Escargot Fereikos
Who would have thought that those cute creatures that were entertaining us when we were little kids would be now such an important part of our lives, both personally and professionally? Maria and her sister Penny founded Fereikos in 2007. During the years they invest in R&D in order to develop new methods and know how in the farming sector and innovative products. Not only they did revolutionize the snail farming, but while doing this they have developed a new business model for the primary sector. Maria and Penny believe in synergies with people and companies that share the same values such as: – Continuous improvement – Innovation – Environmental responsibility – Respect of tradition – Promote culinary excellence – Promote a healthy Mediterranean diet and nutrition. Their mission is to deliver certified products of different snail species all year around while maintaining highest quality standards. Fereikos has been honored with several awards for the services and products.
Interview with Maria Vlachou from Fereikos
Tell us a little bit about your company. When and how did you start your business? How did you decide to get involved in the food industry?
Fereikos was founded in Αncient Corinth, Greece by Maria and Penny Vlachos. The company’s name is derived from two ancient Greek words – “fero” – to carry, and “oikos” – house, which when combined, translates literally as “I carry my own house”, an apt description of the snail.
After many years of studies and accumulating experience by working abroad, we decided to return to Greece and start something fresh and innovative.
We would like to know more about the ingredients you use in your Greek food products. Where do you find them? Which are criteria by which you choose them, and how important are the raw materials for you?
Fereikos manages all the production procedure of snails from beginning to end. We collaborate with 207 snail farms in Greece, who faithfully follow the know-how and the necessary quality controls. Then the snails are collected by hand, chosen and standardized in our premises.
What potential do you think that Greek food products have in the global market?
Thanks to the very good weather conditions that we have in Greece, we are lucky enough to produce products of excellent quality. Our products form part of the Mediterranean diet, they are certified and they are a great advocate of our country in the foreign market.
What are the most important challenges that a Greek food producer has to face today? And apart from that, what do you love the most about your business?
There isn’t a day when we don’t have to face new challenges, but this is part of doing business. The important thing is to overcome these challenges. We believe that anyone who has a certain goal, who listens and understands the needs of his customers and above all, loves what he does, can have success.
What do you think makes Greek food products special? Can you pick out and present us the ones you think are more interesting?
Considering the fact that we all live in a very quick pace and we hardly have any free time available for anyone. We need simple to make, easy but healthy meals. So we inspiration from favourite and traditional recipes and we prepared ready meals which have the snail as their main ingredient, such as risottos, pasta, starters and sauces.
Why did you decide to put your products in a MontlyFlavors subscription box? We would like you to send a message to our box subscribers, in and outside of Greece.
We feel that the MonthlyFlavors box is a great means to promote quality Greek products abroad and help make them part of consumers’ everyday meals. Our slogan is “Home sweet home”, this is why we want to invite you to taste our homemade products. Because, just like the snail, we all know that there is no better place than home.
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