From the vertically integrated livestock unit of the Municipality of Prosotsani, supermarkets, delicatessens, and foreign markets both within and outside of Europe are being supplied, with new partnerships in Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
The genuine, traditional dairy products originating from rural Greece—products that appear in the eyes of urban residents as an “invaluable natural treasure”—seem to be steadily gaining ground in consumer preferences abroad as well.
The distance from Drama to… Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, the capitals of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia respectively, is obviously vast. But that didn’t stop the locals from “discovering” them through international trade networks, much like several European countries had earlier. The next goal: entering the American market…
In the shadow of Mount Menikio, on the plain of the Municipality of Prosotsani, the Agricultural Livestock Industrial Cooperative of Prosotsani Menikio (Menikio) develops its activity, expressing the shared vision of a group of local people for the creation of a model farm. In this fertile plain, the Cooperative’s livestock unit, animal feed storage facility, and dairy plant are located. Surrounding the facilities is a fenced pasture where “…the animals graze freely in a protected environment, depending on the season and weather conditions, without being exposed to any danger,” as described by the company’s head, Giorgos Meleneclis—a graduate of the Department of Agriculture (specializing in Food Science and Technology) at the School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Environment of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
He explains to newmoney:
“Menikio supplies the Greek market daily with high-quality dairy products made exclusively from Goat and Sheep Milk, including our flagship product, Fresh Goat Milk, as well as Yogurt, Kefir, Goat Cheese and Feta, Ayran, and Butter. In addition to milk from its own livestock unit, Menikio sources milk from more than 100 producers from Drama, Serres, and Thessaloniki.
In international markets, the Organic product line is enjoying great success and growth, both in Europe—with partnerships in the UK, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—and beyond, with recent collaborations in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.”
The company distributes its products through partner supermarket chains in Northern Greek cities (e.g. Masoutis, My Market, Market In, Sklavenitis), and in Athens through organic food stores and delicatessens (such as “Biologiko Chorio”).
Menikio’s exports already account for 30% of its turnover and continue to grow. The company produces 20 product codes and employs 50 workers.
Its sales exceed €2 million, with a projected increase of 12%-15% for 2024, while a new investment in the expansion of its facilities is expected to double its annual production to 1 million tons.
Plans include the launch of an innovative product: the first organic ice cream made from goat kefir, which is set to launch in Spring 2025. Additionally, the company exports animal feed, mostly cultivated in Cyprus.
“Support for Livestock Farmers”
Menikio’s facilities include a fully vertically integrated livestock unit, dairy plant, warehouses, farmland, and a fenced grazing area of 90 acres.
“The Cooperative’s people ensure that the feeding schedule, quantity, and timing are strictly defined and consistent, thus creating the ideal conditions for the production of high and consistent quality organic milk.
This organization is what allows Menikio to continually expand its production activities in the organic products sector. At the Cooperative’s dairy plant, high-quality, certified organic dairy products are produced, following all hygiene and safety protocols in line with HACCP and ISO 22000 standards,” adds Mr. Meleneclis, continuing:
“Our priority is quality Goat Milk, which we aim to emphasize, supporting local livestock farmers and their work, with the goal of further developing and strengthening the milk production zone. All of this is naturally reflected in the final product and its quality. Our ongoing goal is to produce innovative dairy products of high quality, taste, and nutritional value. Our desire to develop innovative organic products is also reflected in the recent launch of our newest product, Organic Ice Cream made from Goat Milk and Kefir—a product that marks our entry into the frozen foods market and has already been met with great success at food exhibitions in Greece and abroad.”
In closing, Giorgos Meleneclis speaks about the impact of Menikio’s collaboration with the organization New Agriculture New Generation:
“As a small-to-medium enterprise, it’s very important for us to have the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like New Agriculture New Generation. The work and initiatives they carry out in partnership with businesses are of the utmost importance for our development and networking. Through the ‘Agroanelixi’ competition, we managed to create our Goat Kefir Ice Cream with the help and guidance of the organization’s team. On our end, we will continue to participate wherever possible and support the organization’s work in the best possible way.
Source: newmoney.gr
