HOW GAEA CELEBRATED IN ATHENS 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Twisted Aperitivos with the EVOO as a hero

The evening opened with aperitivo cocktails inspired by extra virgin olive oil and its ability to elevate simplicity into artistry. It was a first taste of an experiential journey that united craftsmanship, storytelling, and gastronomy. Each cocktail acted as a gentle introduction to the idea that olive oil is not only a culinary ingredient but also an identity, a heritage, and a lens through which something classic can become even more sophisticated with just a few drops.

The GAEA Lab: Creativity Guided by Taste

In the heart of the venue, the GAEA Lab, a sensory workshop, invited guests to experiment with fifteen aromatic ingredients to craft their own marinated olives. Guests chose their olive base, GAEA green olives, pitted and ready to absorb flavor, explored the aroma pyramids, and selected their ingredients. From Mediterranean classics to bold spicy blends and gourmet accents like cocoa nibs and bottarga powder, each creation reflected personal taste and cultural perspective.

This hands-on experience captured the spirit of Mediterranean exploration. It celebrated the curiosity that drives innovation and highlighted the versatility of Greek olives in modern gastronomy.

A Journey Through GAEA’s Milestones

Before guests moved on to the creative lab experience, Thomas Brinkmann,  CEO of GAEA, and Patrick Tomasik, Senior Business Development Manager, took the stage to guide everyone through a concise yet deeply meaningful journey into GAEA’s history. With clear vision and heartfelt sincerity, they highlighted the company’s most defining milestones, from its earliest handcrafted batches of olive oil to its remarkable expansion across thirty-three countries.
They spoke about years of dedication and expertise, about innovations that reshaped the olive oil category, and about strategic partnerships that elevated GAEA to international recognition. Their narrative was a tribute to every team, every producer, and every person who has contributed to GAEA’s path toward excellence.
This historic overview gave the evening an even deeper resonance, reminding everyone that GAEA’s success is built on trust, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

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A Landmark Announcement in Accessibility

During the evening, GAEA's Chief Commercial Officer, Nicolas Diamantopoulos, presented an innovation with deep social impact: the first olive oil label in Greece printed in Braille, designed for individuals with visual impairments. Approved by the Center for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind, the new label embodies the company’s commitment to inclusivity and meaningful design. Starting in 2026, the Braille edition will debut on GAEA Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with plans to expand gradually across all global markets.

It was a moment that resonated with substance, showing that excellence is also measured by responsibility.

How did a Blind Tasting redefine perception?

One of the most memorable moments of the night was when guests were invited to wear sleep masks and follow the voice of Giotis Angelidis through a blind olive oil tasting. Without visual reference, the senses sharpened. GAEA's extra-virgin olive oils, Fresh, Organic, and Sitia released aromas of grass, fresh herbs, almond, and citrus rose from the small blue tasting glasses, connecting each participant with memories and sensations often left untapped. It was a moment of vulnerability and discovery, a rare opportunity to experience olive oil in its purest form. In that phase, there was no right or wrong, only personal interpretation and experience.

A Five-Course Ode to Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The dinner that followed was a tribute to five iconic GAEA extra-virgin olive oils, each inspiring a different dish, executed with maestry by Chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos and the team of Dipnosofistirion.

From scallops gently perfumed with Planet Organic EVOO to a twisted Greek salad built around the bold character of GAEA Fresh, each plate was a layered interpretation of terroir, texture, and aroma.

The highlight of the evening came in the form of a dessert where chocolate and GAEA Sitia PDO EVOO intertwined, proving that olive oil is not limited by category but elevated by imagination.

A Tree Filled With Wishes

Before the night concluded, guests approached the symbolic GAEA Tree to hang handwritten messages filled with wishes, memories, and hopes for the next thirty years. It stood as a metaphor for the roots of the brand and the branches of its future.

Editor's Tip: With journalists, industry experts, partners, and distributors from thirty-three countries, the event reaffirmed GAEA’s global impact and its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

For thirty years, the company has shared the spirit of Greek earth with the world. The celebration at Athens was a reminder that its journey has only just begun.