Agricultural University of Athens Lifelong Learning Center (KEDIVIM) and the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (InFAM): Innovative Business Ideas Centered on Greek Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
The presentation of the business plans developed by participants of the professional development programme “Production, Processing and Marketing of Greek Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs): Herbs – Culinary herbs Products – Essential Oils – Cosmetics – Natural Preparations” was successfully held on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the Election Hall of the Agricultural University of Athens. The programme was organized by the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (InFAM) as part of the educational programmes offered by the Lifelong Learning Center (KEDIVIM) of the Agricultural University of Athens.
The 120-hour programme concluded with the presentation of four comprehensive business proposals prepared by teams of participants, showcasing the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout the course. The proposals focused on the utilization of Greek Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) through the development of innovative products and services, highlighting the sector's significant growth and business potential.
The presentations took place in the presence of the Programme's Scientific Director, Professor Emerita Garifallia Oikonomou of the Agricultural University of Athens, as well as the programme instructors, who attended and evaluated the participants' highly creative and innovative business proposals.
The four teams presented the following business plans, combining scientific knowledge, innovation, and the sustainable utilization of Greek Medicinal and Aromatic Plants:
- ‘Ambrosia Greek Herbs & Blends’
The first team presented a business proposal for the development of a premium line of carefully selected Greek herb and spice blends. The proposal is based on partnerships with small-scale Greek producers, promotes the Mediterranean diet and Greece’s rich culinary heritage, and combines authenticity, superior quality, contemporary packaging design, and a strong export-oriented strategy.
Team Members:
Amélie Pavlaki, Andreas Rekkas, Kyriaki Belesi, Nefeli Bouloubasi
- “Herb Path” – The Journey of Greek Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
The second team presented Herb Path, an innovative social enterprise concept comprising a comprehensive digital platform that connects small-scale producers of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) directly with consumers. The proposal integrates e-commerce, agritourism experiences, educational activities, and full product traceability, contributing to the promotion of the Greek countryside while supporting local producers and strengthening regional value chains.
Team Members:
Gerasimos Giannatos, Giannis Kolimatsis, Eleni Stathopoulou, Konstantina Eleni Felemegka
- “Physiodiphis”
The third team developed a comprehensive business proposal for a line of natural cosmetics based on Greek Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs). The product range includes personal care products such as shampoos, creams, serums, and body scrubs, formulated with Greek plant-based ingredients. The proposal places particular emphasis on sustainability, vegan and cruelty-free products, and collaboration with Greek producers.
Team Members:
Marietta Ioannidou, Kasmi Kafaze, Evangelia Kyriakaki, Fotini Lamprou
- “Rosemary Me Hair Oil”
The fourth team presented the business concept “Rosemarry Me Hair Oil,” an innovative natural hair care oil formulated with Greek rosemary extract. The proposal harnesses the beneficial properties of rosemary through a scientifically validated formulation, combining natural ingredients, environmentally friendly packaging, contemporary branding, and a digital marketing strategy that responds to the evolving demands of the natural cosmetics market.
Team Members:
Konstantina Salata, Alexandra Oikonomidou
The business plans presented throughout the programme demonstrated the high level of knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired by the participants during their training. In particular, they highlighted the participants’ enhanced ability to collaborate effectively and work collectively towards the design and development of sustainable business ventures.
The Institute for the Study and Promotion of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (InFAM) remains firmly committed to advancing scientific knowledge, education, innovation, and the effective transfer of research outcomes to the productive sector. Through its initiatives, the Institute continues to promote the sustainable development and utilization of Greece’s Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, contributing significantly to the agri-food sector, the processing industry, and the national economy.
