ENRD Main Stories Archives

PROJECT OF THE MONTH: Adding value to traditional Greek pasta, bread and pastries

Investment drives production process innovation and use of quality local produce.

In Crete, the MELKO company was looking to build on the success of its production and packaging unit for fresh and dry pasta products, many of which are certified organic products.

These were a number of reasons why this project was worth financing, as Amalia Tabladoraki from the LAG ANHER in Heraklion, Crete explains, “MELKO is located in a relatively isolated village, with difficult access to big commercial centres. It produces high quality innovative products with attractive packaging. It also seeks to employ people from the local area, especially women, which is a key objective of the local programme.”

The company, which has received several ISO quality certifications since its creation, wanted to expand production and promote a new range of traditional bakery products including bread, pastries and traditional sweets, primarily made from locally-sourced ingredients.

An investment of almost €300 000 was needed to develop a single production line for the new range of quality bakery products, to tap into renewable energy sources and to extend the company’s premises, which now feature easy access for the disabled.

Looking to support local business development, the EAFRD invested €117 000 in the project. The result is that quality traditional food products are now being produced using environmentally-friendly techniques and organic products are being promoted. Two new employment opportunities have been created and local farmers supply half of the ingredients being used.

As Amalia Tabladoraki concludes, “the company has succeeded in making good use of the funding received…it is due to sign contracts with foreign clients and to export its products.”

For more great examples of EAFRD investment, check out the ENRD project database.