming but infused it with modern technology and branding.
2. Quality Over Quantity
He focused on premium buyers, not bulk markets.
3. Storytelling
Every bottle comes with a card telling the story of the tree, the harvest, and the farmer.
4. Sustainability
No chemicals. Zero waste. Every olive, leaf, and drop is utilized.
“People don’t just buy olive oil. They buy a piece of Greece. A piece of trust.”
— Dimitris Karras
Future Plans
Expand land by partnering with nearby farmers.
Launch olive-based skincare products.
Start an online subscription for direct global delivery.
Host international workshops on organic olive farming.
Final Words
Dimitris Karras proves that farming isn’t just about crops — it’s about vision. What was once a forgotten grove is now a global business rooted in passion, purity, and purpose.
If you ever taste Golden Roots olive oil, you’re not just enjoying food — you’re tasting the future of sustainable farming.
Leave a Reply