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When Crete's Olive Oil Reached Gorbachev's Desk

Wednesday, 17 June 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

In March 1987, a Cretan newspaper reported that Greek, and likely Cretan, olive oil was being exported to the Soviet Union, reaching the desk of General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. This historical footnote highlights Crete's long-standing role as a major olive oil producer and exporter. The island's olive groves, particularly in regions like Messara and Lassithi, have supplied markets across Europe and beyond for centuries. Today, visitors to Crete can explore this tradition firsthand by visiting local olive mills, attending harvest seasons in autumn, or purchasing high-quality extra virgin olive oil directly from producers. Many agritourism estates around Heraklion and Chania offer tastings and tours, giving travelers a direct connection to the agricultural heritage that once caught the attention of Cold War-era superpowers.

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