In the lush landscape of Argyroupoli, a village near Rethymno in Crete, avocados are not just an exotic curiosity — they are part of a long-standing agricultural story that has blossomed into a unique local enterprise. Organic avocado cultivation began here in 1984 with just 500 trees and has since expanded to over 2,500, growing each year steadily as demand rises for both the fruit and its derivative products.
The family-run brand Lappa Avocado — named after the ancient region of Lappa, now modern Argyroupoli — was born from this cultivation. What started as a small local orchard has grown into a craft producer of natural, avocado-based products made from the farm’s own harvest. The company emphasizes pure, plant-derived ingredients and handcrafted formulas, focusing on quality and skin-friendly natural cosmetics.
What Lappa Avocado Produces — Product List
1. Pure Avocado Oil
- Avocado Oil (20 ml & 100 ml) — Organic, cold-pressed oil with a rich green color and nutty aroma.
- Used both for skin care and, in some contexts, nutritional applications, this oil is rich in lecithin, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, H, K, PP, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Natural Cosmetic Products
Lappa Avocado has developed a wide range of handcrafted skincare products made with high concentrations of avocado oil and other natural components:
- Day Creams — for all skin types and specific options (e.g., mixed, normal, dry).
- Hydrative Face Cream — for dry skin (no added perfume).
- Nourishing & Regenerative Creams — targeted hydration and skin regeneration.
- Face Cream for Men — tailored formula for men’s skin.
- Anti-Spot Brightening Serum — skin tone improvement.
- Face & Body Milk — light moisturizer for head-to-toe use.
- Shower Gel — gentle cleansing with avocado essence.
- Shampoo & Hair Mask — avocado-infused hair care.
- Sun Protection Face & Body — subtle natural protection formulas.
- Homemade Soaps — including soap with avocado oil and other local ingredients (stock varies).
3. Avocado & Aloe Products
- Avocado & Aloe Vera Face Cream — a combined natural formula for hydration and soothing.
4. Seasonal and Gift Sets
Especially around holidays, Lappa Avocado offers themed sets such as holiday care collections and multi-product gift packages.
A “Local Corner” of Mediterranean Goods
In addition to avocado-derived products, Lappa Avocado’s shop also includes a curated selection of local Cretan products that reflect the wider agricultural heritage of the area:
- Lappa Avocado Honey — available in different sizes.
- Wild Olive Oil & Organic Olive Oil — local extra virgin varieties.
- Local Teas & Herbs — nettle, mallow (malva), calendula, cistus, malotira, and dictamus.
- Black Olives — Cretan olives.
- Homemade Tsikoudia (Raki) — traditional Cretan spirit.
- Cretan oregano and other seasonings — authentic local flavors.
- Orange balsam sauce — for salads and meats.
Tradition, Innovation, and Organic Craftsmanship
Lappa Avocado’s journey reflects both tradition and innovation. The shift from basic avocado cultivation to value-added products — especially in natural cosmetics — stemmed from a personal story: the founder’s mother sought relief from chronic skin conditions and discovered the therapeutic potential of avocado oil. This inspired the development of handcrafted formulas tailored for sensitive, allergy-prone skin that are dermatologically compatible, vegan, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free.
All products are prepared in small batches to ensure freshness and high concentrations of active ingredients, embodying a philosophy that mixes sustainable agriculture, small-scale production, and authentic Cretan heritage.
Whether you are exploring natural skincare or discovering Cretan agricultural diversity, Lappa Avocado stands out as a homegrown example of how traditional cultivation can evolve into artisanal, eco-aware production rooted in place and people.
