A large crowd, representatives of the political life of the country, and institutional bodies gave a dynamic presence at the opening of ARTOZA 2025.
With great success and in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, the official opening of the ARTOZA 2025 exhibition took place at the METROPOLITAN EXPO exhibition center on Friday, February 21.
Representatives of the political and business world, as well as top institutional bodies of the Bakery and Pastry sectors, gave a strong presence.
First to step up to the podium was the President and CEO of FORUM SA, Mr. Thanos Panagoulias, who stated: “ARTOZA is not just an exhibition, it is the entire market. I would like to sincerely thank all those who are here today and practically support the market because the market needs action, not words. It is very important to support the sector that supports us. I would also like to say a very big thank you to my team, who, despite adverse conditions, are organizing a brilliant ARTOZA this year”.
Next, the President of the Federation of Confectioners of Greece, Mr. Ioannis Glykos, took the floor and stated: “At ARTOZA, we are not just at an exhibition. We are at the heart of creation, innovation, and development. Here, where tradition meets the future, where tastes become experiences, and where the passion for confectionery turns into art. Confectionery is not just a profession, it is a constant quest for perfection. Every sweet we create is not just a recipe; it is a story full of inspiration, quality, and dedication. Today, all of us here can join forces, share knowledge, exchange ideas, and inspire each other. In this endeavor, it is important to maintain our quality. It is what brought us here and what will keep us strong in the future”.
Third to step up was the President of the Federation of Bakers of Greece, Mr. Michalis Mousios, who, among other things, addressed the issue of price increases, mentioning that indeed in 2022 there was a significant increase in the prices of bakery products, as well as in all products, but since then it has remained stable.
Subsequently, the President of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), Mr. George Kavathas, mentioned that FORUM exhibitions upgrade Greek entrepreneurship and the country’s economy, create jobs, and provide incentives for professionals to visit the exhibitions to see the latest developments in technology and raw materials.
The Member of Parliament for the Dodecanese and Development Sector Head, Mr. George Nikitiadis, then stated: “We will be there to knead the future together,” and referred to the great scope of the exhibition.
Lastly, Deputy Minister of Development Ms. Anna Mani-Papadimitriou took the stage and mentioned, among other things, that craft and family businesses, such as those participating in ARTOZA, are the backbone of the Greek economy. She also added that she was particularly pleased with the strong activity at the exhibition from the very first day.
All representatives of the sector’s institutional bodies were present
Present at the exhibition’s opening were the President and CEO of O.MIND Creatives, Mr. Theodoros Dimitriadis, the First Vice President of the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen, Mr. Manos Ioannis, the Vice President of the Federation of Pastry Professionals & President of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Tradesmen, Mr. Papadopoulos Makarios, the Second Vice President of the Association of Pastry Professionals & Allied Professionals of Tripoli, Mr. Terzis Ioannis, Mr. Vassiliou Efthymis (Association of Pastry Professionals of Piraeus), Mr. Sachinidis Panagiotis (Bakery Association of Administrative Capital), Mr. Kaponis Sotirios (Bakery Association of Aetolikon), Mr. Koutsikos Christos (Bakery Association of Eastern Attica), Mr. Tsoukalas Theodoros (Bakery Association of Arcadia), Mr. Kogias Dimitris (Bakery Association of Veria), Mr. Papathanasiou (Bakery Association of Evia), Mr. Tzamarias Christoforos (Bakery Association of Kefalonia & Ithaca), Mr. Gkoulios Alexandros (Bakery Association of Larissa), Mr. Tsitouras Grigoris (Bakery Association of Fthiotida), Mr. Malagaris Anastasios (Association of Pastry Professionals of Xanthi) and Mr. Vassiliou Vassilios (Association of Pastry Professionals of Chalkida).
The inauguration event was coordinated by journalist Maria Nikoltsiou. At the end of the ceremony, everyone gathered at the entrance to observe the traditional ribbon cutting.