KINGDOM DOLMA

From the hand-staffed dolmadakia back in the 50’s, to one of the most recognizable Greek food brands

Paliria is one of the largest Greek companies in the food sector. In view of the company’s new, fresh image both with its new logo and with the enrichment of the digital environment (new site and new digital activities throughout 2023 on a global level), Ambrosia Magazine hosts an interesting talk with Paliria’s CEO, Mr. George Kostianis.

What is Paliria’s position in its category and where does it stand in terms of exports volume?

With a path of continuous growth since 1957, Paliria not only is one of the largest food companies, but also a leader in its category. Combining the tradition of Greek cuisine with innovation, it has a dynamic presence in ready meals (both shelf and fridge) with a wide range of recipes. Recently, we introduced the Paliria ON YOUR SIDE range with ready meals, based on pulses and quinoa, responding to the modern trend for a healthier diet. The recent launch of the GOLD DOLMAS limited edition is also an important innovation. After all, dolmades are the most emblematic product of Paliria, for which it holds the title of No.1 dolma producer in the world: more than 1,800,000 dolmades are hand-wrapped daily in our facilities. The company is particularly active in exports, with 85% of the total turnover volume exported in over 60 countries worldwide.

Tell us about the company’s portfolio. What does it include, and what are its main exports?

Paliria’s portfolio includes ready-to-eat meals (shelf, refrigerated and frozen) based on authentic Greek cuisine. Since 1957, we prepare our products with knowledge, passion and homemade care, as well as with non-negotiable standards, such as the finest raw materials and the assurance of exceptional quality at all stages of production. As for export products, our goal is to treat the foreign consumer as a guest, serving them “the Greek table”, conveying the culinary experience of our country,

PALIRIA IN NUMBERS

1957

PALIRIA IS FOUNDED, IN POLITIKA VILLAGE (EVIA)

128 ACTIVE CODES, ON THE SHELF, FROZEN, AND REFRIGERATED

60 EXPORTING COUNTRIES in such a way that they feel they are bringing Greece back home. Paliria’s leading, best-selling export product is Dolmas -the company’s field of expertise- both on the shelves and refrigerated. Our top-selling export products also include vine leaves, eggplant products, such as imam and roasted eggplant puree, legume meals, as well as refrigerated meals based on classic Greek recipes, such as moussaka, pastitsio, etc. Finally, let’s not forget to mention Paliria’s recent entry into the dough category, with frozen pies, a necessary ingredient for a truly perfect Greek Table.

In the wake of the big changes brought about by the pandemic and the major crisis in the supply chain due to the war, how do you see the market moving at the moment, and how does it affect your own company?

The pandemic caused a literally unprecedented crisis, with completely immeasurable factors, given that it was a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance, worldwide. However, although the food service channel saw a large decline, retail was up, with ready meals coming stronger to the fore. Generally speaking, in recent years, the categories of ready meals, both shelf and refrigerated, are on the rise – which is fully justified by the way our lifestyles change.

paliria's R&D department is constantly looking for alternative solutions in the use of materials In order to develop a more sustainable packaging Approach

In Paliria we created the appropriate mechanisms, as soon as the crisis started, in order to manage any obstacles and any given problem caused by the pandemic and the war. Both nationally and internationally, we do not face significant supply issues for our customers as we ensure that we have what is needed for our production process early enough and manage any supply chain delays through the flexibility of having manufacturing facilities in many parts of the world.

Sustainability started as a trend a few years ago, today, however, it is been considered one of the pillars for the development of every company, especially in f&b worldwide, while it is also a purchasing criterion for consumers. How does Paliria respond to this specific need of the modern consumer? From the very beginning, Paliria recognized the issue of sustainability, not as a simple trend, but as an imperative for solutions that will contribute to dealing with major climate changes and, ultimately, to the survival of our planet. That is why the Company continuously carries out actions at many levels, to keep up with the priorities of our time. For example, the R&D department is constantly looking for alternative solutions in the use of materials in order to develop a more sustainable packaging