VASILIOS & MARIOS SALMANIDIS
OWNERS OF THE COMPANY:
“SISKEVASTIKI PELLAS” – PRODROMOS SALMANIDIS SA
«PACKAGING IS THE MIRROR OF THE PRODUCT.»
The owners of “Suskavastiki Pellas,” Mr. Vasilios and Marios Salmanidis, talk to us about the company’s multi-purpose boxes and single-use pallets. They believe that the crisis creates opportunities that only capable professionals in the field will be able to seize, which will contribute to the stability, recovery, and growth of the industry.
Mr. Salmanidis, what are the main products you provide in the fresh fruits and vegetables industry?
The fresh produce industry is considered the driving force of the Greek economy, and that is an honor for us, as we are an integral part of this chain. This honor also comes with great responsibilities. We have a responsibility towards the Greek farmer, as our multi-purpose crates are a vital tool that must ensure the smooth flow of their operations. As for our single-use pallets, the responsibility is even greater when one considers that packaging represents the external image accompanying a product for which the entire agricultural and commercial sector has worked tirelessly throughout the year.
Is your customer base expanding beyond borders?
Our company could be characterized as indirectly exporting through our single-use pallets, as our products are supplied to packers from neighboring prefectures who export to Europe, Eastern countries, India, China, and America. As for our multi-use crates, despite the high transportation costs, our company is trusted by companies and farmers from all over Greece, including Cyprus, due to the high standards we maintain in our products.
Regarding the fruit and vegetable sector, have you observed an expansion or decline in your orders in recent years due to the economic crisis?
The economic crisis has certainly affected every aspect of the Greek economy, including the fruit and vegetable sector. However, this particular sector is more vulnerable to weather phenomena and competition from equivalent sectors in other European countries such as Italy and Spain. As a company, what we observe is that through every crisis, opportunities arise that only those capable in the field can seize. This contributes to the stability, recovery, and growth of the industry.
Which products do you see increasing in sales based on your own orders?
It is evident that there is a positive shift towards our sector, and we observe an increase in cultivation and corresponding production every year. Based on our own sales, we notice a growing trend in peaches, which serve as a driving force for the industry. Additionally, kiwifruits show significant recovery and provide a strong financial boost to the sector.
What are your immediate business plans?
Our company has been in operation for 23 years, and our immediate business plan is to at least double our current achievements. It is a family business where the new generation, Vasilios and Marios, have taken the reins from their father, the founder of the company. They continue the work with the same dedication and zeal demonstrated by their father. Our company has always had an investment-oriented approach, focusing on innovation and modernization of our mechanical equipment to ensure maximum quality and service.
In conclusion, is there anything else you would like to add?
We would like to wish a healthy and prosperous year to all members of the industry, from the smallest to the largest link in this significant chain. It is a chain that proudly represents Greece internationally, with its continuously successful and growing presence in the global market of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A few words about the company…
Siskafastiki Pellas, founded by our father, Prodomos Salmanidis, in 1994, has always been a pioneer in the field of plastics. We have managed to establish our multi-purpose plastic crates as a benchmark product, renowned for their highest quality and specifications, for fruit harvesting from the fields. Additionally, in 1997, we were pioneers in the Greek packaging industry when it comes to single-use plastic pallets, creating new opportunities and solutions for fruit and vegetable exporters in our country.