From July 1st 2024 Olympic Food Group will be the sole commercial operator of the Greek Grape Company (GGC). GGC has a total of 30 hectares of land, is one of the biggest grape cultivation locations in Greece. The acquisition will further enhance Olympic Food Group’s experience in grapes.
In taking over GGC’s commercial business, Olympic Food Group (OFG) takes control of most of its products. The majority of these will be distributed via Olympic Fruit, one of the subsidiaries of OFG. “Grapes are extremely important in Olympic Fruit’s product line. They are among our products that we’ve become experts in over the years which is why we are delighted with the decision. Being in close proximity to production allows us to assure quality and accessibility for our clients. Furthermore, working with GGC is very satisfying,” says Lennart van den Heuvel, the CEO at Olympic Food Group.
George Saliaris-Fasseas is the creator of the Greek Grape Company, is equally passionate. “I am ecstatic to collaborate with an innovative business in Holland which is knowledgeable about the vineyards as well as the practicalities of operation, and shares the same quality standards as ours. We were last year ranked first in quality suppliers for our largest UK retailer, and are the first vineyard to receive certification for sustainable farming. Under the guidance of Olympic Food Group and collaboration, we’ll be pushing the limits and please their customers’ customers in a wider range of countries.”
The site for cultivation, which is located in Agios Pavlos in Halkidiki located in the northern part of Greece is directly along the coastline and is able to benefit from the unique wind from north that increases the quality of grapes. “Also the climate’s stability and fertile soil makes this an ideal place for growing grapes,” says George.
GGC is the 3rd autonomous cultivation facility for the Olympic Food Group. In addition to GGC, Cederberg in South Africa (grapes) as well as Dojrana within North Macedonia (cherries, apricots as well as apples, plums and cherries) are included in the OFG. “Due to the changing climate and the increasing availability of food products, food security is an ever-growing challenge. Incorporating cultivation into our product portfolio allows us to do this with a sustainable approach” according to Lennart.
Greek Grape Company cultivates various types of red and white grapes made from Bloomfresh. White varieties comprise Sugar Crisp, Sweet Globe and Cotton Candy (expected). Red versions are Jack Salute and Sweet Celebration.
The first harvest will be on sale via Olympic Fruit from approximately week 35 until week 43.
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Loes Al
Olympic Food Group
Tel: +31(0)6 16 63 21 23
[email protected]
www.olympicfruit.com
Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies