Press event in Velventos, Kozani

ASEPOP Velventou: Dynamic Expansion into New Markets with €30 Million Investments

  • A prime example of cooperative action, sustainable cultivation, and export and commercial success.

  • New marketing program for promoting fruits from Kozani in France.

  • The region’s comparative advantages and modern cultivation methods ensure quality supremacy.

The Agricultural Cooperative for the Processing and Sale of Fruit and Vegetable Products of Velventou (ASEPOP Velventou) announced €30 million in investments aimed at doubling its turnover by 2030, targeting new international markets, promoting the quality of Kozani peaches, and leveraging the benefits that the healthy cooperative movement offers producers and consumers. This announcement was made during a press conference held on Friday, August 5th.

The event took place at the Vogiatzis Winery in Velventou, Kozani, to mark the start of the three-year “FRUIT UP!” Promotion and Marketing Program, co-funded by the EU. The program aims to promote the fresh fruits of ASEPOP Velventou in the markets of Greece and France. The event featured greetings from representatives of the government and opposition, local authorities, the cooperative movement, and the scientific community, with the attendance of numerous journalists from local and industry media.

During the presentation of the investment plan, the President of the Cooperative, Mr. Nikolaos Koutliampas, and the General Director, Mr. Efthimios Balanis, noted that even during times of economic crisis, the Cooperative had made significant investments of €15.9 million between 2011 and 2022. These investments included promotional programs for products, expansion and modernization of facilities, and the installation of a photovoltaic energy production system.

Further investments include:

  • €12.3 million during the 2024–2027 period for the construction of a new kiwi packaging facility, collective improvement plans for producers, crop restructuring, automation systems for the existing packaging facility, and annual operational programs.

  • €17 million from 2027 to 2030 for the construction of a state-of-the-art processing unit, which will provide a significant boost to the Cooperative.

The goal of this investment plan is to double the turnover to €30 million by 2030 from the current €15 million, while further strengthening the cooperative idea, which can ensure:

  • Higher quality and more competitive Greek agricultural products on an international level.

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

  • Reduction of the black economy, which undermines state revenue, competitiveness, and the quality of Greek products, as well as healthy cooperatives.

  • Retaining people in rural areas, villages, and small towns.

Speakers at the event included:

  • Minister of Agricultural Development and Food, Lefteris Avgenakis, who congratulated the Cooperative for making the Velventou Peach Festival an annual tradition and noted its significant economic contribution to the region. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to making the agricultural sector a main pillar of national development and supporting local products.

  • The MP for Kozani from SYRIZA, Kalliopi Vetta, highlighted that ASEPOP Velventou has consistently been at the forefront in terms of producing high-quality products, infrastructure development, and innovation. She stressed that the region should become a hub for agricultural innovation in Greece.

  • The Deputy Minister of the Interior, responsible for Macedonia-Thrace, Mr. Efstathios Konstantinidis, congratulated the Cooperative for its efforts in securing agricultural production, education, and new technology implementation. He noted the Cooperative’s role in economic development and the growing recognition of its products.

  • MP for Kozani and former minister, Mr. Paris Koukoulooulos, emphasized the need to support the primary sector and processing to address Greece’s trade deficit. He highlighted ASEPOP Velventou’s success in exporting at least 50% of its production.

  • Mayor of Velventou, Mr. Manolis Stergiou, emphasized the potential for expanding into the French market, promising the town’s support with infrastructure projects aiding the Cooperative.

  • The President of the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETH.E.A.S.), Mr. Pavlos Satolias, noted that ASEPOP Velventou’s example shows that cooperatives have a future and can drive balanced development in the agricultural sector.

  • Professor Athanasios Molasiotis from the Department of Agriculture at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki highlighted the importance of the region’s microclimate and proper harvesting techniques, emphasizing the Cooperative’s innovative model that leads to high-quality peach production.

ASEPOP Velventou, primarily producing peaches and nectarines, is one of the largest agricultural cooperatives in Greece, contributing to economic development in Velventou and beyond. It comprises approximately 400 active members who cultivate about 6,500 hectares. The Cooperative has gained international recognition due to its high-quality products and advanced cultivation methods. It exports to over 15 countries and is a leader in adopting Integrated Management Systems to minimize pesticide use and implement biological pest control.

Additional Information: The Vogiatzis Winery, where the press event was held, is a family-run, visitable winery in Velventou, Kozani, near Lake Polyphytos. Its 100-hectare vineyards are cultivated following organic farming principles and include local and other Greek grape varieties, continuing the region’s winemaking tradition. The winery is open to the public, offering wine tasting and scenic views of the vineyards and lake.

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