by Evelyn Karantzas APR 29, 2026

NEW YORK – The Chicago-based business known for its delicious raw honey, acclaimed olive oil, and extensive product range of imported Greek goods has been recognized on an international scale for its high-quality olive oil.

Founded by Paul Manokas and his wife Maria Papadakis, Laconic Foods is the family-owned business deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and clean products that officially launched in 2021. 

They are also popular for their ‘Cyano’ raw, Greek, blue artisanal honey, which TNH previously wrote about late last year.

Most recently, it was recognized at the 14th annual New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) for its Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil, where it received a Silver Award.
Laconic Foods’ authentic olive oil comes from a Koroneiki olive grove in Geraki, a village near Sparta in southern Laconia, Greece, and is produced by the Manokas family across four generations.

Paul Manokas and Maria Papadakis, the founders of Laconic Foods in Chicago. Photo: Maria Papadakis

It is best described as an olive oil that is cold-extracted and unfiltered, offering bold flavor, low acidity, and exceptional nutritional quality shaped by a unique microclimate, mineral-rich soil, and traditional harvesting methods.

In an interview with The National Herald, Paul Manokas and his wife,Maria Papadakis, commented on how they felt to earn a Silver Award for their extra virgin olive oil.
“We’re very proud. Our Koroneiki EVOO represents everything Laconic Foods stands for – authenticity, quality and direct sourcing from Greece,” Maria Papadakis told TNH.
“Receiving this recognition in NY reinforces that we’re delivering something truly special to our customers.”

As a company entering the competition for the first time, the pair noted how this recognition felt especially meaningful, and reflects the high quality of their olive oil and the work that goes behind it.
“It reinforces everything we believe in,” Paul Manokas expressed.
“As a husband-and-wife team, we’ve built Laconic Foods on a foundation of authenticity and direct sourcing from Greece. This recognition validates that commitment and encourages us to keep raising the standard.”

Some of the products available for purchase from Laconic Foods. Photo: Natalia Kallinteri & Felicia Sonti

Papadakis noted how although receiving the Silver Award constituted important recognition for her and her husband’s business, they were fortunate to have previously received multiple awards at the London International Olive Oil Competitions (LIOOC) in 2024 across multiple categories, including quality, infusion, packaging/design and health claim.
This year, at the 2026 New York International Olive Oil Competition, their olive oil was up against more than 10,000 brand entries from 40 countries, and Laconic Foods ranked 62nd in the United States, and 129th worldwide – “an achievement we’re incredibly proud of,” Papadakis expressed.

She further noted what makes their 100% Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil so unique. She explained that it comes down to the combination of origin, combined with “quality and care,” and emphasized that “it’s sourced from single-estate family harvested groves, using early harvest olives that are cold pressed to retain their flavor and nutritional value. Our Koroneiki isn’t just high quality – it has a story and a sense of place.”

Laconic Foods’ award-winning extra virgin olive oil. Photo: Natalia Kallinteri & Felicia Sonti

As a company trusted for many years for a variety of reasons and great products, the owners of laconic Foods revealed how they are currently in the works of expanding their product line to include more olive varieties – “particularly stuffed and spiced olives-along with a broader selection of olive pastes.”

“Both have become increasingly popular, especially for charcuterie boards, and we’ve seen customer demand for products that are both convenient and elevated,” Papadakis said, adding that “it’s a natural extension of our lineup and reflects how people are increasingly enjoying Mediterranean flavors at home.”

The pair also noted how they’re planning to incorporate fig-based products to their line.

“Figs are an important part of Greek food culture and are often enjoyed simply, but also as preserves or paired with cheeses and savory dishes, making them incredibly versatile,” Manokas added.
To learn more about Laconic Foods and their award-winning products, visit www.laconicfoods.com.