Froutonea magazine

MAIN EXPORT DESTINATIONS FOR GREEK HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN 2017

Country Tomato Cucumber Pepper Zucchini Eggplant Total % Change %
(2015/2016)


Bulgaria 31.100.122 11.280.068 463.705 611.275 1.216.913 44.672.083 52,38% -6,66%

Germany 221.709 3.729.151 4.761.546 8.235 147.003 8.867.644 10,40% -31,16%

Romania 2.231.243 5.043.746 496.902 45.081 368.169 8.185.141 9,60% -5,43%

Un. Kingdom 61.772 3.996.664 8.952 151.350 184 4.218.922 4,95% 90,08%

Czech Republic 9.957 1.854.989 1.369.516 0 43.420 3.277.882 3,84% -29,60%

Italy 142.056 2.480.287 408.327 1.483 58.951 3.091.104 3,62% -52,77%

Poland 227.432 2.713.916 49.355 11.354 19.278 3.021.335 3,54% 29,91%

Slovakia 0 388.641 1.521.572 0 3.190 1.913.403 2,24% 6,25%

Serbia 560.262 271.125 433.566 4.688 141.526 1.411.167 1,65% -39,78%

Austria 63.892 507.060 536.660 2.091 1.690 1.111.393 1,30% -11,78%

Others 2.148.763 1.935.003 972.497 258.780 205.647 5.520.690 6,47% -16,92%

Total 36.767.208 34.200.650 11.022.598 1.094.337 2.205.971 85.290.764 100,00% -12,46%

FEBRUARY 2019

52 C O M P A N I E S

HIGH QUALITY

OF CRETAN GRAPES & VEGETABLES!

Thomson Seedless grape variety is a product highly appreci-
ated by consumers globally and Greece is considered to be
one of the top production countries for this product. Labros
Giorgos S.A. is a leading company in grape exports in Greece
as well as in vegetables.

LABROS PERVOLARAKIS The export destinations tersΓlιoώcργaοtπeρdέπinει νtαhφeτmιάξoειuς nμιtαaηiμnισoέuλsιδηvδilιlαaφgήeμισoηfγια την
for the products of Labros PfarcoifliεΗittτiaαεsτιtραeIειlρίiαεaaίπαsnοεdυnμέπecχοaεeριrnετύοHtεrπτeaραrlιοalτφyαkίλπloiταoηrρgςnασaκiάτnnιτςiωzσCeεπrλρeίtοδthϊεeόςeν,6τt4αhh-:6ae5ry-
CO-OWNER Giorgos S.A. are numerous veexpstoΣΠΑraτγιtπαnγεφοtdρύύaιρλέcbςιιαoαlόelλlωegνcrτtaωipoνenειsδoώofνaf ltmheosfat malol auvsaisillaabnlde
OF LABROS GIORGOS S.A.
including the Balkans, kainnddΣτsaαοolυπaρfεrποpgϊιόσeeνυpτνpαάp,oπeκτrαrωtθsiώμoaεςnρnκιoακdέιfςτcαGφuσωrcτeτοuοeιγχmkρείααbeφeτxίοεprςυso.απrttόhsaτηitnν aεaτrαleιlρεία και από
T he company is situated in Crete, one Eastern and Western Europe, CalrseotγΛeρpο.αγrμόoμτdυαπuτοοcσδeεεdιρνάέi.χnει,tφhτeιάξwε εoσnύdκάeτrιfαuπlλόisμlεaκnάdποιoαf
of the biggest production areas for
grapes in Greece and Labros Gior- as well as other continents Slogan “As fresh as it can get!”
gos S.A. is responsible for exporting the besides Europe
largest part of its grape production in all Technology and production
available varieties, as well as vegetables ityMsoGordratepinersng–caPherpeilpaleinrosgf– eCthuqceuumippbamecreks nhtoiunstehaesqwuaell-l
like cucumbers and peppers.
as rpLaAopBsiRdsOibSpl–erGeIs-OtcRaoGnoOdSlianS.rAgd. sefnosrutrhees the high-
Labros Pervolarakis and his associate est customers
Giorgos Koutsobos are the owners of one otifonthFPTkeearnoxl.::oc22towi88s11mIll00iea88psd77,a11gIr55nae31ky64laioanubd, 7r1mo5a0od0d.eArnncpioenstt-chualrtviveas-t
of the most adequate packing houses of
table grapes, cucumbers and peppers in technology go hand in hand in order to pro-
Crete, exporting hundreds of tons abroad
each year. With their company headquar- duce a high quality product for the export

markets.

The export destinations for the prod-

FEBRUARY 2019

Modern chilling equipment
in the quality sorting area
of the pack house as well
as rapid pre-cooling ensures

the highest possible
standards for the customers

of the company abroad

ucts of Labros Giorgos S.A. are numerous A few words about INFO
including the Balkans, Eastern and West- Labros Giorgos S.A
ern Europe, as well as other continents be- Company: Labros Giorgos S.A.
sides Europe. The company is able to fully ✪ A leading company in grape ex- Founded: 2001
assist its clients to their special requests Headquarters: Profitis Ilias, Irak-
and their needs in anything that has to do ports in Greece as well as in vege- lion, Crete
with packaging, transport, quality etc. tables. Telephone: +30 2810871536
Fax: +30 2810871514
✪ Export destinations: Balkans, Email: [email protected]

Eastern and Western Europe, as
well as other continents besides
Europe

✪ Modern chilling equipment in

the quality sorting area of the pack
house as well as rapid pre-cooling

Labros - Giorgos S.A.

As fresh as it can get!

LABROS – GIORGOS S.A.
Profitis Ilias, Irakliou, 71500 | Tel.: (+30) 2810 871536 | Fax: (+30) 2810 871514

FEBRUARY 2019

54 C O M P A N I E S

“EXTRA QUALITY VEGETABLES,

PERFECTLY SAFE FOR THE CONSUMER”

GEORGE HALKIAS Our Producers Organisation was founded in 2000 as a
Primary Agricultural Cooperative Organization, in order to
PRESIDENT OF OPA KOUDOURA coordinate and manage the local production of vegetables
of the southwest coast of beautiful Chania.

T oday the members of the Produc- fresh vegetables. In order to achieve top quality
ers Organization of Kountoura grow of produce and services
about 400 acres of a total owned Our produce provided to their customers,
1,600 acres in the wider area of Kountoura. In order to achieve top quality of pro- the growers PO Kountoura
The output consists exclusively of green- apply a vertically integrated
house horticulture, mostly tomatoes, cu- duce and services provided to their cus- production system that
cumbers, peppers and eggplants of top tomers, the growers PO Kountoura apply let the products take fully
quality. The production is made under the a vertically integrated production system advantage of the generous
Integrated Administration and complies that let the products take fully advantage microclimate of the region
with the quality standards Agro 2.1 & of the generous microclimate of the re-
Agro 2.2. In addition, our agricultural pro- gion (water of high quality and sunshine
duction is certified with GLOBALG.A.P. The over 300 days a year) and enables them to
Cooperative of the Producers Organization grow with minimal inputs of chemical fer-
Kountoura operates a packing house that tilizers and pesticides. This brings in crops
spread over 1,000 sq.m. and the facilities with extra quality, perfectly safe for the
are certified with ISO 220000:2005, being consumer and free of any residue. On the
fully equipped with the latest technolo- other hand we have the opportunity to be
gy for sorting, packing and preservation of able to supply the market with fresh vege-
tables at competitive prices.

FEBRUARY 2019

The Organization Kountou- The highligts
ra operates a packing house
that spread over 1,000 sq.m. ✪ Our vegetables are renowned throughout Greece for their quality and
and the facilities are certified taste.
with ISO 220000:2005, being
fully equipped with the latest ✪ Packed in cardboard boxes, plastic trays or disposable folding trays
technology upon request, our vegetables are marketed in the largest wholesalers of
the central vegetable market in the country and the biggest super market
The new season chains.
This season tomato covers the biggest
✪ PO Kountoura exports vegetables in most European countries.
cultivated areas of the cooperative’s hect-
ares as usual. The hectares with tomato ✪ If needed, there is a possibility of direct cooperation with retail stores.
are stable this year and plum tomatoes re-
main important for the producers. On the ✪ The types of vegetables to which we can supply are all certified Agro
other hand, the cultivated area with cu- 2.1 & Agro 2.2
cumbers is bigger 5%, in comparison with
last year. Cretan cucumber is really well
known in the European markets and this
is why its hectares get more and more as
years pass.

About INFO

The Agricultural Producers Association of Horticultural Kountou- Company: Agricultural
ra is recognized as a producer group in fresh products even under Producers Association
the (EC) 1234 /2007 and (EC)1580/2007 and focuses on vegeta- of Horticultural Kountoura
ble production which meet the requirements of quality standards Headquarters: Kountoura –
Agro 2.1 & 2.2 . Kountoura is situated in Chania, Crete and the Paleohora, 73001, Chania
production of its vegetables is made under the most modern and Tel.: +30 28230 83022,
environmentally friendly techniques, producing safe products, +30 28230 41909
free from pesticide residues and chemicals. “With our products Fax: +30 28230 41816
we supply large chain super market, the central markets Website: www.opakoundoura.gr
of Greece and selected European customers”. E-mail: [email protected],
[email protected]

President 6983 234314
Sales Manager 6978 94719

FEBRUARY 2019

56 C O M P A N I E S

A MODERNA.C.NOTOS AND SUCCESFUL

COOPERATIVE IN CRETE!

A.C.Notos was founded in August 2006 in Ierapetra, Lassithi, Crete. It is based in Iera-
petra on the 5th kilometer of the national road connecting Ierapetra to Agios Nikolaos.
The Cooperative premises cover 4000 m² where the activities of its members take place.

T heA.CNotoswasfoundedbyasmall sis of the market trends in order to approach Despite the above specialization of Notos
group of agriculturalists with com- and cover them. in tomato production, A.C Notos is able to
mon concerns and visions. Its main produce many types of vegetables accord-
aim is to improve the production quality and The tomato varieties ing to the market demands.
the supply procedure of its products in order It is also worth mentioning that the Co-
to meet the needs even of the most of de- Grete
manding consumers. Its methods are evolu- operative has established the tomato as its
tionary and fundamental. As a result of No- basic product, giving emphasis to the clus- In 2016, A.C Notos in cooperation with the
to's practices the Cooperative has achieved ter tomato type (tomatoes on vine). The Agricultural Cooperative “TO NISI” has es-
to cultivate and distribute to the market in- scheduling of the plantings and the selec- tablished “Grete” company. This company
novative high quality products that cover tion of the hybrids is done so as to contin- specializes in supplying standardized mar-
the market trends. uously meet the needs of our clients for to- ket-garden products of beef tomatoes, cu-
matoes with high quality. cumbers, peppers and eggplants. Due to
It is worth mentioning that the members this association, Notos using its master-
of the Cooperative have not only invested to Some of the unique tomato types that ly facilities and practices was able to cul-
improve their cultivating methods but they Noto's produces are tomato “acorn” type tivate differ types of vegetables to meet
also invested in the construction of modern (baby plum tomatoes). Grete company's needs and hit vigorously
facilities where they use innovative systems the market with great quality. A.C Notos in
of sorting, packaging and storing of their This type of tomato has a very unique accordance with GRETE company have tar-
products to enable their products to reach shape, excellent for food designing, and al- geted both domestic and International Mar-
the market in their highest quality. so a very unique taste able to satisfy even kets with great results, always having as
the most “difficult” clients. Another, inter- its main concern to improve its products'
The success of A.C Notos is due to the esting tomato type that Noto's grows is the quality and meet its customers' standards.
combination of many years’ knowledge pink tomato, which is well known in Eastern
and experience accompanied by the guid- Europe and Balkans. The pink tomato has a
ance and expertise of specialized scientists. medium to large round size, it has a very in-
In addition Notos has invested in the analy- tense aroma, thin skin, pleasant texture and
smooth sweet taste.

FEBRUARY 2019



58 P R O D U C T S

Strawberries

The cultivation expands!

Strawberry is a product of great value for the Greek exporters, having established
a strong reputation abroad and winning a prominent position in the demanding
markets in a short period of time.

T he excellent course of the Greek The consumption and ported from Greece. This year more ex-
strawberry exports leads to the exports are going well ports were made around Europe because
expansion of the cultivated land in Romania and Bulgaria but of the Russian embargo. The consump-
year by year and the area of Nea Manola- also in new markets, like tion and exports are going well in Romania
da in Peloponnese is considered the cen- Serbia and Cyprus, that and Bulgaria but also in new markets, like
ter of the fruit production in Greece. In fact, recently show raised demand in Serbia and Cyprus, that recently show
since 2005 there has been a stable, annu- raised demand.
al increase of the cultivated area from 200 Nea Manolada,an ideal region
hectares to over 1,000 hectares in 2013. for strawberry production: A fruit with history
That fact could be described as a small
“wonder”! This of course was due to the Offers optimal humidity levels The first strawberry plants were cultivated
significant business initiatives that were Is mostly sunny all year long in the ‘60s, in low altimeter areas in Greece,
taken and that eventually helped Greek Has mild winter without such as Naousa and Veria. Eventually, the
strawberries be welcomed by European extreme temperatures cultivation expanded further South and 20
markets and widely accepted by European years later, during the ‘80s, it reached Nea
wholesalers, retailers and of course con- Manolada in the Peloponnese, an area that
sumers. The main strawberry variety cul- now produces about 95% of the total Greek
tivated in Greece is the Camarosa variety, harvest of strawberries.
yet the producers invest also in the Caton- The establishment of the cultivation in the
ga and Festival varieties. fertile ground of this region cannot be con-
sidered random by any chance, as its mi-
Export destinations croclimate is ideal for the optimal growth
The Eastern European countries and of strawberries. This combined with the
knowledge and effort put by the producers
especially Russia, are very fond of Greek of Nea Manolada, makes this place harvest
strawberries for their superb taste and as the tastiest strawberries in Europe.
a result of that, Russia absorbs the ma-
jority of Greek strawberries that are ex-

FEBRUARY 2019



60 C O M P A N I E S

Dimitris Taktikos

OWNER OF TAKTIKOS S.A.

T AKTIKOS S.A. company has begun TAKTIKOS S.A. MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
operating as a farm business back in IN STRAWBERRIES &GREENHOUSE POTATO!
1970, pioneered in 1978 with the cul-
tivation of strawberries in New Manolada. TAKTIKOS S.A. is a company that specializes in the pro-
The business expanded over the years, un- duction and packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables. The
til the year 2011 when it was established as main products produced and distributed by the company
an S.A. company. Today it is a modern and are strawberries, potatoes, watermelons, melons and
respectable technology packaging unit, one other goods that are produced in the region of Ilia, in
of the most advanced in Greece. Peloponnese, where the company is based.

The facilities and business offices of TAK- The distribution The company ensures the prompt delivery
TIKOS S.A. are located at the borders of Il- of strawberries takes place of fruit and vegetables, but only after having
ia-Achaia counties in the Peloponnese geo- from mid-January till June. undergone exhaustive checks. In addition,
graphical area, in the 43rd km of the New Potatoes are distributed all modern machinery and expert personnel
National Road of Patras-Pyrgos. Its packing enable the company to meet all customer
services are certified with ISO 22000:2005, year round, while the requirements reliably in terms of packag-
HACCP and BRC and all its products are distribution of watermelons ing formats.
certified with GlobalGAP. Also, the main and melons is done from May
unit operates a highly advanced traceabil- The perfect cooperation the company
ity system. The main goal of the company to September.. maintains with their suppliers, the reliabil-
is basically the proper functioning and de- ity and high quality they offer to their cus-
velopment of their packaging unit. With the tomers, the excellent packaging of the prod-
cooperation of their suppliers, the compa- ucts and the implementation of strict quality
ny’s main goal is to deliver excellent quali- controls are TAKTIKOS SA strongest as-
ty products to their customers. sets, making the company a top name, syn-
onymous with trust and reliability.
Fast delivery guarantee
The primary concert of TAKTIKOS S.A. is

the perfect operation and development of
its packaging department and constructive
cooperation with their suppliers. The high-
quality standards of the products have giv-
en the company a significant advantage over
competition, since TAKTIKOS S.A. constant-
ly gains and maintains the trust of its cus-
tomers thanks to their top-quality products.
These quality products are distributed with
the help of the company’s private fleet of
trucks and a number of associates’ vehicles
to meet additional transportation needs.

FEBRUARY 2019

The highlights The history
of Taktikos in lines!
• The company produces and dis-
tributes a large number of products • The company began as a farm
like strawberries, watermelons, business in 1970
• TAKTIKOS SA produces and dis-
melons, potatoes, broccoli, tributes strawberries, potatoes,
cauliflowers, beans etc. watermelons, melons, etc.
• Strawberries are cul- • Quality products are distributed
tivated in an area of with the help of the company’s pri-
500,000m2, potatoes cover vate fleet of trucks and a number of
associates’ vehicles, to meet addi-
an area of 1,000,000m2 whereas tional transportation needs
broccoli, lettuce, watermelon, mel- • The products of the company are
on and beans cover areas of exported to Italy, Sweden, Den-
smaller size. mark, Norway, Poland, Romania,
• The distribution of straw- Bulgaria, Slovakia, Russia, Hun-
berries takes place from gary, Albania, Croatia, Germany,
mid-January to the beginning of June. Czech Republic and Slovenia.

Potatoes are distributed all year round, while
the distribution of watermelons and melons
is done from May to September.

• In the Greek market, the
products are distributed to
large Supermarket chains
and the central vegetable
markets of Athens, Thes-
saloniki and Patras. The products of the
company are also exported to Italy, Sweden,
Denmark, Norway, Poland, Romania, Bulgar-
ia, Slovakia, Russia, Hungary, Albania, Croa-
tia, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovenia.

Potatoes
in the greenhouse

The earliness and higher yields are some
of the characteristics that can assure the
success of a product in the markets. One
of these products surely is greenhouse
potato, which was cultivated in Greece
for the first time several years ago by
Taktikos S.A. in Peloponnese. His exam-
ple followed other producers in the area
and nowadays the cultivation of green-
house potato covers approximately 8,000
hectares around Ilia. Its harvest begins in
mid-March almost every year.

INFO

Company: Taktikos SA
Headquarters: 43 Km National
Road Patra-Pyrgos
Nea Manolada
Tel: +30 26230 73124
Fax: +30 26230 71621
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.taktikos.com.gr

62 C O M P A N I E S

THE “KING” IN GREEK LEAFY SALADS

The Greek sector of leafy salads is represented re-
markably in international markets by Labidino S.A.
- a company based in the region of Achaia in Pelopon-
nese for more than 12 years - which keeps developing
constantly with new products, export destinations
and expansion of its cultivations.

Labidino S.A. produces etables and lettuce. In 1998 ads, of which the main INFO
10 different varieties for the first time they sup- species are Butterhead,
of cabbage and let- plied sweet corn to the Ger- Lollo Rossa, Lollo Bion- Company: Labidino S.A.
tuce in Greenhouses out- man market. The Lagos da, Oak Leaf Green, Oak Headquarters: Sagaika, Achaia
door cultivations with the Brothers established the leaf red, Rucola, Chinese Tel: +302693031800
most modern methods. It LABIDINO LTD Company in Cabbage, Endivien, Fri- Fax: +302693031902
is also associated with pio- 2000 for the standardizing, see, Zuckerhut and Sala- E-mail: [email protected]
neering international seed packaging and trading of nova. “Apart from these Website: www.labidino.com
production and cultivation their produce, which broad- products, though, we have Founded in 2000, in Sagaika,Achaia
monitoring companies. The ened the range of their moved to expansion of
company has a sweet corn products and their sales season of frisee and en-
capacity production in ex- network both in Greece and dives during winter”, says
cess of approximately 150 abroad. In 2009 the compa- Mr. Lagos.
hectares with an associat- ny was converted to a So-
ed team of producers. ciete Anonyme, which is Moreover Labidino S.A.
accommodated at a new moved to the construc-
Background privately owned site with tion of modern poly-tun-
Haralambos & Constan- modern mechanical equip- nel greenhouses of about
ment, implementing all the 8 hectares in 2011, using
tinos Lagos Brothers have modern health and indus- pioneer cultivation meth-
been employed in their fa- trial practice, according to ods for the production of
ther's agricultural business German Standard IFS and strawberry, which is now
since age eighteen. This ag- the new certification stan- the most important ex-
ricultural business concen- dard QS qualitat. portable product of the re-
trated on the cultivation of gions of Western Achaia
potatoes and watermel- Products and Northern Ilia. The
ons. In 1994 they estab- The successful Greek company’s strawberries
lished the first greenhouse are distributed through its
complex over 2.5 hectares company produces and sales network in Greece
to cultivate premature veg- trades various leafy sal- and in European markets.

FEBRUARY 2018

Exports

LABIDINO S.A. is a company that exports more than 60% of its products
abroad. Its main client is Germany, but remarkable quantities of leafy salads
are sent to Italy, United Kingdom, Poland, Romania and Scandinavia. More-
over, Labidino’s presence is essential in retail market (S/M chains), in whole-
sale market as well as in fresh-cut salad industry in Greece and abroad.

Labidino’s strawberries
in Arab countries and Asia

✪ In 2014 Labidino began to export its first quantities of straw-

berries to Arab Countries

✪ In 2015, the company expanded its strawberry exports to

Asia and more specifically to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singa-
pore

64 C O M P A N I E S

Potatoes

POPULAR IN EASTERN EUROPE

Much liked in European markets and especially in Eastern Europe are Greek potatoes,
with demand for this product to follow a steady course during the last few years.

N evrokopi, Messinia, Arcadia, Ilia Nevrokopi, Messinia, Arcadia, The start of the Autumn production
and Achaia are only a few of the ar- Ilia and Achaia are only a few was made on October-November period
eas where Greek potatoes are cul- of the areas where Greek po- in Peloponnese, once more. Regarding the
tivated, a product that follows only to- tatoes are cultivated, a prod- varieties cultivated, we can identify them
mato in importance for Greek agriculture. uct that follows only tomato as Spunta, Nicola, Voyager, Bellini, Arno-
Potatoes are produced twice per year in in importance for Greek agri- va. Moreover, during the last years Ana-
Greece and the season is divided in two culture belle variety has shown descent signs of
periods, in Autumn and Spring, although growth.
spring potatoes are generally more pop- The main varieties
ular abroad. Exports in good levels
▶ Spunta Greek potato exports during the last
More specifically, the harvest of spring ▶ Nicola
potatoes in Greece begins by the end of ▶ Voyager years have been very promising and are
March in Messinia, which is situated in ▶ Bellini around 20,000 tons each year. Countries
Southwestern Peloponnese. The culti- ▶ Arnova like Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and the
vation in that particular area is expand- ▶ Anabelle Czech Republic are those that import the
ing during the last years and is estimated vast majority of Greek potatoes.
to be about 550 hectares of land. The rest
of the areas in Peloponnese follow, like Il- Greek potato production is maintained
ia, Achaia and Arcadia, and areas further at rather high levels each year, with sup-
north, up to Nevrokopi in Drama, follow. ply being satisfactory for the domestic and
international markets. The gap is filled by
The territory in Eastern Macedonia is fa- imported potatoes from Egypt which is the
mous for the high quality of potatoes pro- basic source of potato imports for Greece,
duced, which in addition are recognized as with France, Cyprus and Germany to fol-
Protected Designation of Origin products low, also with significant volumes.
(PDO).

FEBRUARY 2019



66 C O M P A N I E S

“WE ARE CHANGING
TO BE PART OF A GROWING SECTOR”

The whole Fresh Fruits & Vegetables sector is changing.
The new era requires exceptional Corporate Communica-
tion, Customer Relationship Management, Change and
Performance Management, Direct Marketing Strategy,
Process & Operations Improvement, Outsourcing and In-
ternal Auditing. NIKOLAOS POLITIS LTD invests in this
change.

JOHN ROZAKIS tral Market of Athens with 8 stores, we Exports
manage the entire cycle from the seed up The target countries include Bulgaria,
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER to the storage and handling of the finished
NIKOLAOS POLITIS LTD product, we control crops in Achaia, Viotia Romania and Poland and the main prod-
and Nevrokopi and packing stations in At- ucts are potatoes and watermelons. The
T heHistoryofPolitisgoesbacktothe tica, Korinthia, Achaia and Nevrokopi. We positive trend within extremely adverse
post-war years in 1946, when Alex- maintain partnerships with major produc- conditions in the domestic and interna-
ander Politis started trading pota- ers and exporters in Cyprus, France, Spain, tional macroeconomic environment, con-
toes and went on with honesty and pas- Holland, Egypt, Argentina, India and China firms the reliability and dominant posi-
sion for decades. The last 20 years his 3 for imports of top quality products. tion of the company to the Greek market.
sons, Nikos, Yiannis and Damianos are Based on the relation "Quality - Consisten-
leading the business and expanding to Imports cy – Price” the company expands its sales
new markets. The NIKOLAOS POLITIS NIKOLAOS POLITIS LTD has estab- to European markets, fully responding to
LTD business trades fresh fruits and vege- their specific requirements, resulting in a
tables, ensuring the health of the consum- lished long-lasting cooperation with inter- growing demand for our products.
ers through a comprehensive Health and national firms, ensuring competitive pric-
Safety Policy. Headquartered in the Cen- es and the uninterrupted flow of products Based on a multiyear experience, NIKO-
throughout the year. By visiting all suppli- LAOS POLITIS LTD has evolved into a ro-
ers, the company ensures the thorough bust and well-established company in
process, the control in product selection, handling potatoes, garlic, onions a few cit-
packing and loading and eventually the rus and a lot of watermelons. Maintains
delivery of the goods in compliance with certificates of conformity in food safe-
Greek and European standards. ty management (HACCP) according to
ELOT EN ISO 22000:2005, Global GAP

FEBRUARY 2019

The Greek Fresh Market in NEVROKOPI area, AGROCERT for Pro-
will be transformed tected Geographical Indication (PGI)
and businesses Like products and we have chosen a definite
NIKOLAOS POLITIS LTD quality policy according to National and
will play critical role in this European regulations.
transformation
The next day
Even if it seems hard to achieve, the

modern business will adapt professional
problem-solving, critical information dig-
itization and management of corporate
rules. Will establish procedures for con-
tracts and regulations auditing, people,
process and equipment monitoring. That’s
the today’s challenges we are facing.

The supply chain is now any portion of a
product’s path from the field to the plate.
Supplier, distribution, store, and finally the
consumer is its scope. In a digital world,
they are all connected. That connection
provides capabilities that will completely
reengineer the process. It means a whole
different definition of collaboration. The
artificial walls built over the years of dis-
connected, manual and off-system work
come down, and the entire supply chain
focuses on the shopper.

The digitally connected supply chain
can identify the appropriate inventory
necessary to support customer demand,
then define the cost to serve and make re-
al-time decisions that will focus on the
outcomes, by eliminating the two things
that are the death of grocery: out of stocks
and excess inventory, the silent killer.

The Greek Fresh Market will be trans-
formed and businesses Like NIKOLAOS
POLITIS LTD will play critical role in this
transformation.

We make something like 100.000 tons
of fresh products despite the Greek Eco-
nomic Crisis. We traded goods valued 30
million EUR and we are only a Family
Business. We are changing to be part of a
growing sector.

INFO

Company: NIKOLAOS POLITIS LTD,
MERCHANTS VEGETABLES ,
CENTRAL MARKET OF ATHENS
H-25-27-29-31-33-35, θ 30
Headquarters: AG.I RENTIS,
PO:18233, GREECE
T.: +30 210 48 13 717
F.: +30 210 48 13 767
Website: www.politispotatoes.gr
Email: [email protected]

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68 C O M P A N I E S

GEORGE & PANOS GOUMAS AGREXPO S.A.
EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE ABROAD!
OWNERS OF AGREXPO S.A.
Olive oil, Kalamata olives, Olive paste, Balsamic Vinegar,
Dried figs, Potatoes, Seed potatoes and Watermelons are
some of the main products that Agrexpo S.A. exports
abroad, having established its presence in international
markets.

A grexpo S.A. was established in Ka- The exports os Goumas, Owner of Agrexpo S.A.
lamata in 1999 and it deals with the The most important export countries of
trade of agricultural products, be- The history behind Agrexpo S.A
ing the offspring of a similar company of the company are USA, Canada, Germany, In 1962, Panagiotis Goumas from Kala-
the Goumas family which is active since Austria, Italy, Hungary, Czech Rep., Poland,
1962. Most of the company’s products are Slovenia, Slovakia and Egypt. Agrexpo mata started a small business in order to
manufactured and packaged in its facili- S.A. uses the knowledge and experience promote the agricultural products of his
ties located in Kalamata. of three generations, combining it with the family and neighbors, beyond the market
quality upgrade of products and services. of Messinia, in Athens and to the rest of
The main products that Agrexpo exports Greece. The main product of the company
to a number of international markets are “We employee, by season, 40 to 130 was potatoes. It is, however, striking that
Olive oil, Kalamata olives, Olive paste, workers and technical consultants. Panagiotis Goumas quickly realised the
Balsamic Vinegar, Dried figs, Potatoes, packing the products will create a compet-
Seed potatoes and Watermelons. Our target is the long term cooperation itive advantage as products would retain
with our traditional customers, new cus- their quality. Packing was the first step.
tomers, and preserving the substantial
market share in Peloponnisos”, says Pan-

FEBRUARY 2019

“My father was a progressive and vi- Kalamata olives, dried figs, oranges, wa- In 1962, Panagiotis
sionary man. It was an extremely progres- termelons and seed potatoes), while the Goumas from Kalamata
sive movement in the late 60s, to build four export activity has expanded in most mar- started a small business i
factories for potatoe packaging, initially in kets. However, up until now, they are con- n order to promote
Kalamata and then in” Amaliada Hleias, in sidered to be specialists of potatoes. the agricultural products
Xanthi and in Orestiada George Goumas of his family and neighbors,
(CEO) says. The 3rd generation beyond the market
of Messinia, in Athens
George joined the family business along In the last five years, Panos and Dimitris, and to the rest of Greece
with his sister Eytichia in the late 80s and the third generation of the family business,
in 1999 they founded Agrexpo SA, a com- participate in the development of the com- INFO
pany that is a continuation of their family pany, adding more local products such as
business founded in 1962. Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO Kalamata, Kala- Company: Agrexpo S.A
mata olives, olive paste and balsamic vin- Bournia Area, P.O Box 73
In the mid-70s the company's prod- egar. Panos, a graduate of Business Ad- Kalamata 24100, Messinia, Greece
ucts meet the European markets. In a pe- ministration and Dimitris, student at Food Tel.: +30 27210 82149
riod when the word “extroversion” was al- Marketing and Business Economics at the Fax: +30 27210 24551
most unknown even to big businessmen, University of Reading in England, are the Email: [email protected]
the son of a rural family, a graduate of a new driving force of Agrexpo.
small school, dares to take an important
and risky step. Obviously he was very con-
fident about the quality of his products
knowing that they can stand and last in
most markets.

The 2nd generation

The login of George and Eytichia in their
family business management starts a new
age for the company, as they start export-
ing new products (Extra virgin olive oil,

FEBRUARY 2019

70 C O M P A N I E S

ANASTASIOS GIAKMOLIDIS “VISSA GARLIC

PRESIDENT OF A.C.P.P. HAS VERY RICH AROMATIC
& M of Garlic Vissa Evros
POTENTIALS”

Nea Vissa garlic producers joined forces and founded the
first Agricultural Association in Greece concerning garlic.
The purpose of the Partnership is the organization of pro-
duction of its members, standardization and marketing
of the product.

N ea Vissa garlic producers joined between day and night and the great sun- INFO
forces and founded the first Agri- shine contribute to the production of the
cultural Association in Greece con- famous garlic. Company: Agricultural Cooperative
cerning garlic. The purpose of the Partner- Production Processing
ship is the organization of production of its Exceptional quality and durability and Marketing of Garlic Vissa Evros
members, standardization and marketing Vissa garlic has very rich aromatic po- Tel: (0030)2552071161
of the product. tentials. Its bulb is white with purple ir- Fax: (0030)2552071628
idescence and is actually a local variety Mobile: (0030)6947328464
Garlic has been produced in Nea Vissa, grown by the farmers of the village. It also E-mail: [email protected]
since the village was built in 1923. The ex- is in the process of recognition as a product
ceptional microclimate of the region char- (PGI) geographical indication.
acterized by large temperature differences

Agricultural Cooperative Production
Processing and Marketing
of Garlic Vissa Evros

ΝΕΑ VISSA, EVROS

ΤEL: (+30) 2552 071 161 | FAX: (+30) 2552 071 628 | EMAIL: [email protected]
President / Sales Manager: Anastasios Giakmolidis | Mob.: (0030) 6947 328 464

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72 C O M P A N I E S

We cultivate the culture of mushrooms

KECHAGIA MUSHROOMS S.A.

THE LEADING COMPANY IN MUSHROOMS!

Kechagia Mushrooms S.A. is undoubtedly a leading busi-
ness in the distribution of all kinds of fresh mushrooms
in Greece.

K ECHAGIA MUSHROOMS was es- The continual increase of refrigerated trucks that distrib-
tablished as a family business in in demand gave the company ute the mushrooms to Super Market
1988 and since 2006 it has devel- stores, central & local fruit and vege-
oped as an anonymous company (S.A.) a chance to make new tables markets as well as to HORECA.
and has been inherited to the second investments, in order to
family generation. The company deals strengthen its leading position The main varieties
mainly with the production of oyster The species that the company trades
mushrooms and the trade of white and in the Greek market.
portobello mushrooms through im- For that reason, installations are Agaricus, white mushrooms, Por-
ports from Poland. tobello and of course Pleurotous, oys-
were also constructed in
Company’s vertically integrated pro- Athens, in an effort ter mushrooms. Regard-
duction farm in Pedino Kilkis currently ing the new range of
grows 1200 tons annually. to distribute fresh mushrooms products, Mr. Xronis Ke-
easier and faster in Attica, chagias, Owner of the
Present and future
Today, Kechagia Mushrooms S.A. Crete, the Aegean islands and company says: “We
Southern Greece in general
trades both Greek and European mush-
rooms that are fully certified with inter-
national certification protocols.

The continuous increase in demand
of mushrooms encouraged the com-
pany to start making new investments
since 2012 in order to strengthen its
leading position in the Greek market.

Kechagia Mushrooms S.A. owns now-
adays modern facilities in Athens and
Thessalon-
iki for stor-
ing its fresh
products
and a fleet

FEBRUARY 2019

emerged a new Oyster mushrooms
product which we call “SELECTED”.
Oyster is a special variety of large sized,
These are big size pleurotous mush- flat mushrooms that are well known
rooms without a stem ready to be around the globe for their delicious
grilled. We made a very special packag- taste. The caps of the mushrooms usu-
ing and already the first messages from ally range between 5 to 25 cm and are
the market are very encouraging since shaped like a fan or an oyster, that’s why
the sales of the particular product are their Latin name is Pleurotus Ostreatus,
continuously increasing day by day”. as a reference to their shape.
This kind of mushrooms is found
As far as the varieties with the big- throughout the north temperature zone
gest demand, all the categories have and is widely cultivated in Greece, where
the same demand and the same inter- is it available for domestic consumption
est in the European countries with in- or exports to international markets every
creasing tense. single month of the year.
Oyster mushrooms are usually grilled,
because of their size and shape, but also
used in many other recipes.
Despite what quite many people think
about mushrooms, Pleurotus and all
other mushroom varieties offer a large
number of nutrients, making them not
only a delicacy, but also a healthy and
low fat food.

Plans for the future

The company’s future plans are to start the
exports in the middle east countries follow-
ing the great demand that has been shown.
The company also has the professional in-
frastructure for the cultivation, picking and
packaging of oyster mushrooms. These give
the company the ability to expand its activi-
ties and export its mushrooms in other Euro-
pean countries.

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74 C O M P A N I E S

“QUALITY AND INNOVATION
ARE THE KEY FACTORS FOR SUCCESS
IN GLOBAL PACKAGING”

NIKOS PAPADAKIS The Managing Director of N.G.P. Group gives us a profile
of NGP Plastic and talk about his next business plans,
MANAGING DIRECTOR and the situation in the packaging sector.
OF N.G.P. GROUP
our aim is to offer very attractive features our products are the ones of Italy, Germa-
Mr. Papadakis, please give us a synopsis for the Fresh Produce markets, as so far we ny, Benelux, Poland, India and Chile.
of the products and services your company have received very positive feedback. We
offers. are very optimistic for all new N.G.P. Plastic What are your next business plans?
products and be sure that we will surprise Our vision is to hold a leading position
NGP Plastic’s modern installations in you in a positive way again this year!
Corinth are equipped with the latest PET, on the Greek market as well as the Bal-
PP and PLA multi-layer sheet extrusion How much the global financial recession kan and European markets, with a strong
technology, with duotone capabilities, influenced the packaging sector? brand name, innovative products and new
with thermoforming lines and with ma- technologies. This is why we will always
chinery for additional processing, such The negative global economic environ- try to provide high-quality products that
as laminating, roll slitting and rewinding, ment has affected more or less all eco- fulfill all the fruit/vegetable packaging
4 colour printing, pluriball sheet applica- nomic activities in most countries of the specifications and the needs of the foods
tions, systems for affixing labels (barcode)/ world and naturally the fresh produce industry, produce and use new environ-
laser labeling etc. It has a large number of markets. In this environment we continued mentally friendly plastic materials and
products, in various forms, materials and moving forward with our strategy to pene- become the ideal business partner to as-
colours and is in a position to find solutions trate new markets and areas with innova- sist its customers in building their future
for many types of packaging. tive and differentiated products. On the ba- by fulfilling their requirements, managing
sis of the answer provided above, with the their daily needs and fulfilling their aspira-
In the previous years, N.G.P. Plastic added capabilities that we have built in our tions
presented a number of innovative products. production we will continue pushing for in-
Do you also have any new exciting plans for novation and differentiation always as our INFO
2019? top Priority. We strongly believe that this
kind of strategy will minimize any negative Company: NGP PLASTIC
What is certain is that N.G.P. Plastic will effects in the current environment and in Address: Isthmos, Korinthos,
always position innovation at the fore- the future for our company. Greece
front of its strategy. We are targeting to in- Tel: +30 2741074310-7
troduce a new product line every year and Which countries do you export your products Fax: +30 2741074319
2019 will be no exception to this. Moreover, to? Website: www.ngpplastic.com
E-mail: [email protected]
We have many customers around the
world, but the main markets that receive

FEBRUARY 2019



76 C O M P A N I E S

TEXcorner: Just… invaluable!

TEX Company (Technical Converting Paper S.A.) was
founded in 1989, having as its main business the produc-
tion and marketing of paper rolls (MADREN), crepe paper
and Kraft, Stretch Films as well as the processing of paper-
cutting.

Panagiotis This is why TEX decided to invest in oth- Our experience with paper all
Panagiotakopoulos er packaging and paper products. More these years and our consis-
particularly, it invested in a modern paper tency on the production pro-
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TEX corner production line at the beginning of cess, in combination with our
2013. Later on in 2015 the markets need- clients’ suggestions about
T EX started as a small family busi- ed enabled the company to invest in more new products made us create
ness, which consistently managed modern and faster paper corner produc- a new production line
over time to be established in the tion line.
elite of Greek processing industries. Hav-
ing expanded its activities in Greece and The new products
abroad, with a developing Commercial & Our experience with paper all these
Productive Network, it is situated in an ar-
ea of 15,000 sqm in Schimatari, Voiotia. years and our consistency on the produc-
tion process, in combination with our cli-
Over the years TEX has been a key pro- ents’ suggestions about new products
tagonist in placing paper rolls in the do- made us create a new production line.
mestic market. It has also invested in new So, from the beginning of 2016 we began
technology engines and has been estab- to produce bottom papers for fruit carton
lished as one of the healthiest growing boxes – and not only - of all sizes. Our goal
companies in the paper industry. is to enrich even more our range of papers,

FEBRUARY 2019

based on quality and the possibility of printing logos on TEX worked very hard to achieve high standards and
them. to develop its own network of customers both in the
difficult field of packing of agricultural products and
The targets in other industries. Our beliefs sum up to quality,
TEX has established its position in the Greek market value and prompt services.

and it now aims to expand abroad, by exporting its prod- TEX facilities occupy an area of 5,000 sqm. that
ucts. It has started its export activities since 2014, hav- spread on a 15,000 sqm. plot in Schimatari, Voiotia.
ing established its partnerships with countries like Cy- The company operates an additional storage space
prus, Lebanon, Serbia, FYROM, Albania and Bulgaria. of 3,000 sqm., fully equipped with machinery of the
New collaborations have come up in 2016 between the latest technology and employs well-trained staff
company and Turkey, Egypt and Israel. both in production and in management sectors.

Mr. Panagiotakopoulos, please INFO
tell us more about your services
Company: Technical Converting
Our company’s main product list includes paper rolls of Paper S.A.
all sizes (diameter of 13 mm to 450 mm and thickness Headquarters: Schimatari Viotias
up to 15 mm) with 6 production lines and paper corners Tel : +30 2262 0 32686
with two production lines. In fact, specifically for paper Fax : +30 2262 0 32687
corners, TEX offers to the customer a wide range of siz- Mob : +30 6932 648096
es, profiles, thickness, height as well as the ability to E-mail : [email protected]
print logos (up to 4 colors) on them. This development Website: www.t-e-x.gr
is very important as until 2013 there was no paper cor-
ner producer company operating in Greece and the local FEBRUARY 2019
market used to resort to imports.

78 C O M P A N I E S

CHRISOSTOMOS STOGIOS ANCEOWMPTARNEYNTODCSREINATPEACKAGING

OWNER OF SOULIS S.A. The passion and vision of one person, Chrisostomos
Stogios, became the seed that blossomed and gave back
B est packaging is the synonym of fruits. Those fruits that a team of loyal people is looking
products’ excellent condition. There- after in daily basis. Their skills and expertise are coordi-
fore the synonym of Soulis S.A. This nated so as to serve the company’s common purpose –
is where the company stands, striving every the continuous product revolution, aiming to justify and
day to develop not just an optimal package therefore highlight each product in the best way.
but an ideal solution to meet every custom- The quality fruits and vegetables are produced only
er’s specifications. in a healthy and sustainable environment.

Dedication to quality This policy system is guaranteed even in the INFO
“Considering this, we have widowed the implementation of the Quality Management
System and Food Safety Management Sys- Company: SOULIS
protection of the environment as our priori- tem. The first one reassures the stable qual- Headquarters: Skidra-Veria
ty in order to ensure that we operate in com- ity of our products, their on time delivery and Export to: 27 countries
plete harmony. Thus, we daily keep the con- an excellent customer service. On the oth- Employees: 130
ditions of the environmental authorizations er hand, Food Safety Management System, Certification: ISO systems,
with complete dedication, according to the secures the environment and public health, ISO 9001:2000 for Quality
Greek legislation and procedures defined. through the absence of any risk in packaging management
materials we produce”. & ISO22000:2005,
for Products Safety, unified.
Destined to succeed T: +30 23810 82400
In SOULIS from 1971 we search, design F: +30 23810 82406
Website: www.SOULIS.gr
and construct high level materials of fruits Ε-mail: [email protected]
and vegetables’ packaging. Always follow-
ing the market trends, we predict the needs

FEBRUARY 2019

Ioannis Stogios

“We believe in branding,
extroversion and invest-
ment”

In a business environment characterized by
economic uncertainty, social pressures and
environmental challenges, SOULIS company
is setting priorities with great responsibility,
says Mr. Stogios, Managing Director of SOU-
LIS. In recent years the company's strategy
vary keeping up to the market conditions and
needs and we aim to be competitive by pro-
ducing dynamic products and services to our
customers. “Taking all the above into con-
sideration, the main concern of all people of
SOULIS is to be appreciated for our business
principles. At the same time we are working
to ensure that we reward people that trust
us both inside and outside the company”

says the Directing Manager.

EFI STOGIOY BRAND MANAGER OF SOULIS S.A. Milestones for SOULIS

and the desires of our customers by increasing their compet- • 1971 Chrisostomos Stogios establishes SOULIS in Skidra,
itiveness through our experience and know-how. Via a wide creating the strong foundation for a leader company
product portfolio, we meet even the highest requirements,
monitoring the entire production cycle, from the design to • 1986 The company is reestablished in owned facilities and turns
final delivery. Investing in education and employment of a into the current SOULIS
highly qualified staff and creating a comfortable and friendly
working environment, we continue to promote creativity and • 1997 SOULIS to provide better and faster service to clients in Southern Greece
achieve all our goals. founds the company PELOPACK S.A. that is located in Korinthos

Our strategy • 2000 Establishment of two new production lines for PP punnets.
Expanding the production and marketing of plastic packaging goods,
• Empowering brands of SOULIS. the company penetrates dynamically to new international markets through partner-
• Improving the position of SOULIS in Greek and ships and outlets in many countries
international markets.
• Investing in innovative technologies that will • 2006 Establishment of one production line for PET punnets, in Skidra
improve productivity and customer service levels.
• 2007 Another production line for PET Punnets is established in Skidra

• 2008 Creation of a branch in the industrial area of Kavala, in owned
facilities

• 2009 Operation of SOULIS branch in Arta

• 2010 Establishment of production line for single use plastic crates,
in Kavala

• 2013 Establishment of production line for single use plastic crates, in Skidra

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80 C O M P A N I E S

MICHALIS MITILINAKIS CTMHFEOL: ARGEST PARTNER

PRESIDENT OF CMFO IN GREECE’S FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

C MFOhasmanagedtochangetheim- Central Market and Fishery Organizations (CMFO SA),
age that people had for the whole- was founded in 1955 under the name "Athens Central
sale markets and has successfully Fruits and Vegetables Market".
transformed into a modern organisation
that meets the international high stan- • Central Markets
dards of Central Markets worldwide. Im-
portant parts of the infrastructure have More than 350 enterprises of vegetables and fruit trade as well as meat processing & trad-
been upgraded, for which CMFO received ing businesses distribute their products through CMFO’S premises, covering the supply of the
an award recently for ‘Excellence in real- population throughout the country.
time market renovation’ from the World
Union of Wholesale Markets. Today CMFO • 11 fish markets throughout Greece
is on the board of the Union and coordi-
nates its European branch. It has also de- • Fish Markets ensure the country’s supply with fresh and quality fish and seafood and con-
veloped consulting services in market stitute development pillars for the local economies
development and restructuring, both in
Greece and abroad.

At the same time the Organisation has
made significant steps to modernise its
operation, by implementing a new organ-
isational structure and operating regu-
lations, as well as for entering the digital
era. We will work towards continuous im-
provement of the infrastructure and of our
operations, aiming to improve our services.

The priorities
The upgrade of the infrastructure of the

Central Market of Athens by building new
refrigeration and packing facilities and ren-
ovation of the site is an immediate priority.

FEBRUARY 2019

The upgrade of the infra-
structure of the Central

Market of Athens by build-
ing new refrigeration and
packing facilities and ren-
ovation of the site is an
immediate priority.

INFO This is a very important yet difficult task, and research institutions, and developing
as it must be performed without disturb- educational activities that contribute to
Company: Central Markets ing market operations. Concerning the ser- the formation of healthy eating habits and
and Fishery Organisation SA vices it provides, the existing ones must be customer awareness. These are only ex-
Headquarters: Kennedy 1 str. improved and new ones will develop that amples of actions that can strengthen the
Aghios Ioannis Renti will act complementary to its principal ac- companies that operate in our facilities.
18233 Athens, Greece tivity as market operators, and which will
Tel.: +30 2104821111 contribute to a complete service package Furthermore, the administration staff
Fax: +30 2104830342 offered to the wholesale companies but considers adding new product categories
E-mail: [email protected] also to their clients. and expanding the range of options that it
Website: http://www.okaa.gr provides to its customers. They also con-
How will the all the above achieved? sider launching a new city agrolostics sys-
By promoting products and support- tem that will improve transportation to
the islands. Combining all of the above
ing exports, by developing synergies be- will transform our markets to contempo-
tween enterprises and establishing busi- rary international markets, with a positive
ness partnerships with public entities, result for the Organisation, as well as the
partnerships with scientific, educational wholesale trade sector as a whole.

The profile

In 1970 meat wholesalers were transported to
CMFO SA and in 1989 the Organization renamed
"Central Market of Athens". In 1998 converted in
SA by the name "Central Market of Athens SA"
and in 2004 the modernization of its facilities be-
gun.
In 2011, after ETANAL merging, it converted the
11 fish wharves of the country into branches. In
2014 Patras Central Market was assimilated in
the organization.
Moreover, in 2012, "Consumer's Market a unique
retail market was created in order to accomplish
consumers' needs.
Today, CMFO is a company whose only share-
holders is the Ministry of Finance and is super-
vised by the Ministry of Ministry of Development
and Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

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82 K O U N E L O S

FEBRUARY 2019