Time to get to know Thanos from Symphonia, known for their wonderful olives, award-winning olive oils and honeys, and a surprise product: the BeeGood hazelnut spread with honey!
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get started? What inspired you to get involved with food?
My involvement with food and the primary sector began at our family estate in Krokees, Laconia, where we grow olive trees. The primary sector in Greece has always been very promising due to the country’s geographical position, biodiversity, and unspoiled land—it’s a field full of interest and potential.
Tell us a bit about the brand. What does it stand for? What was your purpose in creating it?
I envisioned the brand “Symphonia” to be like a unique symphony of aromas, flavors, and experiences, expressed through Greek products of high nutritional value, in exceptional packaging and with top-notch quality.
How did you start out? What challenges did you face?
Starting out was a dynamic mix of passion, love, and a desire to create. Whatever the challenges were—and there were many—I believe that if you have those ingredients, anything can be overcome.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
Our products—regardless of their category—are PDO, PGI, or organic. In their production, we combine time-tested practices with today’s strict standards, allowing us to guarantee premium quality and the preservation of their unique nutritional characteristics.
Tell us about the raw materials you use.
Our standout raw material is the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, known for its exceptional qualities like low acidity, high polyphenols, and vitamin E content. We also use Kalamata olives—the most famous and beloved olive variety in the world—renowned for their taste and nutritional value. Lastly, our honey, one of nature’s greatest gifts to humankind, is carefully selected from top-quality varieties from Crete and Central Greece.
Are there any products you particularly favor?
Although I consider all our products like my children and shouldn’t really pick favorites, if I had to mention a few, I’d say I have a soft spot for the honey with Chios mastiha, our olive paste—which literally makes my mouth water—and of course the BeeGood hazelnut and honey spread for ultimate flavor indulgence.
Give us a few suggestions for how to use your products (recipes, tips, etc.).
Try Greek yogurt with Melion Honey with Chios Mastiha, bake a cake using BeeGood Hazelnut Spread, or stuff cherry tomatoes with our Elea Terra olive paste…
Can Greek producers make a difference during times of crisis?
Greek producers have made a difference during the crisis. Thanks to their passion, love for the primary sector, and persistence, they have managed to highlight the purity and superior taste of Greek products.
What difficulties do Greek producers face today?
Today, Greek producers deal with numerous challenges such as lack of liquidity, high taxation, the absence of organized state promotion abroad, and complicated bureaucratic processes around exports.
Why did you choose to participate in and support the Wise Greece initiative?
I firmly believe that WISE GREECE carries out important social work, which is more urgently needed than ever. That’s why I actively participate in this non-profit organization, envisioning a better future for the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of our country.
