With his father’s roasting secrets, the best quality raw materials, and respect for the consumer as his guiding principles, Nikos introduces us to his fresh and delicious products. Let’s get to know him…
Tell us a few things about yourself. How did you start? What made you pursue a career in food production?
The activity of processing and packaging nut butters began about six years ago. I started with a small oven in a shop I had originally opened to sell wines, spirits, and delicatessen products. The art of roasting was passed down to me by my father, who had extensive experience, although he eventually switched careers and became a chef in large hotels and ships. I, on the other hand, took the exact opposite path.
Tell us about your brand. What does it represent? What was the purpose behind its creation?
Our brand, Nutorious, is the result of a collective effort by our company’s creative team. We wanted a strong, catchy name that wasn’t overused. That’s how the idea of “Nutorious” came about, inspired by the word “notorious,” which is widely known but often with a negative connotation. We changed the second letter to reflect what we make, and as for our reputation—Nutorious stands for the fine and exceptional quality of the products we create!
How did you get started? What challenges did you face?
As I mentioned earlier, I started with a very unique shop offering products that were hard to find elsewhere, with a wide variety of wines, spirits, and specialty items from Greece and abroad. The shop was located in the most central part of the city, in Karlovasi, Samos. For several years, business was good, but when the economic crisis started spreading across Greece, things became more difficult. I had always thought about moving into food processing, but the crisis gave me the final push to make it happen.
I left the area, found a larger space outside the commercial zone, and began setting up my workshop.
The beginning is always hard—for everyone. Setting up the business felt overwhelming at first. But the toughest part came later: placing your products in the market. You’re new, and people need to get to know you, trust you, and choose you.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
Our range consists of three nut butters and nine nut products. The secret? Quality and respect for the consumer. We aim to create products that stand out not only in terms of content but also in packaging.
Tell us about your raw materials.
Raw materials are a huge part of our work. The search for high-quality raw ingredients is ongoing and relentless. We place great importance on this aspect of our business because everything depends on it—your results are judged by the market. We look for and find the best quality raw materials, and with our knowledge, passion, and care, we turn them into top-tier products.
Are there any products you particularly stand out?
All our products are made with care and enthusiasm. Each one has its own uniqueness in processing and its own secrets, so no, I can’t pick just one. But I will always remember how my father taught me to roast peanuts.
Give us a few suggestions on how to use your products (beyond the usual, tips or recipes, etc.)
There are so many ways to use these products. For the nut butters, I’d simply recommend trying them in hot or cold drinks—like smoothies or warm milk. At breakfast with cereals, they not only add flavor but also provide numerous health benefits.
Try a spoonful of hazelnut butter with caramel on ice cream, topped with some nuts. Use them the same way in yogurt with pieces of dark chocolate. Create salad dressings and sprinkle in some nuts. You can also make sweet sandwiches using the spreads with fresh fruits. There are countless ways to use them and impress.
Can Greek producers make a difference during a crisis?
Absolutely. Let’s not forget that Greece has some of the best raw materials in the world. The products that Greece produces are competitive both inside and outside the Greek market—provided they are processed properly, and by that, I mean well-packaged goods.
Why did you choose to support the Wise Greece Initiative?
To contribute in our own way to the important social work that Wise Greece has organized.
