Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you start? What inspired you to get involved with food?
Grizo & Prasino was officially founded in December 2017, but our relationship with herbs began much earlier, around 2012, as a hobby. We started with small-scale production, experimenting with cultivation, drying, and flavors, while also reading about the healing properties of Greek herbs.
Gradually, we realized there was a gap in the market. We kept seeing tea bags filled with flavored black or green tea, but no products that truly highlighted Greek herbs the way they deserve. That’s what motivated us. We didn’t start from a simple idea—we started from a need to bring something new to the market, and we still operate with that mindset today.
Tell us a bit about the brand. What does it represent? What was your goal in creating it?
Our philosophy is actually hidden in our name: Grizo & Prasino (meaning Grey & Green). The fields are grey in winter and green in summer—just like us, the two founders. We’re a couple—some days we argue, other days we’re in love, like life itself. We want our herbal blends to accompany people through both the “grey” and the “green” moments of everyday life.
We don’t want herbs to be something you only drink “when something’s wrong.” We offer them for their taste, their feel-good qualities, and as part of self-care. Grizo & Prasino isn’t perfect—just like no one is. It’s our “grey” sides that push us to keep improving.
How did you begin? What challenges did you face?
The challenges we faced in 2017 are, in many ways, still the same today. In Greece, running a business—especially in the agri-food sector—comes with lots of hurdles. You need to operate like a large company, even if you’re just two people in the beginning, which is exactly how we started.
Even now, with a team of seven, it feels like we never have enough hands. There’s social media, email marketing, the online shop, packaging materials, new product development, production, sales, and network growth… the list is endless. When you love what you do, it’s all worth it—but time is always a challenge.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
Our products stand out because we grow the herbs ourselves, controlling the entire process—from field to packaging—to ensure top quality.
Another thing that sets us apart is that we don’t use tea bags. We only offer whole leaves and flowers so the consumer gets the full, natural flavor and benefits of the herbs. We also add fruits and vegetables to our blends, because taste matters. We believe healthy doesn’t have to mean bland.
We also don’t use flavorings or black/green tea. Our products are about celebrating the taste of Greek nature, just as it is.
What about your raw ingredients?
All our ingredients are deeply connected to our land, our roots, and our community of partners. We grow everything organically using agroecological and regenerative practices that actually enrich the soil year after year.
For ingredients we don’t grow ourselves—like certain fruits or nuts—we source them from Greek producers who share our values. Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure authenticity and top quality.
Are there any standout products you’d recommend?
If we had to choose, we’d highlight Exhale—a blend of sage, rose geranium, and bergamot. It has an aromatic intensity that reminds you of spoon sweets and works wonderfully as a digestive.
From our iced teas, a favorite is Me & You Orange. It’s unsweetened and offers a clean, natural flavor.
We’d also mention our botanical salt with orange, thyme, and rosemary. It transforms even the simplest dish into a gourmet experience.
How do you see Greek producers navigating the current crisis?
Greek producers have the potential to stand out on a global scale, despite the difficulties. Greek products are known for their quality, authenticity, and heart. With proper training and education, we believe the coming years can bring even more growth and innovation.
Why did you choose to join and support the Wise Greece Movement?
Joining Wise Greece was a natural decision for us, as its values align closely with ours. Through this partnership, we can promote our products while also contributing to social good—creating a cycle of solidarity and quality.
