Terra Oliva: Custom-designed Olive Oil Clay Bottle

Elegant and Reusable Packaging Inspired by Cycladic Art

The inspiration for the Terra Oliva bottle came from Cycladic art, known for its minimal lines and simplicity. Malikoutsakis aimed to capture this essence in the design, resulting in a bottle that is both visually striking and functional.

What sets the Terra Oliva bottle apart is its use of clay material. This choice not only adds to the elegance of the design but also symbolizes the origin of the product - the Cretan soil. The clay bottle not only showcases the special taste and characteristics of the olive oil but also encourages users to reuse it as a decorative kitchen utensil.

The shape of the bottle is carefully crafted to maximize storage efficiency. By taking up minimal space, more bottles can fit in less storage area, making it practical for producers.

Interacting with the Terra Oliva bottle is straightforward. The top of the bottle features a special notch that allows for easy pouring without creating a mess. This thoughtful design detail enhances the user experience and ensures a seamless interaction with the product.

The design process for the Terra Oliva bottle involved extensive research into Cycladic art, both modern and ancient. Malikoutsakis explored various bottle shapes before arriving at the optimal design that perfectly encapsulates the brand's identity. The design also incorporates icons that embrace the Terra Oliva brand, adding a touch of uniqueness.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was finding a Greek manufacturer for the custom-made clay bottle. Despite the high cost, the designer persevered to bring the vision to life.

The Terra Oliva bottle is not only a functional packaging solution but also a work of art. It can be customized with just the logo and side icons, accompanied by a small etiquette strapped with a string on the neck of the bottle, making it a decorative ornament. Alternatively, it can feature full details, as shown in the accompanying images.

The Terra Oliva bottle project started in April 2014 and took approximately three weeks to complete. The design was realized in Chania, Crete, Greece, adding to its authenticity and connection to the land.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2021. The award celebrates designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills, contributing to quality of life improvements. The Terra Oliva bottle truly embodies these qualities, making it a standout in the industry.