Introduction
In northern Evros, in the historic city of castles, Didymoteicho, stands EVROFARMA S.A., a company that has carved its own path on the map of the Greek dairy industry. Starting in 1972, when the brothers Paschalis and Thanasis Papazilakis laid the foundations of a small family business, EVROFARMA grew into a strong pillar of quality and innovation in the field.
At the facilities of EVROFARMA in Didymoteicho, we met its people, who warmly welcomed us to the hospitable space of their central offices. With smiles and a willingness to share their story and vision, they told us how their love for tradition and commitment to the local community combine with the ongoing effort for development and innovation.
The Principles: Historical Journey and Development
EVROFARMA was born in 1972 from the vision and courage of two brothers, Paschalis and Thanasis Papazilakis, who decided to take a big step without prior experience in the industry and without significant resources. Coming from a family engaged in a different sector, the brothers opened a small dairy workshop in Didymoteicho, with facilities of just 1,000 square meters and their main “capital” being hard work and a passion for creation.
Despite the difficulties, the company began producing and bottling fresh milk, while simultaneously producing traditional yogurt and dairy products. In 1990, the establishment of a model cattle breeding farm, known as Campus Ageladotrofiki, marked a turning point, introducing innovations in cattle breeding to Greece for the first time. With a daily production of 2,000 liters of milk, the farm laid the foundations for the expansion of production and the quality that characterizes EVROFARMA to this day.
The company’s dynamic trajectory culminated with its entry into the Athens Stock Exchange in 2000, an event that paved the way for investments in new technologies and modern infrastructures. Supported by their determination and dedication, the two brothers transformed a small workshop into a modern dairy industry that today stands out for its quality and commitment to innovation.
Infrastructure and Raw Materials
Today, EVROFARMA S.A. is housed in state-of-the-art facilities in Thrace, with production units in Didymoteicho and Mesti of Evros. The company boasts modern infrastructure and cutting-edge technology, ensuring the top quality of its products. With a daily production exceeding 50 tons of milk, it relies heavily on local raw materials, as 90% of these come from more than 400 collaborating producers in Thrace.
The investment in the subsidiary Campus Ageladotrofiki in Mesti brought the production of superior quality milk, which accounts for 3.5% of the daily Greek production of cow’s milk. At the same time, the model goat farm in Asimenio of Evros, completed in 2017, produces high-quality goat’s milk, enhancing the company’s product range. In 2019, innovation continued with the production of fresh milk from Jersey breed cows, known for its unique quality.
Production and Quality Control
EVROFARMA places special emphasis on quality at every stage of the production process, from milk collection to the final distribution of its products. The milk received from cooperating producers is thoroughly tested at the company’s own laboratories, where examinations are conducted for trace elements, microbiological analysis, and protein content. EVROFARMA’s laboratory is certified by ELOGAK (Hellenic Organization of Milk and Meat), ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the tests.
The company’s commitment to quality is also reflected through the numerous certifications it holds, such as:
- ISO 9001:2015 for quality management
- ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management
- ISO 22000:2018 for food safety
- BRC Issue 8 and IFS Version 6.1 for compliance with international food safety standards
- AGROCERT for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products
- BIO HELLAS for organic production
Products & Innovation
EVROFARMA, through its subsidiary Campus, continues to innovate with products that meet the modern needs of consumers. Campus is distinguished by the production of high-quality milk, which serves as the foundation for all its products.
Focusing on innovation, the company has introduced high-protein cheeses and is preparing a new line of high-protein kefir, expanding its range with healthy products of high nutritional value.
At the same time, EVROFARMA remains true to producing traditional products such as feta cheese and strained yogurt, while also developing new offerings that respond to the needs and trends of the market.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development
EVROFARMA is an example of a company that combines business growth with contributions to society. It actively supports the local community of Thrace by creating jobs and investing in initiatives with social impact. Beyond the ongoing support of its collaborating producers, it strengthens hospitals and organizations, while providing significant incentives to its employees to address the region’s demographic challenges.
At the same time, EVROFARMA is also pioneering in environmental management by implementing circular economy practices that reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. The biogas production unit, which utilizes manure, whey, and sludge from the wastewater treatment plant, generates energy, while the solid residue is used as organic fertilizer by cooperating farmers.
At the same time, EVROFARMA is also pioneering in environmental management by implementing circular economy practices that reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. The biogas production unit, which utilizes manure, whey, and sludge from the wastewater treatment plant, generates energy, while the solid residue is used as organic fertilizer by cooperating farmers.
The company implements energy-saving programs, reducing the consumption of fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, while simultaneously investing in methods to significantly reduce water consumption and wastewater treatment through its biological treatment processes.
The Importance of Financial Instruments
The utilization of funded programs has been crucial for EVROFARMA’s progress, which began with limited capital but a strong vision. From its founding until today, the company has taken advantage of every available program, combining grants with strategic moves and continuous development.
As Panagiotis Papazilakis also states:
The company relied on the programs.
EVROFARMA’s collaboration with the company ena Development Consultants, which began in 2008, has been a pivotal point in its development. With expertise in managing financial instruments, ena has played a crucial role in many successful investments, such as the recent project under Action 4.2.1 – Processing, Marketing, and Development of Agricultural Products.
The project was implemented with the support of Nikos Charalampogiannis, Coordinator of Advisory Services for the Development Law & Business Development, and Giannis Kaltsas, Consultant for Development Services for the Development Law & Business Development.
Through the program, EVROFARMA made significant investments in infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, energy upgrades, and innovative software, ensuring its sustainability and competitiveness.
The Second Generation and the Vision for the Future
The baton is passed powerfully to the second generation of the Papazilakis family, with Panagiotis Papazilakis leading EVROFARMA, combining tradition and innovation.
EVROFARMA is not just a business. It is our heritage, built with dedication and vision,
Panagiotis states, highlighting the responsibility of preserving and advancing the work of the first generation.
The development plan includes, among other things: doubling production and sales with a target of 80 million euros, boosting exports with tailored products such as feta cheese cubes, developing new lines like kefir and high-protein cheeses, and achieving environmental sustainability through recycling and green energy.
Our goal is to fully utilize the region’s raw materials and reduce our environmental footprint,
Panagiotis emphasizes, focusing on the sustainable management of resources and energy. With tradition as the foundation and innovation as the driving force, the second generation is committed to leading EVROFARMA into a new era of growth and sustainability.
The creation of our 36th Business Story involved Development Law & Business Development consultants from ena, Nikos Charalampogiannis and Giannis Kaltsas, along with Maria Kariofilaki from the company’s Marketing team.
1ο χλμ. Διδυμοτείχου – Ορεστιάδας, 68300
+30 2553 020020
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