Melissa Kikizas S.A. is a renowned name in the Greek and international food industry, with a legacy that dates back to 1947. Headquartered in Athens, Greece, the company has established itself as one of the leading pasta producers in the country, and a major exporter across more than 45 international markets. Operating under the iconic "Melissa" brand along with others such as Stella, Primo Gusto, Deveta, Avez, Vlaha, and Terra Creta, the company has been instrumental in promoting high-quality Greek food products globally.
Core Business
Melissa Kikizas specializes in the production of dry pasta, semolina, and olive oil, leveraging premium-quality Greek durum wheat. The company operates one of the most technologically advanced pasta production facilities in Southeast Europe, with an annual production capacity exceeding 65,000 tons. The product line includes various types of pasta like macaroni, spaghetti, and orzo, as well as coarse and fine semolina and extra virgin olive oil under the Terra Creta label.
Product and Service Offerings
- Pasta Products: Spaghetti, Macaroni, Orzo, Penne, Lasagna sheets.
- Semolina: Coarse and fine semolina for home and industrial use.
- Olive Oil: Terra Creta branded extra virgin olive oil, sourced from the island of Crete.
- Private Label Manufacturing: Production for international supermarket chains and distributors under private labels.
Specialisation and Core USP
Melissa Kikizas’s competitive edge lies in its vertical integration—from durum wheat selection and milling to pasta production and global distribution. The company uses 100% Greek durum wheat and operates its own semolina mill, ensuring full traceability and high nutritional standards. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in its packaging practices and production efficiency, aligning with modern environmental requirements.
Financials
While Melissa Kikizas S.A. is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financial reports, industry estimations and trade reports suggest the company records an annual revenue of €100–120 million. The consistent year-over-year growth is fueled by expanding exports and strategic partnerships with global distributors and retailers.
Shipment Records
According to global trade platforms such as Volza and ImportYeti, Melissa Kikizas S.A. has executed over 4,000 international shipments in the last 5 years. Major export destinations include:
- United States
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Middle East countries
These shipments primarily involve pasta and semolina products and are carried out under the Melissa and Primo Gusto brands, along with customized private labels.
Target Markets
Melissa Kikizas targets both B2B and B2C sectors. The primary audience includes:
- International food distributors
- Supermarket chains (e.g., Lidl, Carrefour, Tesco)
- HoReCa industry players
- Health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality Mediterranean diet products
Capabilities
- Production: 65,000+ tons/year pasta capacity
- Storage: 16,000-ton silo capacity
- Laboratory: In-house R&D and quality control facilities
- Technology: Integration of Bühler Group’s grain handling systems for optimized output
- Export: Established network of over 45 countries
Certifications and Compliance Records
Melissa Kikizas complies with multiple international quality and food safety certifications:
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 22000:2018
- IFS Food
- BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
- Halal and Kosher certifications
- FDA registration for U.S. exports
These accreditations reinforce the company’s dedication to consistent quality and global compliance.
Customer Testimonials
The company has received positive feedback from international clients, particularly emphasizing the taste, consistency, and packaging quality of their pasta products. In a case study by Bühler Group, Melissa Kikizas was highlighted for its advanced automation systems and commitment to maintaining artisanal taste at industrial scale.
“Melissa Kikizas is one of the best examples of how tradition and modern technology can work hand in hand. The quality of their pasta speaks volumes about their commitment.”
— European Food Distributor, Germany
Major Achievements
- Recognized as #1 Greek Pasta Exporter for several consecutive years
- Strategic acquisition and integration of Stella Foods S.A., expanding the product portfolio
- Expansion of the Terra Creta olive oil brand into premium international markets
- Featured in multiple global food exhibitions including Anuga, SIAL, and Gulfood
With a deep-rooted legacy, modern infrastructure, and a global market presence, Melissa Kikizas S.A. continues to be a flagship company representing Greek food excellence on the international stage.