A long History
THE BIG STEP
1947
The first factory in Athens
Establishment in Athens of the pasta manufacturing company MELISSA, by Alexandros Kikizas.
A VISION OF MODERNISATION
1962
The first automatic production line
The company acquires the first automatic production line, modernising and upgrading Melissa’s production.
CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT
1965
A strong woman in a key position
Konstantina Kikiza, the widow of the founder, takes over management of the company.
MODERNISATION CONTINUES
1967
Packaging automation
Packaging automation follows, the next step of Melissa’s modernisation, a few years after Ms Konstantina Kikiza took the helm.
GLOBAL FAME
1972
The first exports
The first time that Melissa reaches tables outside of Greece, with the export of 32 tons of pasta to the American market, starting the spread of her name, transatlantic.
NEW INVESTMENT
1974
Construction of Semolina mill
Construction of a semolina mill in Larissa, Thessaly, producing semolina specifically for Melissa’s pasta factory.
THE SECOND GENERATION OF PASTA MAKERS
1975
George Kikizas in management
George Kikizas takes over management of the Company
FROM ATHENS TO LARISA
1980
Vertical pasta production
The pasta manufacturing facility is transferred from Athens to Larissa. MELISSA KIKIZAS possesses the first vertically integrated complex of mill-pasta plant in Greece, attaining a significant competitive advantage.
THE FIRST DISCRIMINATIONS
1992
No.1 Producer in Greece
Eminence as No. 1 pasta producer in Greece and ranking of MELISSA KIKIZA among the 10 most profitable food companies.
BREAKING INTO NEW MARKETS
1996
The food service industry
Melissa creates a food service sales branch for hotels, restaurants, and the entire catering industry.
GRWOING IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS
1998
Exports increase
The company’s total annual exports exceed 15,000 tons.
NEW PASTA
2007
Melissa whole wheat range
Launch of the whole wheat range for Melissa pasta.
FOR SMALL PASTA LOVERS
2009
Melissa pasta kids series
Innovative launch of PASTA KIDS product range.
THE BIG INVESTMENT
2010
Completion of investment program
Completion of the second expansion investment in the Larissa plant, aiming to increase the production capacity to 90.000 tons annually.
THE THIRD GENERATION OF PASTA MAKERS
2013
Three generations brimming with innovation
Georgios Kikizas serving as Chairman of the company, Alexandros Kikizas serving as CEO, and that same year gluten-free pasta is launched.
NEW PASTA
2014
Melissa Golden Selection pasta line
The Melissa Gold Selection pasta line is launched in collaboration with the American Farm School of Thessaloniki.
CARING FOR THE FUTURE
2015
Wheat Academy
Establishment of Melissa Kikizas Wheat Academy with a view to educate young farmers.
NEW PASTA
2016
Melissa wholegrain made with emmer wheat pasta line
The Wholegrain pasta line made with emmer wheat is launched.
NEW PASTA
2018
Melissa with Beta Glucan and high protein pasta line
The pasta line with beta glucan and high protein (+50% protein) is launched. The company’s total sales exceed 60,000 tons.
NEW INVESTMENT
2019
New mill in Larissa
Creation of a new Mill in Larissa with a total capacity of 440 tons per day and new silos with a total capacity of 37,000 tons of wheat.
