Greece Archives - medbest

NEFÉLI Returns Home: A New Chapter Begins in Greece

Medbest — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:57:45 +0000

After more than three decades of international success, NEFÉLI begins a new chapter — at home. For the first time since its creation in 1998, the award-winning Mediterranean brand is officially available in Greece.

Inspired by Greek mythology and rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, NEFÉLI was born in Greece but quickly found its audience far beyond its borders. Over the years, the brand has traveled across four continents, building a strong global presence and earning international recognition for its quality, creativity, and authentic flavors.

Today, NEFÉLI returns to its country of origin through a strategic partnership with Karoulias / IMA, one of Greece’s most established and respected distribution companies. This collaboration marks an important milestone for the brand, reconnecting it with the market

A Mediterranean Brand with Global Recognition

NEFÉLI represents a contemporary expression of Greek gastronomy — combining premium raw materials, carefully crafted recipes, and a constant pursuit of excellence. The brand is currently present in more than 35 countries and has been distinguished in leading international taste competitions, earning multiple awards for both classic and innovative olive recipes.

These distinctions reflect NEFÉLI’s commitment to consistent quality, bold flavor combinations, and a modern approach to Mediterranean food culture.

The NEFÉLI Selection Now Available in Greece

Greek consumers can now discover a curated selection of NEFÉLI products, including:

Classic Greek olives, celebrating timeless Mediterranean flavors
Halkidiki olives, stuffed with feta, sundried tomato, and blue cheese
Innovative specialty recipes, such as Mojito Olives, Mandarin Spritz Olives, French Curry Olives, and Sweet Olive Mix

Each product is designed to balance tradition with creativity, offering familiar tastes alongside unexpected flavor experiences.

A Meaningful Homecoming

Reflecting on the brand’s return to Greece, Konstantinos Marianos, Founder & CEO of medbest, shares:

“Introducing NEFÉLI to the Greek market carries deep emotional and symbolic meaning for us. The brand returns to the country that inspired its creation. After three decades of international growth and recognition, we are proud to finally share NEFÉLI with Greek consumers.”

NEFÉLI’s arrival in Greece is more than a market launch — it is a homecoming. A new chapter begins, inviting Greek consumers to experience a brand that traveled the world and now returns with stories, flavors, and a renewed connection to its roots.

The post NEFÉLI Returns Home: A New Chapter Begins in Greece appeared first on medbest.

Neféli Chipotle Honey Olives – A Smoky Journey Beyond the Mediterranean

Medbest — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:41:05 +0000

The Neféli line has always been about creativity and discovery – taking Greece’s finest olives and reimagining them through global inspiration.

Neféli Chipotle Honey Olives unite Greek olive craftsmanship with the distinct smoky spice of chipotle. The recipe includes a chipotle-honey blend, but the flavor expression is driven by bold smokiness and mild spice rather than sweetness – a gourmet profile made for adventurous palates.

A Flavor Story Rooted in Discovery

From Greece to Latin America

The base is unmistakably Greek: plump, juicy olives harvested from sunlit groves. To this, Neféli adds chipotle – smoke-dried jalapeños, prized for their earthy warmth and depth of flavor.

The Harmony of Contrast

The smokiness of chipotle meets the natural olive tang, enhanced with a chipotle-honey spice blend that layers garlic, herbs, and a touch of honey into the recipe. While the honey is not tasted, it is part of the crafted mix that gives the olives their character.

An Inspired Fusion

This union of Greek tradition and global spice inspiration reflects the Neféli philosophy: to celebrate authenticity while embracing bold, unexpected journeys of taste.

Flavor Profile & Texture

Texture: Tender and juicy, with a supple bite that makes them perfect for snacking or pairing.

Taste: A layered journey – smoky first impression, followed by gentle heat and savory depth from the chipotle-honey spice blend. The honey itself is not pronounced on the palate.

Aftertaste: Lingering warmth with earthy smoke, leaving you wanting another taste.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese & Meze Platters: Pair with creamy or aged cheeses to balance the smoky spice and highlight the chipotle-honey seasoning.

Grilled & Roasted Dishes: Serve with BBQ meats, roasted vegetables, or alongside flame-grilled fish.

Global Fusion: Fold into tacos, grain bowls, or roasted corn salads for a cross-cultural twist.

Tapas & Cocktails: Add to smoky cocktails or offer as a bold tapa with fresh bread.

Creative Cooking: Chop into marinades, sauces, or use as a smoky garnish for flatbreads and pizza.

Perfect For

→ Adventurous food lovers seeking bold, smoky flavors beyond the ordinary.

→ Hosts and chefs wanting to surprise guests with a gourmet conversation starter built on a chipotle-honey spice blend.

→ Retailers and delis offering unique, story-driven specialty foods that highlight innovation within the Neféli line.

Why Choose Neféli Chipotle Honey Olives

Part of the premium Neféli line, these olives showcase how Mediterranean tradition can embrace global inspiration. Crafted with a distinctive chipotle-honey spice blend, they deliver a profile that is bold, smoky, and mildly spicy — a taste that stands out without sweetness.

By uniting Greek olive craftsmanship with the distinct smoky spice of chipotle, Neféli Chipotle Honey Olives embody the brand’s spirit of creativity and discovery, offering an olive that tells a story and elevates every table.

The post Neféli Chipotle Honey Olives – A Smoky Journey Beyond the Mediterranean appeared first on medbest.

Neféli Shines at the Taste Olymp Awards 2025

Medbest — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:10:13 +0000

Neféli proudly emerged as one of the standout winners at this year’s Taste Olymp Awards, earning top distinctions across its innovative olive and spread creations.

Taste Olymp Awards celebrate excellence in food and beverage, bringing together international judges who reward products for their flavor, creativity, and overall quality. Among fierce competition, Neféli captivated the panel with its bold reinterpretations of Mediterranean classics.

Mojito Olives
Platinum Medal

A daring combination of crisp green olives with mint, lemon, and a hint of sweetness, delivering the refreshing spirit of a cocktail in every bite.

Almond Bliss Olives
Gold Medal

Crisp Halkidiki olives filled with almonds, resting in a delicately sweet brine of raisins, citrus peel, and warm spices.

Aegean Fig
& Orange Spread
Gold Medal

A smooth pairing of fig sweetness and vibrant citrus, crafted to delight with every spoonful.

Sangria Olives
Silver Medal

Fruity, aromatic, and vibrant, these olives bring Mediterranean flair with dried tangerine, orange peel, and spices reminiscent of the iconic drink.

“These awards reaffirm our mission: to reimagine the Mediterranean table through creativity and authenticity,” said Panos Voutsas, Exports Director at medbest. “Neféli continues to prove that Greek olives and spreads can be both timeless and inventive, carrying our culinary heritage into the future.”

With four medals, including the coveted Platinum for Mojito Olives, Neféli strengthens its position as a leading ambassador of Greek gastronomy worldwide. These distinctions not only highlight the brand’s creativity, but also reflect medbest’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and the art of flavor.

As Neféli expands its international presence, these honors affirm its role in inspiring, surprising, and elevating the way Mediterranean flavors are experienced around the globe.

The post Neféli Shines at the Taste Olymp Awards 2025 appeared first on medbest.

Ntakos: The Top-Rated Salad of 2023

Andreas balodimos — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:36:42 +0000

When it comes to salads, one dish stands out among the rest as the reigning champion of flavour and satisfaction. Ntakos, a traditional Cretan salad, has claimed the title of the best-rated salad for 2023, according to the esteemed Taste Atlas.

Ntakos or “dako” is a vibrant and wholesome salad that originates from the island of Crete, Greece. Its popularity has spread worldwide, captivating taste buds with its incredible combination of flavours and textures.

At the heart of this exceptional salad is the ntakos rusk, a type of dried barley bread. The rusk is soaked in water or extra virgin olive oil to soften it, then topped with a medley of fresh ingredients that make this salad a true delight. Chopped tomatoes bursting with taste, tangy feta cheese or myzithra, pungent olives, fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil come together to create a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate.

What sets Ntakos apart and elevates it to the top-rated salad of 2023 is its harmonious blend of simplicity and complexity. Each ingredient shines through, showcasing its distinct qualities, yet harmonizing effortlessly with the others. The juicy tomatoes add a burst of freshness, complemented by the creamy and salty feta cheese. The olives contribute a briny kick, while the herbs infuse the salad with delightful aromas. Finally, the drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together, enhancing the flavours and providing a luscious finish.

Taste Atlas, a trusted resource for culinary enthusiasts, recognizes the exceptional qualities of Ntakos and its universal appeal. It is a salad that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with the flavors of the sun-drenched region.

Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish, ntakos never fails to captivate taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Its widespread acclaim as the best-rated salad for 2023 is a testament to its enduring popularity and the passion with which it is prepared and enjoyed around the world.

If you have yet to experience the culinary delight that is Ntakos, now is the perfect time to give it a try. Discover the magic of this top-rated salad and allow your taste buds to embark on a journey to the sunny shores of Crete. Indulge in the simplicity and sophistication of Ntakos and savor the harmonious blend of flavors that have earned it the title of the best salad of 2023, as recognized by Taste Atlas.

Ntakos (dakos): The Top-Rated Salad of 2023, According to Taste Atlas

The post Ntakos: The Top-Rated Salad of 2023 appeared first on medbest.