Cultivating value for the Economy, Employment and the Primary sector

At a recent media briefing, BARBA STATHIS presented the social and economic impacts of its operations in Greece for the period 2019-2023. The findings were based on a study conducted under the scientific supervision of the Research Laboratory on Socio-Economic and Environmental Sustainability (ReSEES) of the Athens University of Economics and Business.

The study quantifies the impact of the Company and its operations on the economy and employment sectors over the five-year period of 2019-2023. As Greece's leading vegetable company, celebrating 55 years of operation this year, BARBA STATHIS has consistently supported the domestic primary sector, returning the value and trust it receives to society and creating a significant positive impact.

According to the study, BARBA STATHIS demonstrated growth in its Socio-Economic Footprint in 2023 compared to 2019. The company’s overall contribution to Greece’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 46%, while its impact on National Income and Employment rose by 48% and 33%, respectively.

Over the five-year period (2019-2023), the company’s total contribution to GDP is estimated at €507 million. During this time, its total impact on public revenues, through taxes and levies resulting from its operations, is estimated at €118 million.

The contribution of BARBA STATHIS to domestic employment is of notable significance. For every one (1) direct job created by the company, three additional jobs are supported within the Greek economy. From 2019 to 2023, the average annual direct employment effect is estimated at 570 jobs, which constitutes approximately 3% of the workforce in the Fruit and Vegetable sector during this period.

Currently, the company operates two production units and employs more than 600 people, most of whom are based at its headquarters in Thessaloniki. With a turnover of €108.8 million in 2023 and €7.7 million in investments for the same period, BARBA STATHIS collaborates with more than 1,400 suppliers and exports over 4,000 tons of products annually to 22 countries across the globe. The company’s vegetables, known for their high quality and safety, are cultivated on 3,000 hectares of fertile Greek land by hundreds of Greek farmers using sustainable agricultural practices.

BARBA STATHIS has long supported the domestic primary sector through its Contract Farming program, providing propagating material, financial support, and training to its partner producers. The company also shares technical expertise, particularly concerning the adoption of new technologies and cultivation practices to promote sustainable farming practices and address climate change. To further strengthen these relationships, the company has established a Study Scholarship Program in collaboration with the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, offering children of its partner producers academic opportunities in the agri-food sector.

BARBA STATHIS is dedicated to fostering long-term, supportive relationships with its producers. As part of this commitment, the company has established a Study Scholarship Program for the agri-food sector in collaboration with the American Farm School of Thessaloniki. This initiative aims to equip the children of partner producers with the academic foundations necessary for future success in the industry.

With sustainable development as a core pillar of the company’s operations, BARBA STATHIS continues to advance with respect for both the environment and its people and by supporting its local community with initiatives and volunteering actions, always grounded in principles of good governance. In this context, it is worth noting that BARBA STATHIS recently achieved recognition as one of the top 1% of companies globally, as evaluated by EcoVadis for its performance in sustainable development and ESG criteria. Earning a Platinum ranking in its first year of evaluation reflects the company's profound commitment to practices that contribute to environmental and social sustainability.

During the presentation of the Study, Mr. Nikitas Pothoulakis, CEO of BARBA STATHIS, remarked: "For 55 years, BARBA STATHIS has been writing its own story in the Greek land, supporting Greek farmers, leading nutritional developments, and offering safe and high-quality products to Greek families. We take pride in our continued commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. We are doubly proud to honor the trusting relationships we have built with Greek consumers while significantly impacting the Greek economy, the primary sector, and employment. Driven by sustainable growth and continuous improvement, we are dedicated to continuing our work with respect for the environment, our employees, and society, cultivating value for all stakeholders."
 

More about the company’s full Social and Economic Impact Study here. 

Watch the BARBA STATHIS corporate video here.