Our History
Counting 49 years of operation in the Greek market and having solid relationships that span over 40 years with many of our principals, we are proud to be a major player in the Greek commercial arena.
Milestones in our history
1974
THE COMPANY’S ESTABLISHMENT
In 1974, George Katsiotis, having a long and successful career in Sales, establishes, in Thessaloniki, the company ELGEKA G. KATSIOTIS Ltd, a small commercial food company, with Drs 500,000 initial share capital and seven employees. His wife Eleni has been on his side, every step of the way.
Mr. Chips snacks, CARNATION evaporated milk, ERMIS soaps, STIMOROL chewing gum, ANTHOS KIFISSIAS sweets, TULIP luncheon meat, ΒΙΑΠ candies, ΚΟΚΟΣ candies, ΒΕΚΟ jams, ΒΑΒΟ cleanser; these are few of the brands in the company’s original portfolio, well loved by Greeks through the years.
1981
EXPANSION TO ATHENS
After converting the legal form of the company from Limited Company to Société Anonyme (SA) in 1980, ELGEKA expands its business to Athens by establishing a branch office in 1981. This decision aims at better serving the needs of the market and at the same time contributes decisively to the further growth of the company.
1988
COMPANY’S FOUNDER PASSES AWAY
George Katsiotis, the person who envisioned and set up one of the biggest Commercial companies in Greece, passes away. The memories of the insightful, visionary businessman, the loyal partner with the exuberant and explosive presence that stood out wherever he was, remain alive. Alexander Katsiotis takes on the lead as Managing Director.
1990
NEW PREMISES IN ATHENS
After a nine-year operation, the Athens branch relocates to modern, privately owned premises. The state-of -the-art warehouse and offices in Thrakomakedones, Attica, contribute to the company’s rapid upwards course in the Greek market.
1999
LISTING IN ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
ELGEKA decides the listing of its shares on the Main Market of the Athens Stock Exchange and funds an ambitious growth plan, strengthening the company’s position in the Greek market and expanding its commercial activities in the Balkan countries.
2000
EXPANSION TO THE BALKANS
ELGEKA expands its commercial activity in the Balkans by establishing companies, first in Romania – ELGEKA FERFELIS ROMANIA SRL and in 2006 in Bulgaria – ELGEKA FERFELLIS BULGARIA Ltd. Both companies deal with the marketing of CPGs.
ACQUISITION OF VIOTROS S.A.
In 2000 ELGEKA Group enters into new business areas by acquiring the majority package in VIOTROS S.A. – production and packaging of products made with vegetable fat (cheese substitutes).
2004
HACCP CERTIFICATION
In April 2004, ELGEKA is approved for certification, after inspection by the accreditation body TUV-Hellas according to the standard “ELOT 1416”. This was the result of ELGEKA having developed a system of food hygiene and safety management (HACCP) according to the guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius by the International Food Organisation. This certification offers a distinct competitive advantage and reinforces the company’s commitment to food safety.
2007
ACQUISITION OF DIAKINISIS S.A.
ELGEKΑ Group expands its activity in the 3PL market – Third Party Logistics – by acquiring DIAKINISIS S.A., the first -and largest- company that introduced Logistics Services in Greece. DIAKINISIS currently holds the leading position in the 3PL Greek market, providing integrated logistics services and supply chain management solutions.
2010
COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN DIAKINISIS SA & COSCO PCT
ELGEKA Group – through its subsidiary DIAKINISIS SA – signs a strategic agreement with COSCO PCT. The deal concerns the cargo project – loading and unloading – and trafficking of containers arriving at Piraeus Port, and particularly at Pier II which has been handed over to COSCO PCT for the next 35 years.
ACQUISITION OF VITA PI S.A.
With the acquisition of VITA PI, ELGEKA Group strengthens its position in the wholesale market. VITA PI operates in the marketing and distribution of FMCGs and is a major supplier of ARISTA Supermarkets network (558 stores), while also serving a significant number of independent clients – approximately 1,750 points of sale. Under the decision of 31.01.2014 of the Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders the name of the company becomes “ARISTA COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY S.A.” and its distinctive title “ARISTA S.A.”.
2011
CERTIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS OF ISO 22000: 2005
The company upgrades its certification, following the international developments in food safety, under the most stringent performance and quality standards. It is certified for its food safety system with ISO 22000: 2005
2012
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIAKINISIS LOGISTICS SERVICES (CY) LTD
Elgeka Group expands its activities in the Cypriot 3PL market with the establishment of Diakinisis Logistics Services (CY) Ltd. The company offers logistics services as well as integrated supply chain management solutions.
2014
ACQUISITION OF 40% OF SHARE CAPITAL OF DIAKINISIS LOGISTICS SERVICES (CY) LTD FROM C.A. PAPAELLINAS
In October 2014 C.A. Papaellinas acquires 40 % of Diakinisis Logistics Services (CY) Ltd share capital. DIAKINISIS (CY) undertakes the storage and nationwide distribution of all of C.A. Papaellinas’ consumer products, and becomes one of the largest and most specialized companies in the field of Logistics in Cyprus, maintaining facilities in Nicosia, Larnaca , Limassol and Paphos.
VIOTROS S.A. EXCELLS AT THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS AWARDS
VIOTROS S.A. wins “National Champion of Greece” at the European Business Awards in the category “The UKTI Award for Innovation” for its concept “Violife” dairy-free cheese.
2015
SECOND YEAR OF VIOTROS S.A. SUCCESS AT THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS AWARDS
For a second consecutive year, VIOTROS S.A. wins at the European Business Awards, this time in the category “Import/Export Award” for the company’s impressive export growth within 2014 -2015.
2018
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORTING
ELGEKA joins the companies that report non-financial data, with emphasis on CSR activities.
2019
INAUGURATION OF NEW WINE BUSINESS UNIT
The company expands its portfolio in a new area: wine. It represents 4 Wineries (Agricultural University of Athens- Gnosis, Patraiki Wines 1918, Symposium Cellars, Winery of Tirnavos), and The Wine Barrel.
2022
PARTICIPATION IN FOOD EXPO EXHIBITION
For the first time, ELGEKA participates in the Food Expo, where through a modern and sleek wine booth showcases different Greek wine regions with their varieties of high quality wine.
FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM UPDATE
ELGEKA updates its system of food safety management certification, according to the ISO 22000:2018 standard. Additionally, ELGEKA successfully passes the inspection and is certified for its food safety system with ISO 22000:2018
