Tell us a few words about yourself. How did you start? What inspired you to get involved with food?
I am Athina Kordosi, born in Chiliomodi, Corinth. After graduating from high school, I studied Business Administration and Marketing Management at the American College of Greece.
With 20 years of experience in commercial (import & export) companies, and due to the financial crisis, I decided to return to my hometown with the goal of getting involved in our four-generation-old family cultivation and production of extra virgin olive oil—primarily to help evolve and develop it further.
Tell us a few words about your brand. What does it represent? What was your purpose in creating it?
The name “TENÉA” comes from my homeland. During recent excavations by the Ministry of Culture in Chiliomodi, Corinth, the ancient city of Tenea was discovered. Among the significant findings were numerous graves with a wealth of burial offerings, coins, an aqueduct, and more—evidence of the city’s long-standing prosperity and that of its inhabitants.
The fertile land of Ancient Tenea, its plain, and surrounding hills have been known since the Mycenaean period. The area’s agricultural products were of exceptional quality and part of the diet of neighboring cities’ residents.
How did you get started? What difficulties did you face?
TENÉA is a newly established company, founded at the end of 2019, when we began bottling and marketing our extra virgin olive oil in both Greece and abroad.
COVID-19 and the war have been the main challenges we’ve faced so far. Unfortunately, this year we are also conf
ronted with an even greater issue: olive tree infertility, which has led to near-zero production in many areas of Greece for the 2023–2024 season. This is one of the primary reasons behind the significant increase in olive oil prices today.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
TENÉA Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a 100% pure and healthy Greek extra virgin olive oil of high quality. It comes from single-variety olive groves of the Manaki cultivar in the area of Ancient Tenea, Corinth, in the Peloponnese.
TENÉA Extra Virgin Olive Oil has already won 8 international quality awards!
Tell us about your raw materials.
Make sure to choose the right type of olive oil: Selecting the proper kind is extremely important. Extra virgin olive oil retains certain antioxidants and bioactive compounds from the olives, which is why it’s considered healthier than more refined varieties. However, there’s a lot of fraud in the olive oil market, as many oils labeled “extra virgin” have been diluted with refined oils. Therefore, always read the labels carefully to ensure you’re getting real extra virgin olive oil. It’s also a good idea to read the ingredient list and look for quality certification.
Can Greek producers make a difference during the crisis?
I believe we can stand out when we have faith, passion, and commitment to what we do. After all, more and more people are turning to small producers and local, high-quality products.
Why did you choose to participate in and support the Wise Greece Movement?
Almost simultaneously with our founding in 2019, I heard about Wise Greece. After learning about its non-profit work in both Greece and abroad, TENÉA chose to support its mission and proudly be a part of the movement.
