Section ECONOMY
TOPIC

OLYMPUS
Investing in innovation

The ongoing modernization and the technological innovation in every stage of the production process are integral part of our Company’s philosophy and the driving force for the successful performance till today.

Suppliers – Employees - Consumers & all Stakeholders

Until today

Innovation in terms of actions and products are significant elements of our corporate philosophy.

Products’ Innovation:

The modern lifestyle demands the consumption of meals with high nutritional value. Our commitment is to support this direction by offering a wide range of products that cover different needs and preferences. We are constantly checking both the new trends for healthy diet and the advancements of Food Technology, in order to develop or improve our products according to the modern life needs. Taking everything into consideration, our Company develops natural and beneficial products for the human body, thus improving the quality of consumers’ life and supporting the sustainability of Greek livestock farming and agriculture.

A typical example of our engagement to innovation is the packaging of the fresh milk OLYMPOS in a transparent PET bottle, back in 2001. It was one of our most significant achievements, as our Company was the first that invested and introduced this packaging proposal. We were proudly showing the milk content to the consumer thanks to the transparency and this movement allowed us to further develop our presence, beyond our local region (Thessaly).

The following is a short historical flashback with crucial innovations, regarding products or whole product categories.

  • In 2005, OLYMPOS is the first company using fruits exclusively from the Greek land to produce the fresh juices. OLYMPOS juices become synonym of Greek nature.
  • In 2007, OLYMPOS innovatively introduces the unique “ZOI” milk, which due to its gentle and natural method of microfiltration maintains the same rich taste and high nutritional value with longer shelf lie.
  • In 2010, OLYMPOS is once more, the first company developing the production of goat milk in Greece. A great proposal for the consumers to enjoy all the benefits of goat milk through a wide goat milk products’ range (milk, yogurt, cheese, bio milk, goat milk for kids etc.). Also, we proudly support the Greek goat farming, boosting the evolution of primary production.
  • In 2012, OLYMPOS still innovates by presenting a new products’ category under the sub brand FREELACT, ideal for the lactose intolerance. This range includes free from lactose products (milk, yogurt, cheese), made with 100% Greek milk, that cover an important need of many people having limited options back then.
  • In 2014, OLYMPOS implements an innovative procedure regarding the infusion of Sideritis leaves to produce “mountain tea”, based on the authentic and traditional production method, using carefully handpicked fresh leaves from Greek mountains. Then they are gently infused, releasing all the natural flavors of the plant, without additives, colorings, or preservatives.
  • In 2017, OLYMPOS introduces the first and only plant-based drinks made from Greek nuts. Consumers’ needs change almost every day, looking for alternative products such as almond, pistachio drinks or generally plant-based proposals. Being committed to offering natural products from the Greek land, our Company only with Greek almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, offers these unique Greek plant-based drinks.
  • In 2019, OLYMPOS launches plant-based fermented desserts from almond and oat.

 

Packaging innovation:

Packaging is an unseparated part of each product. This is because we have developed a dedicated R&D packaging department, focusing on the design, selection and implementation of the ideal packaging solution for each product, always looking for innovative and eco-friendly ideas.

The following is a list of the most important initiatives and innovations regarding the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions:

  • In 2018, OLYMPOS was the first company using bio-based material (plantbased) on the PET juice bottles.
  • In 2020, OLYMPOS decided to use 20% less plastic in yogurt containers (1kg).
  • In 2021, OLYMPOS used 15% less plastic in feta cheese containers.
  • At the same time, OLYMPOS pioneered regarding the use of 30% r-PET 30% (recycled PET) on all products (2021) - 4 years in advance of the law’s application.
  • Next year, OLYMPOS was the first company introducing the tethered cap on the fresh milk PET bottles (2022) - 2 years in advance of the law’s application.
  • The same year, OLYMPOS proceeded with the reduction of the plastic content on the PET juice bottles, about 20%.
  • Finally, in 2022, OLYMPOS proudly chose to use plant-based packaging material and tethered caps on TetraPak containers.

Logistics automatization:

After twenty years of huge investments regarding the production process, in 2018 we proceed with the warehouses’ modernization. OLYMPOS and TYRAS facilities in Larissa and Trikala, became fully automized thanks to the state-of the art robotics, taking advantage of the digital technology. This investment exceeded 55M € and sets our company in a powerful position in the industry.  

 

Information Systems:

Regarding Information systems section, there are provided computerized solutions 24x7, serving both the needs of the users as well as the maintenance of the homogenization and automatization of the procedures having as long- term goal the full tracking and elimination of mistakes throughout the production and delivery stages of our products. Moreover, extra assets are provided for further collaboration and fulfillment of goals which are important for our members regarding proper management and roles’ organization. At the same time, through the necessary information systems references, rates of performance are provided to the Administration and the Executives to further analyze them and take efficient decisions. Finally, the role of technology is really important in the protection of the environment, as through the transportation of services on cloud, the replacement of old devices with new ones, and the adaptation of energy saving solutions, we achieve to decrease the consumption of paper and electric energy needs.

 

Initiatives for the environmental conservation such as biogas plant installation and upgrade of biological cleaning systems.

The installation of biogas plant (10M €) is an innovating investment, unique in the dairy industry of Europe, aiming to an effective management of all the liquid waste coming from the whole production process.

This strategy about producing green energy, indicates our corporate responsibility towards environment and society. Minimizing waste, energy saving, carbon dioxide and pollution decrease, contributing to our commitment for a sustainable living for us and future generations.

With top suppliers of global level and know-how.

Planning, coordination, and supervision of the operations by our Executives.

All over Greece

All the initiatives are having a positing impact on their targeted audience and the stakeholders.

More detailed data and indicators can be found at the Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Link: https://www.hellenicdairies.com/etairiki-koinoniki-eythyni-2021

The benefits for our company from innovation investing are multiple, significantly contributing to its successful route until nowdays.

More detailed data and indicators can be found at the Corporate Social Responsibility Report. Link: https://www.hellenicdairies.com/etairiki-koinoniki-eythyni-2021

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