Our Story
2009
Stelios and Michalakis, the beginning
My father, Michalakis, planted the seed with his work in agricultural trade and his entrepreneurial mindset.
In 2009, when I returned from my studies, I realised that Cyprus’ remarkable produce deserved a bigger stage and had the potential to truly succeed there.
So I brought new energy and vision, and Mellona was born to share our island’s pure flavours with the world.
2010
Natasa joins the team
In September of this year, I met Natasa and we soon became partners in business …and in life too!
With my father now retired, Natasa and I poured every bit of our energy into the company, growing it into one of Cyprus’ most prominent natural food producers.
The journey wasn’t easy, but every challenge strengthened both our bond and our determination for Mellona to not only survive—but thrive.
2012
First international recognition
In October, Mellona takes part in SIAL Paris, one of the world’s leading food exhibitions.
From thousands of products worldwide, ours are selected for a special showcase in the “Trends and Innovations” section at the entrance of the main hall.
It was a breakthrough moment, proof that what we create in Cyprus can stand proudly on the global stage.
2013
First Export
Just months after SIAL, Mellona reaches a new milestone with its first export.
Our products make their way to Germany, landing at the renowned “Sturmhaube” in Kampen, a seaside resort known for its natural beauty and refined taste.
This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter: the first small step into the global market, with many more to follow.
2014
First dedicated packaging facility & 50,000 jars
As Mellona grows, our small farm workshop can no longer meet our production needs, so we move into new premises with more advanced equipment and more efficient machinery.
That same year, thanks to the trust of the people who discovered our raw honey, we celebrate another milestone: producing over 50,000 jars in a single year.
2016
Gastronomos Award
For us, innovation has always meant thinking a little differently while never losing touch with nature’s work.
In 2016, this dedication is recognised when Mellona receives the Gastronomos Food Innovation Award.
Gastronomos, a renowned food specialist publication, honours Mellona for its creativity, and the art of crafting natural, unprocessed foods.
2019
Fine Harvest UK
Having the right partners is truly a blessing, and that’s exactly how we feel about Andreas and Alina of The Fine Harvest, our UK associates. We share the same values and the same purpose.
After one of their visits to Cyprus, we received a call: “We want to work with you to spread the word about Mellona in the UK.” From that moment, our collaboration took root, and so did our genuine friendship.
2019
Cyprus Agricultural products award
Though awards have never been our main goal, they do give us a boost toward our true purpose.
They remind us that the effort, the long days, and the energy we put in are seen and appreciated. In September 2019, we received first prize in the Agricultural Products category from OEB.
A proud moment, a clear sign that we are on the right path, and a little push to keep going.
2022
New Plot
Over the past few years, we’ve been growing steadily—so steadily, in fact, that once again, our facility could no longer support our vision.
We then discovered an abandoned building on a quiet plot just outside Limassol. Rough around the edges yet full of potential, it was exactly what we were looking for.
We began planning what would become our new home.
2024
New Facility
We have finally been able to create our own home.
After meticulous planning and a demanding period of construction, Mellona’s dedicated production facility has come to life.
New, efficient, and ready to support our mission to bring Mellona’s extraordinary goods to the world.
This milestone was made possible in part through co-funding from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, within the framework of the grant scheme for the support of agricultural product processing units.
2025
Growing Team
Mellona is not a soulless brand. Its soul, once just Stelios and Natasa, has now grown into a beautiful team of eight. Eight people who work hard and care about their mission. With trust in one another and trust that what we do matters ..not only to us, but to you too!
Since the very beginning, much has changed. Some things, however, have never changed—and never will. Our deep respect for nature, and our care for our products, our people, our clients, our community (and yours too!). Because, in the end, everything on this planet is inextricably intertwined.
Mellona was (and still is 😊) the mythological Goddess protecting honeybees. Her name originates from the Greek word Meli, meaning honey!