Laconiko has announced that its 2026/2027 harvest of ZOI ultra-high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil is ready for consumers. The product gained international attention last year when the Oleocanthal International Society named it the world's healthiest olive oil for its oleocanthal content. This season's harvest delivers even higher concentrations of polyphenols and oleocanthal, according to the company, reinforcing ZOI's position at the intersection of culinary excellence and functional nutrition.
ZOI is produced from early-harvest Kalamon olives grown on the family estate in Laconia, Greece, and is air-freighted to the United States within days of production to preserve peak freshness. The oil is characterized by an exceptionally deep green color, a fresh aroma reminiscent of cut grass, green olive leaf, green walnut, and almond, and a bold, balanced flavor with a persistent peppery finish. “This is such a green olive oil that makes you stop and say wow! It is made from olives harvested early in the season, delivering an amazing peppery finish. Every year, we look forward to sharing the first taste of the new harvest, and this year's ZOI is truly special,” said Laconiko producer Dino Pierrakos.
The 2026/2027 ZOI was measured at 1,552 mg/kg of polyphenols and 1,147 mg/kg of oleocanthal. Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds in extra virgin olive oil that contribute to its distinct character, and oleocanthal is the compound associated with the peppery sensation of high-phenolic oils. These measured concentrations underscore Laconiko's focus on producing oils with exceptional phenolic profiles. The science behind such oils continues to draw interest; Mary Flynn, PhD, RDN, LDN, an associate professor of medicine at Brown University who has studied extra virgin olive oil for decades, noted that “high-polyphenol oils are particularly interesting because of their concentrated source of these compounds and the robust flavor that makes early-harvest olive oils unique.”
The new harvest is available through national specialty retail partners, the company's online store, and the Laconiko tasting room in Manassas, Virginia. ZOI is sold in a 375 mL bottle at $59.95. For more information, visit www.laconiko.com.
The release matters for health-conscious consumers and the premium olive oil market, as it demonstrates that incremental gains in phenolic content are possible through careful early harvesting and rapid logistics. For retailers, ZOI offers a differentiated product with a verified health narrative and a striking visual identity. Laconiko, a fourth-generation family business, also produces monovarietal olive oils from Koroneiki olives and a growing line of fruit vinegars and balsamics, but ZOI remains its most concentrated expression of both flavor and function.
