"We started with importing Italian salad mixes for the Greek market and other countries in the Balkans, five years ago. Over the years we have been introducing exotics as well. However, the fact remains, that the average Greek consumers cannot afford many of our products, which is why we focus on young professionals and the luxury market, in Greece, but also on our neighbouring countries," explains Bogdanis.
The salad mixes from Italian producer L'Insalata dell'Orto remain the most popular for this salad loving market. However, they have seen success with the exotic fruits they offer as well, with mangoes and papaya leading the pack, along with other well known exotics like pineapple and limes.
"We have really noticed what an effect social media and television has had on the market in the last few years. For example, we saw a dramatic increase in demand for our whole coconuts with a straw after a popular survival show had aired here in Greece. Social media has also influenced the younger generations, who want to try all of these new things they are seeing, and believe in the importance of super foods and healthy eating," Bogdanis continued.
The company felt that this year's Freskon was the perfect opportunity to showcase new products that they would like to introduce to the Greek market, especially focused on the health conscious consumer.
"Social media has been full of alternatives for carbohydrates, by using substitutes such as zucchini, beetroot and carrot, so we would like to start carrying these products as well. We have also brought along herbal tea kits, after edible flowers have also been getting a lot of attention for tea. Offering fresh herbs is a bit of a challenge here in the Greek market, where we have a long history of just going outside to pick whatever fresh herbs we needs for teas or cooking, so again, this is really aimed at the younger consumer. For the most part, older generations just see these types of products as a trend that will blow over."
For more information:
Vasilis Bogdanis
Bogdanis
Tel: +30 2310770788
Email: basilismpogdanis@gmail.com