Our History

After our visit to Greece in 2011, Athan began studying the olive oil of his youth. He found the research of Drs. Magiatis and Melliou at the University of Athens and travelled to Northern Greece to hear the first presentation of the health benefits of High Phenolic EVOO. [1]

Athan was so inspired by what he learned that he began following olive oil news on Olive Oil Times and became a contributing writer sharing the research of Dr. Magiatis and team, but also challenging the status quo and the agencies that were blocking the acceptance of the Health Claim. [2]

In the depths of the economic crisis, where all funding had dried up, Artemis Alliance invested in the Magiatis/Melliou method of testing olive oil in the mill. It became the Aristoleo Test Kit, known as a “Lab in a Vial” and would go on to win 1st Prize in Greece Innovates.

Aristoleo incorporated in Cyprus to produce Aristoleo Test Kits. The challenge was that producers were reluctant to change methods to increase phenolic levels because there was no market yet. Soooo we began in earnest to share the news far and wide to build awareness.

This is the only annual international competition exclusive to High Phenolic Olive Oil and Table Olives.

2016 The Hellenic Miracle – Ancient roots of “Medicinal” olive oil
2017 Tasted Tested and True – Standards of testing – qNMR, LC-MS/MS
2018 Beyond Organic, Beyond Extra Virgin – Impact of Permaculture
2019 Food as Medicine – Athan announces his “answer to cancer”
2020 Age of Transparency – Serving informed health-aware individuals
2021 The Phenolic Effect – The power a daily regimen of olive oil
2022 Age of Clarity – Introducing Aristoleo-DataLok and Retail Cooler
2023 Polyphenols – Key to Health and Long Life
2024 Health Claim – Celebrating 12 Years

ARISTOIL was an EU funded 3-year, 5-country study into the best practices for producing and marketing High Phenolic EVOO. This includes cultivation, harvesting, transportation, milling, storage at 15°C. Aristoleo was the only private company and at the conclusion given the marketing mandate.

In the interests of raising awareness for High Phenolic EVOO; health benefits, latest clinical research, and what to look for in buying this exceptional olive oil, BOBEV was created on the Medium platform to meet the growing demand for real information and a trusted source.

ARISTOIL introduced High Phenolic EVOO brands at the SIAL Food Expo in Paris, to differential this olive oil as a nutraceutical rather than culinary olive oil. It’s a challenge for producers to find the market and a challenge for health-aware individuals to find trustworthy sources.

Debate amongst food agencies and invested olive oil interests to deny the health claim and accurate measurement methods was based on an interpretation of the original health claim. Athan lobbied the EU Commission which in turn give its answer: LC-Ms/MS as the original method for the health claim and qNMR as verified by the ARISTOIL study.

The Interred MED study was followed by the Circle the MED initiative to integrate the various studies where possible. Athan presented the Aristoleo Retail Cooler in keeping with the ARISTOIL (backed by international studies) that phenolic content will deteriorate quickly if not kept between 12.5-15°C or 54-59°F – just like fine red wine. Funding was available but COVID cancelled the funding. The first Aristoleo Cooler was installed in Athens and the second in Manassas, Virginia.

Continuing with the mandate to ensure transparency and accuracy on behalf of health-aware individuals, some dealing with life threatening illness, Aristoleo Certification was created to recognize producers and facilities that follow best practices – most importantly, climate controlled storage between 12.5-15°C or 54-59°F.

High Phenolic EVOO is a nutraceutical with health and wellness properties. The demographic for health-aware individuals is specific and clear. This olive oil does not belong on a retail shelf under the lights and in the fluctuating temperatures of a large store. This study defines the new parameters so that producers have a map and customers are served.

As a special request for Women in Olive Oil, Marilyn initiated a webinar that is evolving into an online marketing course for Extra Virgin Olive Oil producers with a special section on High Phenolic EVOO. Project in Progress…