March 25, 2010
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Continues in Greece with Internationally Celebrated Gaea Products
(Athens, Greece) – March 24, 2010 -- While the world’s attention recently has focused on Greece’s financial woes, entrepreneurism is alive, well and growing in the lush Agrinion region in Western Greece as Gaea Products, S.A. continues to expand its product line and distribution network in the U.S. market.
While a family history in politics may have predestined Gaea founder, Mr. Aris Kefalogiannis, to be involved in helping to mend the current financial unrest in his homeland, it is not in the way his political family members would have expected. Breaking away from tradition, Kefalogiannis pursued his passion for sharing the authentic taste and aromas of the Greek Meze culinary experience by founding Gaea Products in 1995. Today Gaea is a promising leader in the Greek specialty food products category, manufacturing savory traditional olive oils, tapenades, cooking sauces and olives that have won over international audiences and continue to gain momentum.
In the midst of uncertainty, the Gaea brand continues to grow and expand; in fact, the company will be launching their New Gaea Kalamata and Sundried Olive Snack Packs in the US market this spring.
In addition to his strong desire to share the wonders of Greek culture with the rest of the world, when he founded Gaea Products, Mr. Kefalogiannis had another passion in mind, and that was a deep respect and sense of stewardship for the land that he calls home. The name itself “Gaea” derives from the ancient Greek word meaning “mother earth” and is a symbol of fertility and earth, and is an important aspect of ancient Greek mythology and the culture of Gaea products. And while sharing his love for the tastes of Greece with other parts of the world, it was important to him that he also preserve the land that gives forth such abundance. In 2009, Gaea launched their green rev’oil’ution and became the first all-natural extra virgin olive oil producers to become Carbon Neutral Certified.
Sun-ripened and traditionally harvested on semi-mountainous regions close to the sea with abundant sunlight, Gaea products share the rich taste profile and traditional ingredients essential to the Greek ‘Meze’ culinary experience. All of the olives used in Gaea products are sourced from small, local Greek farmers who live on the land they harvest and are processed using traditional manufacturing methods. The Gaea product line is all natural and organic – free of additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors or coloring.
While Americans may have put a name to it, entrepreneurialism continues to quietly and passionately grow and prosper despite the economic challenges and political climates faced in Greece, just as it does here in America. Boasting unique blends of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients, Gaea is able to translate the Greek experience into over two dozen specialty Greek cooking products. The convenience, quality, taste, and user-friendly approach make the Gaea experience one that will not soon be forgotten.
Cooking Sauces: Cretan – Feta Cheese & Sundried Tomato, Myconos Sauce – Tuna & Kalamata Olives, Cyprus Sauce – Rich Tomato & Orange Fusion, Santorini Sauce – Cherry Tomato & Wild Oregano, and Corfu Sauce – Tomato, Wine & Spices. Gaea cooking sauces come ready-to-use and promise remarkable taste and value, especially for the travel hungry.
Gaea Extra Virgin Olive Oils: The line contains Extra Virgin Olive Oil, D.O.P. Sitia, Crete Extra Virgin Olive Oil, D.O.P. Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, P.G.I Laconia Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Protected Geographical Indication), and 100% Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Gaea Tapenades: Gaea Tapenades come in 6 varieties: Kalamata Olive, Sundried Tomato Bruschetta, Green Olive, Smoked Eggplant, Sweet Pepper & Goat Cheese, and Feta Cheese. The outer wrapping of the Tapenade contains usage suggestions and delectable recipes. Spread on bread and sandwiches; Toss with pasta; Season fish; Dip vegetables; Stuff cherry tomatoes & avocado halves; Add to pasta & rice sauces; top pizzas – the possibilities are endless.
Gaea Olives: Gaea Olives are handpicked and delicious. Available in 9 varieties including Pitted Kalamata, Kalamata, Garlic Stuffed, Pitted Green, Pimento Stuffed, Mixed Marinated, Mixed Pitted, Almond Stuffed, and Kalamata Halves, Gaea olives are sourced from the finest olive groves in Greece.
About Gaea Products S.A.
Established in the lush Agrinion growing region of Greece, Gaea Products S.A. is a promising leader in the Greek specialty food products category, manufacturing savory traditional and authentic olive oils, tapenades, cooking sauces, and olives. Cooking with Gaea products makes it effortless to create the finest Greek Mediterranean cuisine and to experience the “meze” cultural culinary fare. “Gaea” derives from the ancient Greek word meaning “mother earth” and is a symbol of fertility and earth, and is an important aspect of Greek mythology. Gaea is committed to preserving the land and environment from which Greek’s most cherished culinary ingredients are harvested. In 2009, Gaea became Carbon Neutral with the launch of the green ‘rev-oil-ution’ whereby the impact of their production processes was offset with environmental initiatives.Gaea is sold at big box and specialty retailers nationwide. Gaea can be found on the web at www.gaea.gr.
For more information about Gaea and their full range of products, visit www.gaea.gr. For media related inquiries, please contact Jennifer Bryan of Christie Communications at (805) 962-1347 or via email at jbryan@christiecomm.com.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Bryan
Christie Communications
Tel: 805-962-1347
jbryan@christiecomm.com