Trikalinos Roe: How during a time of inflation “Greek caviar” sets sales records

The price criterion may now determine the purchasing habits of a large segment of the consumer public, but there seem to be products that pass under the “radar” of generalized cost reduction. And even without being included in the narrow circle of basic necessities.

One such case is fish roe, with Mr. Zafeiris Trikalinos, president of Trikalinos, revealing that 2023 will be one of the best years for the company.

Specifically, as he mentioned in yesterday’s meeting with journalists, the product is “running” in the first five-month sales increase of around 11% through the AB Vassilopoulos chain, while it is also running at the same rate in Sklavenitis.

Dreaming of exports

Representative of the fourth generation of the family that has been involved in roe processing since 1856 and with the fifth generation, his son, already in the business, Zafeiris Trikalinos aims (“it’s my dream” he says) the company’s exports to exceed 50% by the beginning of 2025 from 40-42% which they are today.

Today Trikalinos exports to 42 countries. From Singapore, Japan and Taiwan to France (which is the company’s biggest foreign market), Italy, Britain, the US and recently Israel.

One of the big fans of Greek roe is the famous Spanish chef Ferran Adria, one of the best in the world, who included it in the 30 Best Products of the World in his book “The Fragile Feast, Routes to Ferran Adria”.

Soaring sales

According to Mr. Trikalinos the best financial year so far in terms of sizes was 2021, while the revenue dynamics of 2022 was “stagnant”.

The company’s total turnover was 2 million euros last year. This year, however, the course of sales is moving much more upward, a fact that gives optimism for the future.

The company, which has production facilities in Dafni, Attica, following the recommendation of the late Gerasimos Vaslopoulos, in addition to the traditional roe, produces roe trim, roe “soul”, melichloro roe, as well as natural sea salt, afrina, anchovy marinade and fillet and marinated sardine fillet.

No to funds

Trikalinos has not gone unnoticed by foreign and Greek investors.

In 2004, Japanese company Mitsui approached the Greek company with the aim of developing a strategic cooperation at the European level, while other acquisition proposals from funds have followed, such as the investment fund Impala, which controls the Cretan sausage industry Creta Farms.

“We are constantly approached by interested investors. I am honored and flattered by the interest in Trikalinos, however I am not considering this possibility and this is what I would like the next generation to do as well who will take over the reins of the company” characteristically noted Mr. Trikalinos.