ASEPOP Velventou: Dynamic Growth in New Markets with €30 Million Investments

• An example of cooperative action, sustainable cultivation, and export and commercial success

• New program for promoting fruit from Kozani in France

• The comparative advantages of the region and modern cultivation methods ensure quality superiority

The Agricultural Cooperative for the Processing and Sale of Fruits and Vegetables of Velventou (ASEPOP Velventou) announced investments totaling €30 million, aiming to double its turnover by 2030 by capturing new international markets, highlighting the quality superiority of Kozani peaches, and leveraging the benefits of a strong cooperative movement for producers and consumers. The announcement was made at a press conference on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Paris.

The event took place at the Laurier – Maison Mavrommatis restaurant in Paris, France, as part of the three-year “FRUIT UP!” Program, co-funded by the EU, aimed at promoting the fresh fruits of ASEPOP Velventou in the Greek and French markets.

Presenting the investment plan, the President of ASEPOP Velventou, Mr. Nikolaos Koutliampas, highlighted that the cooperative had made significant investments of €15.9 million between 2011 and 2022, even during the economic crisis. These investments included marketing programs, facility expansions and modernization, and the installation of a photovoltaic energy production system.

Future investments include:

• €12.3 million from 2024 to 2027 for the construction of a new kiwifruit packaging facility, collective producer improvement plans, crop restructuring, automation systems for existing packaging facilities, and annual business plans.

• €17 million from 2027 to 2030 for the construction of a state-of-the-art processing unit to further boost the cooperative’s growth.

The investment plan aims to double the turnover to €30 million by 2030, up from €15 million currently, and strengthen the cooperative model that ensures:

• High-quality, competitive Greek agricultural products at an international level.

• Higher incomes for Greek farmers through better negotiations with clients and suppliers.

• Reduction of the black economy, which harms state revenues, competitiveness, and product quality, and affects healthy cooperatives.

• Retention of the population in rural areas, villages, and small towns.

ASEPOP Velventou, with its main products being peaches and nectarines, is one of Greece’s largest agricultural cooperatives and a significant driver of economic growth for Velventou in Kozani and for the Greek economy. The cooperative has approximately 400 active producer members who cultivate around 6,500 hectares. It is recognized for its excellent quality products and modern cultivation practices.

ASEPOP Velventou exports Greek fruits to over 15 countries and:

• Is among the first cooperatives in Greece to implement Integrated Management Systems with minimized use of plant protection products and biological pest control.

• Ensures the adoption of scientifically recommended cultivation techniques by its producer members and provides competitive raw material prices and access to international markets.

• Participates in international trade shows and operates its own store in the central wholesale market of Athens to distribute its products throughout Greece, especially in tourist areas.

• Implements product promotion programs abroad through co-funded programs that open new markets for the farmers of Velventou, Kozani.