OUR STORY
The livestock farmers of Mesotopos and neighboring villages in western Lesvos joined forces in 1923, founding the Agricultural Livestock Cooperative of Mesotopos. The area consists of semi-mountainous settlements deeply connected to livestock farming, agriculture, and fishing.
Today, the Cooperative consists of 173 active registered members, managing a livestock population of 35,000 sheep and goats and producing 4,000,000 kilos of sheep and goat milk annually. To ensure proper milk collection, two reception facilities operate — one in Mesotopos and one in Antissa. It is worth noting that until 2018, the Cooperative dealt exclusively in milk and animal feed. In 2019, cheese production was added, initially carried out in collaboration with the company AIOLIKOS AEBET, using the Cooperative’s own milk. Its operations now cover the entire spectrum of production, processing, packaging, storage, preservation, and marketing of agricultural and livestock supplies and products. Each member is required to deliver 75% of their annual production to the Cooperative.
Today, the Cooperative consists of 173 active registered members, managing a livestock population of 35,000 sheep and goats and producing 4,000,000 kilos of sheep and goat milk annually. To ensure proper milk collection, two reception facilities operate — one in Mesotopos and one in Antissa. It is worth noting that until 2018, the Cooperative dealt exclusively in milk and animal feed. In 2019, cheese production was added, initially carried out in collaboration with the company AIOLIKOS AEBET, using the Cooperative’s own milk. Its operations now cover the entire spectrum of production, processing, packaging, storage, preservation, and marketing of agricultural and livestock supplies and products. Each member is required to deliver 75% of their annual production to the Cooperative.
1923FOUNDING
Founding of the Agricultural Livestock Social Cooperative of Mesotopos in the village of Mesotopos, Lesvos — a semi-mountainous livestock village with approximately one thousand inhabitants.2002COOPERATIVE RESTRUCTURE
Start of the Cooperative’s intensive restructuring. Since then, it has consistently shown positive financial results (with the exception of 2021) and employs more than 20 permanent staff members.(με εξαίρεση το 2021) και απασχολεί μόνιμα πάνω από 20 εργαζομένους.2015SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP
Partner of the Social Partnership “SOLIDARITY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LESVOS” and member of the Operational Programme for Food and Basic Material Assistance under the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD/TEBA), distributing food and essential goods to the program’s beneficiaries.2016EXCLUSIVE FUEL STATION
Operation of a fuel station, which is also the only one in the village.2017LOCAL GROCERY
Operation of a grocery store/mini market offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.2018GENETIC LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT
Creation of a Milk Producers Group with 87 members, officially recognized by the Ministry of Rural Development. The group focused on the continuous and gradual genetic improvement of sheep breed performance, which led to the Cooperative’s inclusion in the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 “Genetic Resources in Livestock” of the Ministry of Rural Development.2021FOOD LABORATORY
A food laboratory was established in privately owned facilities. In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption of product distribution across the country, the Cooperative did not cease operations, continuing to support its farmer and livestock breeder members at its own expense.2022PIRAEUS WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE
Start of operations of a wholesale warehouse in Piraeus.2023NEW STORES
At the beginning of the year, launch of a retail store in Modiano Market, Thessaloniki. At the end of the year, launch of a retail store in Ilioupoli, Attica.2024MILK PROCESSING UNIT AND RETAIL EXPANSION
Completion of the newly constructed modern milk processing unit, which includes a cheese production facility, packaging, and bottling of sheep and goat milk. Start of operations of a retail store in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki.2025NEW STORE IN LEMNOS
Opening of retail store in Lemnos.