Tell us a bit about yourselves. How did you get started? What inspired you to get into the food industry?
We are Kostas Spyropoulos and Angeliki Markopoulou, founders of the brand MESIMERI – Trees & Fruits, and our goal is to produce, package, and market organic products from the land of Messinia, grown on our family estates. A chemical engineer and senior corporate executive, and a graduate in French Philology—partners in life—we decided to return to our roots.
In 2017, we began cultivating our family olive groves in Paniperi, Messinia. Our products are aimed at consumers who care about eating healthy, pure food, who want to know exactly what they’re consuming—and who is producing it. Our vision is for MESIMERI to go from our family groves straight to tables around the world, embracing the farm-to-tablephilosophy.
Tell us about the brand. What does it stand for? Why did you create it?
Our goal is to introduce a new philosophy and awareness around trees and their fruits—and to create more than just an excellent olive oil. We want to offer an idea, an experience: the feeling of a Greek mesimeri (midday). It begins with extra virgin olive oil and reaches as far as the Mediterranean sun itself.
We deeply respect the natural abundance that this land offers. That’s why we maintain small, controlled-scale production, providing an authentic farm-to-table experience. We prioritize quality over quantity, and cultivate with respect to the region’s rich biodiversity—avoiding interventions. Our production is single estate and fully controlled.
How did you begin, and what challenges did you face?
As the son of a farmer, I started my journey by studying in Athens, then later moved abroad with my family. In 2017, we made the decision to return to Kalamata and cultivate our family land in Paniperi, Messinia.
As with any new beginning, nothing came easy. We had no idea where to start or who to turn to. There were (and still are) no well-organized cooperatives to support farmers, and the lack of reliable information and the burden of bureaucracy made everything even more difficult.
Tell us about your products. What makes them special?
Mesimeri EVOO is a premium extra virgin olive oil—pure and authentic, just like the Messinian land that has produced it for over 4,500 years.
It is rich in polyphenols and nutritional value, with an exceptionally low acidity of 0.3% and a rare, complex character. The quality is consistently preserved throughout its shelf life, thanks to our fully controlled production and storage process. It is produced in limited quantities—maximum 3 tons per harvest—and available in two sizes: 250ml and 500ml, in opaque bottles to protect it from light and with a precision pour control.
What makes Mesimeri EVOO stand out is its perfect balance of fruitiness, bitterness, and spiciness, with aromas of tomato leaves, freshly cut grass, olive leaves, herbs, and nuts.
Tell us about your raw materials.
Our family estates are located in the southwest of Messinia, just 4.5 km from the sea, on hillsides at an altitude of 250 meters. It’s a rich agricultural landscape, surrounded by fig trees and diverse local flora such as cypress and carob trees.
Our primary olive variety is Koroneiki, with a smaller percentage of Kalamon olives also grown on the estate.
Are there any products you’re particularly proud of?
Mesimeri E.V.O.O. is the flagship product of the Mesimeri – Trees & Fruits family. More products are on the way, including Kalamon olives and olive paste, all produced with the same philosophy.
Give us a few tips or suggestions for using your products (beyond the usual ways).
Because of its high polyphenol and nutritional content, MESIMERI E.V.O.O. is best consumed raw—in salads or as a finishing touch on meals—to allow its exceptional organoleptic properties (its aroma and taste) to shine. That’s why, on our website www.mesimeri.gr, you’ll find recipes that were specifically created to highlight the unique flavors of MESIMERI E.V.O.O.
Can Greek producers make a difference during a time of crisis?
Absolutely—if they remain committed to cultivating in a way that’s ethical both toward nature and toward consumers. Every crisis helps us sharpen our strategy, think outside the box, and find new ways to promote and cultivate our products—always focusing on their pure qualities and overall excellence.
Why did you choose to participate in and support the Wise Greece Movement?
Because as a company, we believe it’s our responsibility—both as individuals and through our products—to contribute to the well-being of our employees and to support the community we operate in. Corporate social responsibility and the positive impact we want to leave behind are what drive us to consistently support meaningful initiatives like Wise Greece.
