Hellenic Routes Olive Oil

Hellenic Routes Olive Oil is a line of premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils, crafted from some of Greece’s most celebrated varieties—Tsounati, Koroneiki, Megaritiki, and Manaki. Produced exclusively for export, these oils represent the best of small-scale cultivation, delivering superb quality while carrying the story of Greece’s agricultural heritage to tables around the world.

When tasked with designing their packaging, we wanted to avoid the typical symbols so often used for olive oil. Instead, we set out to create a visual language that spoke of heritage, travel, and timeless culture. Our inspiration came from the very first Greek postage stamp, issued in 1861 and featuring Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Hermes became the perfect emblem: a figure who carries messages across distances, just as these oils carry the essence of Greece abroad.

Each variety is distinguished by its own colour palette, turning the bottles into a collectible series of “stamps.” This system encourages discovery, much like a traveller exploring Greece’s diverse terroirs. Typography, borders, and engraved details were developed with a philatelic sensibility, reinforcing the idea of each bottle as a message, carefully crafted and sent from Greece.

The packaging choice was equally deliberate. We partnered with Phil the Bottle, a renowned brand known for its sleek, refillable, nomadic form. Its flask-like silhouette not only enhances portability but also underlines the sustainable philosophy behind the product. These bottles are designed to be refilled and reused, transforming packaging from something disposable into something enduring. With every refill, the story of Hellenic Routes continues—new chapters added to a journey that never ends.

Ultimately, the design positions Hellenic Routes Olive Oil as more than just a culinary product. It is a cultural artefact, a travel book, and a collector’s item all in one. Opening the bottle feels like unfolding a chapter of Greek history, written by nature and human care. The result is packaging that bridges past and present, combining iconic symbolism with modern sustainability.