Laconiko has announced the release of its 2026/2027 harvest of ZOI ultra-high phenolic extra virgin olive oil, a product that last year was recognized by the Oleocanthal International Society as the world's healthiest olive oil due to its record oleocanthal content. This year's harvest delivers even greater concentrations of polyphenols and oleocanthal, according to the company, reinforcing ZOI's position at the forefront of functional olive oils.
The significance of this announcement lies in the growing body of research linking high-phenolic olive oils to potential health benefits. ZOI is made from early-harvested Kalamon olives that are intentionally underripe, a practice that yields both intense flavor and elevated levels of natural polyphenols. For the 2026/2027 season, Laconiko reports measured values of 1,552 mg/kg of polyphenols and 1,147 mg/kg of oleocanthal. These figures surpass last year's already impressive numbers, underscoring the company's commitment to maximizing the health-promoting properties of its oil.
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 of particular interest because they offer a concentrated source of these compounds along with the robust flavors that define early-harvest oils. "Quality extra virgin olive oil brings more than flavor," Flynn said. "It is versatile enough to enjoy daily and contains polyphenols whose potential role in health researchers continue to study." Her comments highlight why ZOI's elevated polyphenol content matters: it aligns with a growing consumer and scientific focus on food as a tool for wellness.
Beyond its health profile, ZOI is notable for its striking deep green color and bold sensory characteristics. Produced by fourth-generation family company Laconiko in Laconia, Greece, and air-freighted to the United States within days of production, the oil captures the full intensity of early harvest. "This is such a green olive oil that makes you stop and marvel," said Laconiko producer Dino Pierrakos. "It is made from olives harvested early in the season, delivering a magical peppery finish."
The 2026/2027 ZOI is available through Laconiko's national specialty retail partners, its online store, and its showroom in Manassas, Virginia. The 375ml bottle is priced at $59.95. For more information, visit www.laconiko.com.
The release of ZOI's new harvest is significant not only for olive oil enthusiasts but also for the broader food industry, as it demonstrates how targeted agricultural practices can enhance the nutritional density of staple foods. With polyphenol and oleocanthal levels that outpace previous records, ZOI sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from premium extra virgin olive oil, blending tradition with measurable health benefits.
