Psyche Organic: Revolutionizing Olive Oil with Community and Sustainability

Published: March 17, 2023
Source: Office Magazine
Author: Olivia Roper-Caldbeck
Photography: Clement Mogensen

From NYC Publishing to Sustainable Olive Oil Farming in Copenhagen

Theophilos, known as Theo, transitioned from an independent art book publisher in New York City to the founder of Psyche Organic, a Copenhagen-based olive oil company focused on sustainability and community. This shift began during the 2020 pandemic when Theo sought deeper meaning, inspired by Japanese farmer Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming philosophies. A trip to Greece led him to an organic olive farmer whose practices aligned perfectly with Theo’s new vision.

Crafting Authentic, Cold-Pressed Olive Oil

Psyche Organic’s olive oil is produced through traditional, chemical-free methods on ancient olive trees in Greece—some over a thousand years old. Each November, olives are hand-harvested, washed, de-pitted, and cold-pressed to ensure purity and retain full flavor and nutrients. Theo and his team visit the farm every harvest season to oversee quality and maintain strong ties with local farmers.

Building an Inclusive, Transparent Community

In Copenhagen, Psyche Organic stands out by blending luxury, fashion-inspired branding with inclusivity and health-conscious values. The company caters to diverse communities across race, gender, and culture, using olive oil as a catalyst for connection and wellness education. Transparency in their supply chain counters the widespread olive oil market corruption by delivering genuinely organic, high-quality products.

Psyche Café: Engaging Locally and Beyond

A recent collaboration led to Psyche Organic’s involvement in a pop-up café residency near their flagship store, revitalizing community interaction through food and events. Theo is currently expanding this engagement through activations in Milan, and plans to sustain the sense of community via their showroom and hosted events, despite not maintaining a permanent physical café space.

Growth, Innovation, and Market Expansion

Psyche Organic is unique in the olive oil market for its eco-friendly packaging—a pioneering feature—and its aesthetic approach akin to fashion brands. Already present in New York City (Scarr’s Pizza) and Los Angeles (Homesick Studios), the company intends to expand further into Scandinavia, Asia, and Northern Europe, continually bridging organic farming with urban lifestyles.

Future Vision: Redefining Food Industry Ethics and Living Authentically

Theo’s mission extends beyond business growth to reshaping the olive oil industry’s ethical blueprint. Inspired by Patagonia’s founder Yvon Chouinard, he aims to create a transparent, sustainable model that supports health and authentic taste. Within 10–15 years, he plans to retire from daily operations to cultivate his own farm and establish an off-grid art residency, blending agriculture with creative culture.

Overcoming Challenges: Letting Go and Reinvention

Transitioning from New York’s vibrant art scene to the sustainable food industry prompted a significant personal transformation for Theo. He describes it as an "ego death," relinquishing previous identity and social standing connected to his publishing career. This acceptance was vital to embrace his new path rooted in environmental stewardship and community impact.

Key Takeaways

• Psyche Organic champions 100% organic, cold-pressed olive oil harvested using sustainable practices from ancient Greek olive trees.
• The brand merges sustainability with inclusive community-building and premium aesthetics.
• Innovative eco-friendly packaging sets Psyche Organic apart in a traditionally opaque market.
• Expansion plans target multiple international markets, emphasizing education and transparency.
• Founder Theo envisions a future blending food justice, art, and environmental activism through personal farming and residencies.

Psyche Organic exemplifies how blending sustainable agriculture with creative entrepreneurship and community engagement can transform a traditional industry for the better—offering authenticity, health, and inclusivity in every drop of their olive oil.

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.