OUR COMPANY

120 YEARS MINERVA

120 Years Minerva

Logo 120 years minerva
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Olive tree branches with olives in dna shape

Celebrating
120 years
of tradition and innovation

With Greek heritage as our foundation and looking forward to the future, we consistently enhance our leading position and international impact in the food industry.

Evolution written in our DNA.

Logo Minerva
Logo pumaro
Logo fast
Logo Top
Logo Brava
Logo Horio

1904

the year Minerva was founded

2

state-of-the-art facilities & thousands of points of sale

10

iconic & beloved brands

8

certifications for sustainable practices

Support

63

tomato producers

Exports to

5

continents

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Our history

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Our brands

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Sustainable development practices

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Empowering our people

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Looking forward to the future

1887

Minerva is the oldest olive oil production company in Greece. The history of Karakostas–Giannakos began in the late 19th century with the import and export of food and colonial goods in Athens and Piraeus.

1904-1929

Since 1904, Minerva has expanded its business activities and traded the most precious good of the Greek land: olive oil. Gradually, the company became an expert olive oil trader, creating the famous brands Minerva & Reggina which set the base for its future development.

1977

The unfavourable economic circumstances and mishaps didn’t hinder the collective effort of businessmen, stakeholders and employees. Instead, they reinforced it. Thanks to this, Minerva successfully adopted new technologies and technical knowledge offered by the Greek-owned multinational group Paterson Zochonis for its continuous development and modernization in 1977.

2014

A remarkable brand, Vinegar TOP was added to Minerva’s commercial portfolio. The acquisition of the production unit and the brand Vinegar TOP was a strategic choice that contributed to the company expanding its business activities into a broader food market and adding another historical brand to its “cart”. A brand that Greek households have loved.

2019

Minerva changed its stakeholder structure with MIRTIES ENTERPRISES COMPANY LTD, under the supervision of the investment fund DIORAMA INVESTMENTS Sicar & EOS HELLENIC RENAISSANCE FUND, as the main stakeholder.

2021

Minerva enhanced its position in tomato production by acquiring the Pummaro & Pelargos brands and the production unit in Gastouni. The same year, the company enriched its portfolio of products with mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and condiments by acquiring the Brava & Delicia brands.

With a rich history spanning more than 115 years, Minerva olive oil is the most beloved product of Greek households, passed down… from generation to generation!
Minerva products also include olive pomace oil, seed oil and cooking oils.

Always Pummaro!
Tomatoes 100% grown with love and care

Sun, Earth, Water and our Love for Tomatoes
At Pummaro, we strive to offer you top-quality tomatoes every day. On one condition: To do it sustainably, using natural methods and always supporting our producers in Gastouni.

Thanks to the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, we can support:
• farmers who respect the land and natural resources
• the sustainability and development of Gastouni’s rural community

For more than 35 years, FAST has stood out for its unique taste and high nutritional value. Kids love spreading it on bread and housewives love the great flavour it adds to their food and desserts. Whether classic or buttered, it’s the FAST we all know and trust for use in our savoury and sweet recipes.

The historical quality of the TOP product range began in 1935 in Piraeus and has remained intact until today. Products are constantly enriched with different kinds of vinegar, which can really make a difference to your daily nutrition.

Consistent with the same values that created and established the TOP product range, such as commitment to quality, love for innovation and responsibility towards Greek consumers, Minerva combines tradition with contemporary techniques to elevate taste!

Vinegar made of red or white wine, apples, balsamic vinegar or balsamic crème…whatever your preference, trust the enhanced Mediterranean taste and aromas of a… TOP product!

Brava brand is a “flavourful” story that started in Greece in 1930 and has remained the favourite mustard of Greek households until today.

Today, Brava’s product range caters to all tastes in the mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and tomato sauce categories. It is the perfect solution for quick, creative and mouthwatering recipes and can be used both in cooking and as a complement to many dishes.

Brava. A win in every recipe.

MINERVA, having set the highest standards for all products is launching the «Horio» series of brands that represent the values and quality of the Greek village, offering the consuming public the opportunity to enjoy everyday products from the countryside. The “Horio” products are defined by their purity, authenticity, traditional taste, and outstanding standards of quality and nutritional content, bringing the essence of the village to your table.

The commitment to sustainability is at the heart of Minerva’s philosophy. Environmental responsibility is a priority in all aspects of our business, with initiatives that aim to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

Main sustainability pillars

Reduction of plastic

We aim to use 30% recycled plastic in 1lt olive oil packaging by 2030.

Energy efficiency

Our goal is to minimize electric and thermal energy consumption per production unit.
We invest in energy-efficient and modern technologies to minimize the impact of CO2 emissions.

Sustainable development in the supply chain

We ensure that our suppliers comply with the strict sustainability ethics that define our policy.

Biodiversity programme

Collaboration with tomato producers to protect the fauna and flora of the farming areas. We use satellite technology and get advice from agronomists to improve the use of fertilizers, pesticides and water.

Certifications and recognitions

  • ISO 14001 and 50001 certified for the Schimatari facilities.
  • Goal: ISO 14001 certification for Gastouni’s unit by the first semester of 2025.

Minerva continues to lead the sustainable development sector, implementing innovative practices for a better future for all.

Our dedicated workforce is the core of our success. Our employees’ commitment to quality and excellence ensures that every product stands out for its superior taste and quality, which has established our company’s reputation

Minerva has more than 170 employees and constantly invests in their professional development and well-being. Through holistic reward programmes, our goal is not only to remain competitive in the job market but also to encourage and reward excellent performances.

Certifications and safety in the workplace:

  • Minerva is a health-and-safety certified workplace by international organizations.
  • We offer regular health and safety seminars, equipping our employees with the required knowledge and skills for danger prevention and management.
  • Every Minerva branch has a well-defined health and safety policy that promotes safe practices.

At Minerva, our people are key to our success. By investing in their personal and professional development, we build a great future based on excellence and commitment.

Sustainable Olive Oil Production

To mark its 120-year history, Minerva is launching a significant initiative to support Greek agriculture and sustainability. In collaboration with the Technical University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University, the company is undertaking a research project aimed at:

  • Recording the impacts of climate change on olive oil production, identifying the greatest challenges facing Greek agriculture.
  • Developing sustainable agricultural practices that ensure resilience and long-term growth for producers, taking local environmental conditions into account.

Empowering Greek Agriculture

With the expertise and scientific knowledge of two leading academic institutions, Minerva actively supports Greek farmers. The company provides tools and solutions that help them address modern environmental challenges, ensuring the sustainability of their crops and their long-term development.

Commitment to Sustainability

This initiative is part of Minerva’s broader strategy to support rural communities and ensure sustainable practices at every level of the supply chain. Looking to the future, Minerva continues to innovate, strengthening the connection between tradition and sustainable development while supporting the people and the natural environment that form the foundation of its success.

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Empowering our people

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5. Looking forward to the future

Our dedicated workforce is the core of our success. Our employees’ commitment to quality and excellence ensures that every product stands out for its superior taste and quality, which has established our company’s reputation.

Minerva has more than 170 employees and constantly invests in their professional development and well-being. Through holistic reward programmes, our goal is not only to remain competitive in the job market but also to encourage and reward excellent performances.

Certifications and safety in the workplace:

  • Minerva is a health-and-safety certified workplace by international organizations.
  • We offer regular health and safety seminars, equipping our employees with the required knowledge and skills for danger prevention and management.
  • Every Minerva branch has a well-defined health and safety policy that promotes safe practices.

At Minerva, our people are key to our success. By investing in their personal and professional development, we build a great future based on excellence and commitment.

Sustainable Olive Oil Production

To mark its 120-year history, Minerva is launching a significant initiative to support Greek agriculture and sustainability. In collaboration with the Technical University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University, the company is undertaking a research project aimed at:

  • Recording the impacts of climate change on olive oil production, identifying the greatest challenges facing Greek agriculture.
  • Developing sustainable agricultural practices that ensure resilience and long-term growth for producers, taking local environmental conditions into account.

Empowering Greek Agriculture

With the expertise and scientific knowledge of two leading academic institutions, Minerva actively supports Greek farmers. The company provides tools and solutions that help them address modern environmental challenges, ensuring the sustainability of their crops and their
long-term development.

Commitment to Sustainability

This initiative is part of Minerva’s broader strategy to support rural communities and ensure sustainable practices at every level of the supply chain. Looking to the future, Minerva continues to innovate, strengthening the connection between tradition and sustainable development while supporting the people and the natural environment that form the foundation of its success.

120 Minerva 120 Minerva