Psyche Organic: Revolutionizing Olive Oil with Community and Sustainability

Published: March 17, 2023 | By Olivia Roper-Caldbeck

Psyche Organic, founded by Theophilos, an ex-New York book publisher and arts community builder, is transforming the olive oil industry with a focus on sustainable farming, transparency, and inclusivity.

From New York Arts to Sustainable Olive Oil Farming

Theophilos’ journey from publishing independent art books in New York City to owning an organic olive oil company in Copenhagen started in 2020 amidst the pandemic. Drawn by Japanese natural farming philosophies, he traveled to Greece for an apprenticeship with an organic olive farmer. This hands-on experience cemented his commitment to sustainable, chemical-free farming dating back centuries. Psyche Organic’s olive oil is cold-pressed from olives harvested by hand and processed traditionally to maintain quality and authenticity.

Commitment to Transparency and Quality

Psyche Organic prioritizes transparency in its supply chain—a rarity in the often opaque and corrupt olive oil market. By cultivating close, seasonal partnerships with Greek farmers and overseeing production at the mill, Theophilos ensures the product’s purity from tree to table.

The brand also innovates with an eco-friendly packaging solution unique to the olive oil industry, underlining its eco-conscious ethos.

Building Community and Inclusivity in Copenhagen

Unlike the broad anonymity of New York, Copenhagen’s smaller community has embraced Psyche Organic’s inclusive philosophy. The brand promotes health and wellness beyond demographics—welcoming all races, genders, and backgrounds. In addition to their flagship store and showroom, Psyche Organic creates community touchpoints through events and pop-up cafes, such as a residency at a Michelin-starred restaurant, to engage people physically and culturally.

Strategic Expansion and Future Vision

Psyche Organic is already present in key markets like New York (Scarr’s Pizza) and Los Angeles (Homesick Studios) and plans to expand further into Scandinavia, Asia, and Northern Europe. Theophilos envisions revolutionizing the olive oil industry by:

• Creating a transparent, ethical supply chain
• Delivering genuine quality and taste
• Building scalable infrastructure inspired by Patagonia’s model of sustainability and community impact

Ultimately, Theophilos aims to retire from daily operations to cultivate his own farm combining food production with an off-grid art residency, reflecting his lifelong passions.

Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth

Transitioning from a vibrant New York creative identity to a sustainable food entrepreneur involved “ego death” and acceptance. Letting go of his publishing brand Paradigm—which shaped his identity for 12 years—was challenging yet crucial for embracing a new path centered on authenticity, community well-being, and environmental responsibility.

Why Psyche Organic Matters

• Sustainability: Organic, pesticide-free olive farming that respects nature and history
• Transparency: Direct collaboration with farmers ensuring authentic product quality
• Innovation: Unique eco-friendly packaging and lifestyle branding akin to fashion industry strategies
• Community: Inclusive, health-focused engagement through local events and global partnerships
• Visionary Leadership: Inspired by ethical business pioneers to disrupt one of the food industry’s most compromised markets

Psyche Organic exemplifies how blending creativity, community, and sustainability can revitalize traditional industries with integrity and purpose. Their story offers valuable lessons for organic and sustainable product pioneers worldwide.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.