If you’ve ever spent time around a Greek family when food is on the table, you’ve probably heard the word λάδι (ladi). In its simplest form, it means oil. In Greece, it represents much more. It reflects tradition, family, hospitality, and the foundation of nearly every meal.
Phonetically, λάδι sounds like LA-thee, and that simple word became the inspiration for our brand. For us, LaThee™ is more than olive oil. It’s a connection to our roots, our family, and our culture.
The idea for LaThee™ started in the most natural way possible. After our wedding in Kalamata, Avgi and I were sitting on the beach, tossing around what felt like a crazy idea at the time: “Hey… we should start an olive oil company.” Year after year, each time we returned to Greece, that casual conversation stayed with us until, eventually, we decided it was time to make it a reality.
My wife and Co-Founder, Avgi, was born in Kalamata and moved to the United States when she was just three years old. Much of her family still lives in Greece, and for generations they have been known in the region for producing exceptional olive oil. My own family roots also trace back to the Peloponnese, making this part of Greece deeply personal to both of us.
Our olives are grown and harvested in the Messinia region of Greece, the same place our families call home. When we say “Born in Kalamata,” it’s more than a tagline—it’s our story. It’s where our family was born, our second home, and the place where our olive oil begins.
Together we founded LaThee™ to share the olive oil, culture, and traditions we love from Greece with the world.
— Mike Zafiropoulos
Founder, LáThee™
