The Elios Group is an agricultural cooperative founded in 2007 near Sparta. It has 20 members and is mainly devoted to pomegranates.Last season, the cooperative managed to produce 1,000 tons last year, a figure that can grow to 2,000 tons next year.

The first variety of pomegranates is produced from mid-August to late September, then from early October to early March there are two varieties: Wonderful and Afrata. The second variety Afrata is particularly popular in the Peloponnese due to the ease in which they can be peeled and seeds can be easily removed. The particular pomegranates also have a sweet taste due to the micro-climate of the place in which they are produced.

The cooperative is planning to export the Afrata pomegranate that has been so far limited to the domestic market, and is especially popular among large retailers in Athens and Thessaloniki. The group is now seeking to find export markets and make contacts abroad.

In Greece, the pomegranates are finding a new audience among youth. Traditionally, pomegranates were associated with the Christmas season, but now there are many young people who eat them every day.

For more info call George Mitrakos on 0030 27350 2397 or e-mail giorgos @eliosfruit.gr