Nick Bourdakos and Katia Palombi are the founders and owners of Kyriakoula’s Olive Oil Inc., a family-owned business bringing premium, single-source extra virgin olive oil and specialty Greek products to Canadians. The company is named after Nick’s 90-year-old aunt, Kyriakoula — a woman whose lifelong dedication to their family groves in Greece and whose belief that good food brings people together became the heartbeat of the brand.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Kyriakoula’s Olive Oil Inc. is a family-owned business that produces and distributes premium single-source extra virgin olive oil and specialty products from Greece. Our products include Evoo, chili-infused olive oil, balsamic vinegars, sea salt from Mani, and other carefully selected products that showcase authentic Greek flavours.
What made you want to do this work?
We were inspired to start this business by my 90-year-old aunt, Kyriakoula, whose love, wisdom, and dedication have shaped our family for generations. We named the company in her honour because she represents everything our brand stands for—hard work, authenticity, family, and a deep respect for the land. Even today, she remains closely connected to our family groves in Greece, overseeing their care and taking pride in the olive oil we produce. Her belief that good food brings people together has been passed down through our family and continues to guide every decision we make. Through this business, we are not only sharing exceptional olive oil, but also preserving her legacy and the traditions she has devoted her life to protecting.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We wanted to make authentic Greek products more accessible to Canadians while preserving the traditions and farming practices. Too often, consumers don’t know where their olive oil comes from. We wanted to offer transparency, authenticity, and exceptional quality directly from the source.
Who is your clientele and demographics?
Our customers include home cooks, food enthusiasts, health-conscious consumers, specialty food shoppers, restaurants, and anyone who appreciates high-quality ingredients. We serve customers across Canada, with a growing presence at local markets, festivals, and specialty retailers.
How does your business work?
We import and sell premium Greek products through direct-to-consumer sales, local markets, festivals, online orders, and wholesale partnerships with retailers and restaurants. Our flagship extra virgin olive oil is produced by our family in Greece using olives harvested from our own groves, ensuring complete control over quality from tree to bottle. By working closely with family producers and trusted suppliers in Greece, we are able to maintain exceptional quality, authenticity, and transparency while keeping our products competitively priced.
Where in the city can we find you?
You can find us at local markets, food festivals, pop-up events, specialty food stores, and community events throughout the Greater Montreal area. We are also available online and through select retail partners.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask when comparing services?
Can you tell me exactly where your olive oil comes from and how it is produced?
Absolutely. Our extra virgin olive oil comes from our family’s groves in the Achaea region of Greece, where the olives are hand-harvested and carefully cold-extracted to preserve their naturally low acidity and high polyphenol content. We believe knowing the source of your food is just as important as enjoying it.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is sharing a piece of our family’s heritage and seeing customers discover the difference that authentic, high-quality products can make. The most challenging part is educating consumers about why quality olive oil differs from mass-produced alternatives and the work that goes into producing it.
What is your favourite joke about your profession?
People ask if olive oil is worth the price. I tell them, ‘You can buy cheap olive oil once, or good olive oil for the rest of your life.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Pizzeria Dei Compari is a local family business we admire for its passion for quality food, craftsmanship, and commitment to supporting local communities. Their authentic wood-fired pizzas, prepared in a wood-burning oven, reflect the same dedication to quality and tradition that we value in our own products. Businesses like theirs help strengthen the local food culture and create meaningful connections with customers.
