Feta spread with green olives-Oi Goumenisses-180gr

Demetra, Anna & Maria

OUR STORY

Demetra Dartsi, born and raised in Goumenissa, Kilkis in Central Macedonia, founded «Goumenisses» in 2000. Inspired by the recipes, of her mother and grandmother and driven by years of knowledge of turning the juicier local fruits and vegetables into sweet marmalades, preserves, sauces and other delicacies, she began sharing with the world, her handmade local goods from her small factory, in Goumenissa Village.

Secret family recipes that go way back in time along with her devotion in tradition inspired her into hand-making sweet delicacies, which now decorate store shelves all over the world.

In 2012, Anna Kezou, Demetra’s daughter, returned from Brussels, after finishing her studies, and took a lot of initiatives, giving a new vision to the company. In 2017, Maria Kosmatopoulou, completed the strong women team, and helped out with her years long experience in marketing and sales.

Within a decade, these women have successfully created multiple new product ranges with plenty of love and passion, relocated in a new state-of-the-art facilities and modernized their equipment at the same time. Now, they are supplying more than 1000 spots in Greece and abroad.

From the first years «Goumenisses» excellent and delicious products, have won their place in well known Deli and traditional food stores, luxury hotels and super market chains all over the country.

THE IMPORTANCE OF R&D

«Goumenisses» now produce more then 150 different handmade products in more than 20 different categories. However, this wasn’t enough for them. They are constantly developing new delicatessen products, inspired by local traditional recipes. At the same time though, they adapted their R&D into international and Mediterranean food trends, as well as modern consumer needs. One of their main focus now is vegan, low salt, no sugar, gluten free and special nutrition products. With the experienced Christos Velianis, as head of the R&D department, they promise us new culinary journeys for the future.

OUR NAME & LOGO

Demetra Dartsi, wanting to honor her birth place and its people, chose the name of her small village as the brand name. The logo is inspirated from the authentic, handmade, wooden window of the region making a comparison with the purity and authenticity of her products. At the same time, an open window is also representing the willingness of Goumenisses to seek new challenges, dreams and of course flavors!

«The natural beauty of mount Paiko, filled with the colors and flavours of the Greek Macedonian land, Goumenissas’s traditions, secret recipes of the elders, the simple, everyday people, who pick the best out of the Greek land and most importantly the hope that this world is not only industrial. I produce the same pure, authentic, traditional and healthy delicacies with which I raised my children...»

Demetra Dartsi

The Region

The workshop is situated in the heart of Greek Macedonia; between two plains; there, where the prefectures of Pella and Kilkis meet each other; at the foot of Mount Paiko. The highest peak is at 1650m.

Even if it seems to be lacking in height, it certainly does not lack beauty: Dense forests with beeches, oak trees, and chestnut trees. Lush vegetation traversed by rivers and torrents: all these compose an exquisite natural landscape.

Widely popular for its sources, Mount Paiko, is a fertile mountain which favors the fruit-growing, while its soil is offered for the rare vineyard that gives the widely known “xinomavro” wine, called “Goumenissa”. In this region, the wine tradition is deep rooted and very well preserved over the ages by several viniculturists, who have placed the region to the “Wine Roads of Northern Greece”.

The picturesque town of Goumenissa is situated just 70km far from Thessaloniki. Goumenissa is famous for its raki and good wine, as well as its excellent water, coming directly from the source of Mount Paiko.