One of the most dynamically developing companies in Greece is APIVITA Natural Cosmetics Company - the "Hippocrates Garden" is its reference point - which, with continuous investment, stands ready to realize its vision of becoming a leading, green, innovative business in the world. Its founders, Nikos and Niki Koutsianas, have kept APIVITA's recipe unchanged in the four decades of the company's life.

Only last March, APIVITA "shook" business waters by announcing its agreement with the Spanish Puig Group. The Spanish group gave a vote of confidence in Greek nature, entrepreneurship and the Greek economy.

Puig Group purchased a majority stake in APIVITA signalling a new phase in APIVITA's life, making it easier and more efficient to access international markets.

Moreover, today's Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's visit to the company's premises underlined the dynamics behind the pioneering business utilization of the rich plant wealth of the country and its growth prospects.

PUIG's investment in APIVITA is strategic, as a number of preconditions are being ensured, which was of primary value to the Koutsianas family, which retains the constitutional minority. Also, the capital adequacy of APIVITA is ensured; which is strengthened by capital increase. The headquarters and production line of the company remain in Greece, making full use of the potential of the research laboratory and the state-of-the-art facilities in Markopoulo, Attica.

At the same time, all existing partnerships of APIVITA will continue giving them the opportunity to grow, such as collaborations with an entire community of growers across the country that ensure the ultimate traceability and excellent quality of the raw materials of the company.

In 2016 the company's sales amounted to 37.8 million euros and EBITDA was 5.5 million euros. The increase in sales comes from both the domestic and foreign markets (16% and 20% respectively).

In 1972, the founders of APIVITA Nikos and Niki Koutsiana, as new pharmacists, created their first natural cosmetics using bee products and herbal extracts. Inspired by the bee society, the unique biodiversity of Greek nature and Hippocrates' holistic approach to health, beauty and well-being.

APIVITA is active in 15 countries, in Cyprus, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Romania, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, USA, England, Croatia, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and recently and in Italy, in cooperation with pharmacies and retail stores, in line with the flagship of the APIVITA Experience Store in the center of Athens. Its export activity accounts for approximately 30% of its total sales.

APIVITA invests in scientific research. She is currently participating in 10 research projects in collaboration with universities and research centers in Greece and abroad. Overall, APIVITA works with 71 foundations in 22 different countries, with research focusing mainly on herbs of Greek nature, beekeeping products and the Mediterranean underwater. A major achievement of the Scientific Affairs division of the company is the participation of the company with European funding in the EU program. Horizon 2020, the most important EU research and innovation program ever launched.