Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Greece is not only known for its fascinating history and natural beauty but also for its exceptional fruits. Sunny days, pleasant temperatures, gentle rain and fertile soil have favored the cultivation of fruits since ancient times. Fruits were an essential ingredient to Ancient Greeks’ cuisine. In the “Odyssey” Homer wrote: "pear trees and pomegranate trees and apple trees and rows of greens, all kinds, and these are lush". Apricot was called “the egg of the golden sun” by the Ancient Greeks and its introduction from Asia is attributed to Alexander the Great. Widely consumed since Antiquity, apples have been a symbol of love, immortality, eternal youth, good and evil. Greek mythology is rife with references to apples, from the eleventh labor of Hercules “The Golden Apples of the Hesperides” to the Golden Apple of Discord, which eventually led to the Trojan War. Greece produces some of the best quality apples around the world with sweet taste, crisp texture and special aroma.
The pomegranate fruit has been used throughout history as a symbol of life and death, rebirth and eternal life, fertility and marriage, good fortune and abundance. In Ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate features prominently in the story of Persephone and her marriage to Hades, the god of the Underworld. Greek life and tradition are greatly interwoven with the presence and growing of the orange and the rest of the citrus fruits. Well-known for their quality and aroma, citrus fruits decorate and perfume every single corner of Greek countryside, especially in the Peloponnese peninsula. High quality stone fruits such as peaches, plums and cherries are cultivated in Northern Greece, mainly in the Macedonia region.
Our privately owned, state-of-the-art plants VITOM S.A and CHRISTODOULOU BROS S.A are strategically located in Macedonia and the Peloponnese regions, in the heart of stone fruits and citrus fruits cultivation areas respectively. Thus, our proximity to primary agricultural production ensures the highest quality of fruits and the energy-efficient transport and production process within 24 hours of harvest. We, at CHB Group, are proud to cooperate with more than 3.000 small and dedicated growers throughout Greece, who hand-pick 15 different fruits grown in the Greek nature, then tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to improve the lives of small-scale farmers in the area of production by establishing long-term and strong relationships with them. Supporting and giving back to local communities is part of our DNA. Our commitment is to ensure the highest quality products from Greek soil AND at the same time to make a positive impact on the lives of farmers and their families.
Watch our "First-hand stories" video series dedicated to our farmers here.
