The exciting journey began almost 140 years ago when Konstantinos Manolikakis, a pioneer of his time, imported coffee from Brazil to supply the island of Crete for half a century. In 1886, he founded the first Coffee House in Greece and created the unique, traditional Greek (ibrik) coffee Manolikakis.
In 1908, he introduced Crete’s first steam-powered coffee grinding machine from PROBAT. This was followed by the import of a roasting machine from the same company, which operated on wood burning.
1886
The company was founded by Konstantinos Matthaiou Manolikakis. Its main activity was importing coffee from Brazil, sugar from Czechoslovakia, and tea from Ceylon, supplying the Cretan market exclusively. The workshop operated in Agioi Anargyroi area, while the retail store was located in the Katola Square of Chania.
1896
During the massacre of locals by the Turks, the retail store in Katola Square was destroyed by fire set.
1900
Manolikakis coffee became the favorite coffee of renouned figures of the time, including Eleftherios Venizelos and Prince George.
1905
The workshop and retail store were relocated to the historic building at 18 Mousouron Street.
1908
Crete’s first steam-powered coffee grinding machine was imported by Konstantinos Manolikakis, allowed by a State Decree of the time.
1932
The sons of Konstantinos founded the “New Cretan Tobacco Industry S.A.” with luxury cigarettes ASSOS, AFRO (mild), RED (light), and GREEN (strong). During that period, they operated an olive oil mill at the port of Kissamos, as well.
1941
The olive oil mill and tobacco factory were destroyed by bombings during World War II. The sale of cigarettes continued in the Cretan market until 1946.
1952
The activity expanded into the fruit juice industry with the creation of an exceptional industry in the Koum Kapi area. Its products – concentrated orange, lemon, and cherry juices – dominated the Greek market with high consumption rates.
1955
Due to their excellent quality, the juices won gold medals at the Thessaloniki International Fair for two consecutive years (1955 & 1956). The juices were produced until 1977 and became legendary, as the annual pricing list by the Ministry of Commerce nowadays still describes the concentrated orange juice as “Manolikakis” type.
1988
Kostis S. Manolikakis, founder’s grandson, takes over the business. Transfers the processing of Manolikakis Coffee to a new pioneering Coffee Roastery in the Heraklion Industrial Area (VI.PE), called “United Coffee Roasters of Crete.”
2003
The company’s headquarters are transferred at the Industrial Park (VIO.PA) of Chania at a brand-new Logistics & Distribution Center serving Western Crete.
2022
A new Coffee Roasting site is established within VIO.PA premises, equipped with cutting-edge production machines, applying innovative technologies and international management systems.
1988
Kostis S. Manolikakis, founder’s grandson, takes over the business. Transfers the processing of Manolikakis Coffee to a new pioneering Coffee Roastery in the Heraklion Industrial Area (VI.PE), called “United Coffee Roasters of Crete.”
2003
The company’s headquarters are transferred at the Industrial Park (VIO.PA) of Chania at a brand-new Logistics & Distribution Center serving Western Crete.
2022
A new Coffee Roasting site is established within VIO.PA premises, equipped with cutting-edge production machines, applying innovative technologies and international management systems.