DECEMBER - JANUARY19Erected across the entrance from the Village Hall and surrounded by both the state and American flags, Chronopoulos built the monument to honor the five men who lost their lives attempting to free the employees of the U.S. embassy in Iran during President Carter's era. It also lists the number of Americans who have died in every war, from the Civil War to the Vietnam War.While viewing the monument together, his father asked his son, "What have you done for Greece?" At that point, he thought, "What can my father want me to do more than educate my kids?"Following his father's passing, Chronopoulos joined his family in Greece for the burial, and there, he finally found the answer to his father's question. Olive trees surrounded the cemetery. Chronopoulos states that at that moment, "I became driven by a desire to preserve and share this heritage, and this was when I knew I had to share with the world Greece's olive oil and olives, drawing upon ancient practices and traditions to create my products." In 1995, he created The Tassos Group and introduced his Greek olive oils, earning accolades from consumers and industry experts. His decision to enter the olive oil industry was driven by the recognition that the oil is part of the very fabric of Mediterranean life, offering profound medicinal benefits. At a time when the market was dominated by corn oil, most Americans had never tasted unadulterated, fresh, quality olive oil. After two years of product development, the product was an instant success. He promptly received the Thumbs Up Award from the Chicago Tribune, was ranked #1 by the U.S. Consumer Report, and won numerous gold medals for his oils then and now. Chronopoulos went on to launch three premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils and pioneered the stuffed and double-stuffed olives and the pitted Kalamata. The brand's extra virgin olive oil also carries the seal of the American Heart Association®. His success is underpinned by the insistence on harvesting olives, whether for jarring or for oil, by hand. Even the olives are stuffed by hand. All olives are inspected for quality and size. From harvest to shelf, olives and olive oil proceed with the greatest regard, using only ancient processes everywhere possible, with little to no environmental impact. These measures guarantee the highest quality for its customers. This reflects Chronopoulos' understanding that the terroir is vital to good food and that what we eat is crucial for health. He believes there needs to be more discussion about the issue in both animal and human food production that results in critical changes. To provide the American consumer with the best products, the company does not use synthetic chemicals, additives, or artificial coloring--its goal is for all to taste the natural fruit. Central to The Tassos Group's success is its commitment to authenticity and tradition. The company uses only products from approved designated origins recognized for their quality by both the European and U.S. governments. The Protective Designation of Origin (PDO) seal guarantees authenticity and origin and legally protects against imitation or inferior quality. PDO provides consumers with a greater appreciation for regional and specialty foods. The company raised the bar when it introduced the first extra virgin olive oil bearing both PDO and organic certifications. Taste and the quality of the antioxidants and polyphenols are exceptional. It is considered a high-phenol, antioxidant oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for all types of cooking. Tassos offers a variety of products, including olives stuffed with almonds or garlic, double-stuffed with garlic and jalapeno, pitted Kalamata olives, and olive bruschetta. The company designed and introduced these to the global marketplace. His commitment to sustainability extends beyond product quality, encompassing ethical business practices. Focusing on organic farming and eco-friendly practices, the company ensures its
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