BUSINESS: 584 PRACTICES
Athenian Brewery S.A. was established in 1963 from a group of Greek entrepreneurs, is part of the HEINEKEN N.V group and today is one of the most important producers and distributors of beer in Greece.
Read more: www.athenianbrewery.gr
The creation of the Green Academy in Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the NGO Odyssea, aims to provide young people from vulnerable social groups with access to quality training in “green” professions, enhance their employability prospects, and support their social inclusion and the sustainable development of the local community.
Young men and women from vulnerable social groups in Thessaloniki, such as unemployed and long-term unemployed youth, women seeking professional advancement, migrants, and refugees, who need equal opportunities for education, employability, and social integration.
The first pilot cycle will last 8 months (July 2025 – March 2026).
Athenian Brewery, with deep roots in Thessaloniki where one of its breweries has been operating since 1975 sought a meaningful way to strengthen its footprint in the local community. The goal was to develop an initiative that would not simply be a CSR action, but a true investment in the future of youth and the sustainability of the region.
The Green Academy is an innovative initiative of Athenian Brewery, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Odyssea, that addresses the pressing needs of youth in Thessaloniki, where unemployment reaches 42%. At the same time, international trends (UN Sustainable Development Goals, World Economic Forum) highlight the increasing demand for green skills.
Through specialized training programs in high-demand sectors such as hospitality, sustainable agriculture, and green construction, the Green Academy enables 30 young participants to acquire green skills with real prospects. Furthermore, the program aims for more than 40% of participants to secure employment upon completion of their training.
The program is complemented by personalized counseling, employability services, and certification from ACTA (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), ensuring that participants not only gain skills but also formal credentials for their next professional step.
The Green Academy lays the foundation for the professional empowerment of vulnerable groups, strengthens the local community of Thessaloniki, and stands as an example of social innovation with tangible positive impact.
The Green Academy started in July 2025 and is currently in progress.
Key performance indicators include:
The initiative takes place in Thessaloniki, aiming to strengthen Athenian Brewery’s presence and create tangible impact in the local community where one of its two breweries operates.
Odyssea – a non-profit organization providing free training and employability services.
As part of the partnership with Odyssea, the initiative expands beyond training, offering Athenian Brewery employees opportunities to participate in social solidarity activities. Through Odyssea’s social kitchen in Thessaloniki, employees will cook meals for homeless and vulnerable groups, further enhancing the program’s social impact and fostering a culture of volunteering and giving back.
Enhanced corporate reputation & social acceptance: Strengthens Athenian Brewery’s social footprint by linking it with the development of Thessaloniki’s local community.
Strategic alignment: Supports key ESG pillars and the company’s commitment to sustainability through its "Brew a Better World" strategy.
Stronger labor market ties: Positions the company as a “bridge” between young jobseekers and employers through partnerships with local businesses.
Employee engagement: Offers Athenian Brewery employees volunteering opportunities (e.g., social kitchen participation), cultivating pride and a culture of contribution.
Long-term value: Creates a scalable model of local collaboration with a social organization, replicable in other regions and future program cycles.
