Agriculture

Rooted in Kastoria, Northern Greece, this artisanal cottage food producer, operating within an SME structure, was founded in 2021 with a clear vision: to transform the region’s exceptional apples into high-quality, value-added products while remaining faithful to local tradition and nature. The company’s orchards are located in Mavrohori, on the eastern shore of Lake Orestiada—an area nationally renowned for apple cultivation. The unique combination of relatively high altitude (620–800 m), fertile and water-rich soil, and the mild microclimate created by the lake gives the apples their distinctive flavor, rich aroma, and high nutritional value. These natural conditions shape not only the fruit, but also the philosophy of the business. Although the company is a relatively recent entrant into primary production, it builds upon the region’s long-standing apple-growing heritage, applying established principles of good agricultural practice at every stage. At the same time, modern protective measures, such as anti-hail net systems, have been incorporated to safeguard the crops and ensure production stability. Driven by a desire to make full use of high-quality raw material, the company expanded into processing, developing products primarily based on fresh Kastoria apples (Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith) grown in its own orchards. As production volumes increase, carefully selected apples from other local producers may also be incorporated, provided they meet the same strict quality, safety, and cultivation standards, with the company’s own apples serving as the benchmark for raw material selection. Each apple is carefully hand-selected and gently processed to preserve its natural nutritional value and beneficial properties. Today, the product range includes apple pieces in apple juice (pie filling application), apple purée, apple sauce, dried apple products (slices, crumbs, flakes, and powder) - all produced without added sugar or preservatives - as well as gourmet-style apple chutney. The apple juice, in particular, reflects the company’s philosophy, standing out for its naturally rich flavor and minimal, almost homemade-style processing. The transition from cultivation to processing was strongly supported by the New Agriculture New Generation organization, which guided the company throughout the entire journey—from licensing and food safety to marketing, sales, costing, and financial planning. Looking ahead, the company seeks to build long-term commercial partnerships with wholesalers and distributors, aiming to bring the authentic taste of Kastoria’s apples to international markets. Advantages and innovations The company’s competitive advantage is based on a vertically integrated production model, that combines apple cultivation, processing, and product development within the same artisanal cottage food producer operating as an SME. Unlike many competing processors that depend entirely on open-market sourcing, raw material is sourced primarily from the company’s own orchards, which act as a quality benchmark, complemented by a carefully selected network of local growers operating under the same agricultural and quality standards. This model ensures traceability, consistency, and scalability. Apple cultivation takes place in the Kastoria region, at an altitude of 620–800 m, in the microclimate of Lake Orestiada - an area nationally recognized for apple production. These conditions result in apples with naturally rich flavor, intense aroma, and strong nutritional value, allowing the company to develop products without added sugar or preservatives, relying solely on the intrinsic characteristics of the fruit. This clearly differentiates the company from competitors who often require additives to standardize taste. Innovation is driven by maximum raw material utilization. From selected apple varieties (Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith), the company develops a diversified portfolio including apple pieces in juice, purée, sauce, dried products, powders and juice. This approach reduces waste and increases value creation per kilogram of raw material, improving overall resource efficiency. Processing is based on low-intervention, small-scale methods that preserve the fruit’s natural properties. Expected role of a partner The company seeks to collaborate with professional wholesalers and distributors active in the agrifood sector, operating on a wholesale buy–sell model. Targeted partners are companies that purchase products directly, assume ownership of the goods, and manage their distribution within a defined geographic market. Commission-based agents or intermediaries without purchasing and logistics capacity are not the primary focus of this cooperation. The ideal partner has demonstrated experience in the distribution of branded, value-added food products, particularly within delicatessen stores, specialty food retail, premium grocery outlets and/or HORECA channels. Experience in handling fruit-based, clean-label products (without added sugar or preservatives), as well as in introducing emerging or artisanal food brands to the market, is considered a strong advantage. The partner is expected to act as a local commercial and distribution partner, contributing directly to the company’s market expansion and sales development. Specifically, the partner’s role includes: • purchasing products on a wholesale basis and managing inventory at its own facilities • handling local distribution and logistics, ensuring appropriate storage and product -handling conditions • developing and managing a sales network targeting delicatessen stores, specialty retailers, premium grocery outlets and/or HORECA customers • promoting the products in alignment with their existing brand positioning, without altering product formulation, packaging, or brand identity • providing structured market feedback regarding customer demand, sales performance, and competitive landscape The partner is not expected to participate in product development, production processes, quality control, or branding decisions, which remain under the sole responsibility of the company. Commercial cooperation is based on wholesale purchase agreements, with pricing structured around order volumes and turnover-based rebates rather than commission-based remuneration. Orders, invoicing, and payments are conducted directly between the partner and the company. The objective of the cooperation is to establish a stable, long-term commercial partnership that supports consistent market presence, scalable distribution, and sustainable growth for both parties.