It’s time to meet the person behind the first 100% Greek production of biodegradable tea pyramids. Answering our questions, Yiannis from PEGASOS shares his own “Odyssey.” Let’s get to know him!
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you start? What inspired you to work in the food sector?
In 2010, at the onset of the economic crisis, I was working in the health sector as a Sales Director for a Greek pharmaceutical company based in Thessaloniki. This sector was hit early on, with price reductions on medicines leading to wage cuts, reduced bonuses, and layoffs. While looking for alternative employment, I discovered that the agricultural economy had a bright future ahead in the coming decades!
Tell us a bit about the brand. What does it represent? What was your purpose in creating it?
The “TEA ODYSSEY” line is the first 100% Greek production of biodegradable tea pyramids made with Greek organic herbs. It was created and launched in 2014 when we realized the absence of Greek herbal teas in pyramid form across all foodservice venues (HO.RE.CA) in the Greek market. We found it unacceptable that a country with over 800 endemic aromatic plants and herbs, and a tradition going back thousands of years in treating illnesses—according to Hippocrates, Asclepius, and Dioscorides—was not represented properly in this sector.
How did you start? What challenges did you face?
We started in 2014 with just 2 SKUs, and today we have 13 in the “TEA ODYSSEY” line, with 2 more in development for the upcoming winter season. Our biggest challenge, even today, is the strong competition from multinational brands that have flooded the Greek market. These brands use black and green teas from the Asian market, allowing them to offer lower prices. Their massive advertising campaigns have bombarded the Greek consumer for decades, making them a fixed part of their daily habits.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
We see tea as an adventure, a journey—hence the name inspired by the powerful global symbol of mythology, “ODYSSEY.” Each of our tea SKUs is named after a character from the Odyssey. We want consumers to associate the product with its country of origin and at the same time differentiate it from thousands of generic teas with names like diet, energy, tonic, etc.
Tell us about your raw ingredients
At PEGASOS Organic Superfoods, we cultivate on our own land in Melissourgos, Thessaloniki. At the same time, we have established both contract and open partnerships with 65 producers across Northern Greece. We process everything in our certified facility in Lagadas, Thessaloniki:
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A range of aromatic herbs from the Greek land, available in biodegradable tea pyramids or loose in DoyPack packaging.
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Greek organic superfoods such as blueberries, goji berries, aronia, sea buckthorn, and cornelian cherries—both fresh and dried—as well as organic spreads made without sugar, sweetened with organic agave syrup.
Are there any products you particularly recommend?
Without a doubt, the “TEA ODYSSEY” line is the crown jewel of our company and is gaining recognition daily among professionals and, most importantly, among consumers. Among the 13 SKUs in the line, I must admit I have a special fondness for ITHACA, which was our very first blend.
Can you share some suggestions for how to use your products (beyond the usual ways, tips or recipes)?
Our Greek organic superfoods—such as goji berries, blueberries, sea buckthorn, aronia, and cornelian cherries—especially in dried form, are perfect as salad toppings, in muesli and yogurt. The spreads made from these fruits are great as dips with yellow cheeses, salad dressings mixed with olive oil, or served alongside red or white meats. Naturally, they also have many uses in baking and desserts.
Can Greek producers make a difference during the crisis?
Unfortunately, Greek producers face an uphill battle from day one. Especially those who don’t have the necessary capital and workforce to produce in large quantities, manage proper storage facilities, set up a processing unit, handle operations, marketing, promotion, certifications, and dozens of other activities required to create competitive products that can stand up to large international brands.
Why did you choose to participate in and support the Wise Greece Initiative?
To contribute to others—to the vulnerable, the underprivileged, the unlucky, and the victims of the economic crisis among our fellow citizens.
