Meet our Zealous Artisans
and find out why we chose them
We know that you care about the social impact of your choices and we do, too. That's why we've made a conscious choice to work with just a few select Artisans and help them in a long-term, meaningful way. Rest assured that when you buy one of our Artisans' products, you support a small business with big dreams. Our producers work in a very challenging economic environment, yet make it a point of pride to craft a truly premium, small-batch, all-natural product. Scroll down to find out how we chose them and why we are so proud of them.
HOW WE CHOOSE OUR ARTISANS
At Zelos, our aspiration has always been to create a platform where these carefully selected Greek Artisans can become the protagonists of their own stories. Their work allows us to experience the authentic tastes of modern Greece from afar.
We chose to support small-batch Artisans who met three criteria:
- They must have an authentic product of outstanding quality.
- They must honor their craft with zēlos, the Greek word for great energy and enthusiasm.
- They must have a commitment to their local community.
We work zealously with our Artisans to bring their products to the US and assist them in any way we can, be it regulatory, design, branding strategy or marketing. Most of all we enjoy lending them a hand to tell their compelling stories.
We are proud of all our Artisans. They represent the best this small, fascinating country called Greece has to offer.
The best greek artisans
We chose Agrozimi for brothers Kostas and Yiorgos Martavaltzoglou’s love of tradition, while still daring to experiment with flavors and techniques. We were also impressed by their state-of-the-art facility and commitment to high-quality product standards, all that show in their exceptional pasta. Meet Agrozimi...
We chose Citrus for the way they have exalted the rare variety of Chian Mandarin, a PGI product, and for the passion they bring to all of their exclusive small-batch products. We love that we can help the team bring the rich history of the Greek island of Chios into a more contemporary, dynamic present here in the States. Meet Citrus...
At the heart of Elli & Manos is the creativity & drive of owner Elli Nikolaou, whose belief in the intense, all-natural flavors of Greece had us sold from the start of our Zelos journey. We applaud her for going outside her comfort zone to change careers and pursue her entrepreneurial culinary dream against all odds. Meet Elli & Manos...
We chose Kumilio for their efforts to develop the unique Kimi figs naturally, without mechanical processing, keeping traditions in a way that is inextricably linked to the land. We appreciate that they work closely with other local producers, strengthening their community socially and financially.
We chose Mouriki because they believe that nomadic beekeeping isn't just a tradition to be upheld, but something that can be brought to life in striking design. We appreciate the commitment and investment this new generation has made to ensure that a family craft continues to thrive while respecting the environment and the bee itself.
We chose Oleosophia because of the family's commitment to stay with the cultivation of the unique Manaki olive and not give in to a mass-production business model. We especially appreciate Marianna Devetzoglou's passion for helping people understand the power & complexity of Greek olive oil, which is so often underestimated.
We were impressed that founder Philippe Poli could bring the best of his Italian-Swiss-Greek heritage to create such a striking and flavorful premium olive oil. A true olive oil connoisseur, Philippe has invested in top quality assurance and classic aesthetic design to create an exceptional organic extra virgin olive oil that we knew we had to have. Meet Philippos...
We chose Sparoza for the potent combination of fragrant, handcrafted blends and eye-catching design that characterize all their products. We also admire founder Efi Ekmetzoglou’s commitment to keeping her small business in the center of Athens during such challenging social and economic times. Meet Sparoza...
We chose Tragano because the superior flavor and quality of their classic Greek staples are built upon a three-generation legacy of relationships with local farmers. Isn't it reassuring that, in today’s industrialized world, you can get to personally know the people who farmed your food?! Meet Tragano
Reflecting on Zelos' Journey as we Step Back
Maria & Pauline reflect on their Zelos journey
Meet the mother-daughter duo behind So Blue Greek Ceramics
Rose Petal Spoon Sweet - Klairi's Beloved Recipe
