Overview

Aerakis Cheese Products is a family-owned business with a long-standing tradition in the production of authentic Cretan cheeses. Based in the village of Sokaras, in the municipality of Gortyna, Crete, the company combines decades of experience with modern production techniques to deliver dairy products of exceptional quality and genuine Cretan flavor.

Mission & Philosophy

The company’s mission is to preserve and promote the rich cheesemaking heritage of Crete through products that embody authenticity, purity, and superior taste. Every stage of production reflects respect for nature, the local producer, and the consumer.

Raw Materials & Production

Production is based exclusively on goat and sheep milk collected daily from local farmers in the Asterousia region of southern Heraklion. The milk undergoes thorough quality control, and the cheesemaking process follows traditional methods enhanced by modern technology, ensuring consistent quality and safety.

The company operates under a certified ISO 22000:2005 food safety management system, reflecting its commitment to the highest production standards.

Products

The product range includes a wide selection of traditional Cretan cheeses, such as:

• Cretan Graviera
• Kefalograviera
• Kefalotyri
• Anthotyros (whey cheese)
• Myzithra and Xynomyzithra
• White brined cheese

All products are known for their rich, natural flavor and consistent quality, resulting from the perfect balance between artisanal tradition and modern technology.

Quality & Innovation

Aerakis Dairy Products continuously invests in technological upgrades of its facilities and in staff training. Ongoing improvement and strict quality control at every stage of production ensure premium products that meet the expectations of both domestic and international markets.

Vision

The company’s vision is to serve as an ambassador of authentic Cretan flavor across Greece and abroad, always maintaining its human-centered character and its core values of quality, integrity, and tradition.

Ecological & Geographic Context

The wider Sokaras–Asterousia area on the southern side of Crete lies at an altitude of roughly 300–600 m with a dry-Mediterranean climate (around 450–550 mm annual rainfall), mild winters and high solar radiation. The landscape is dominated by limestone soils and small valleys that support xerophytic vegetation rich in essential oils, forming a distinctive semi-arid environment.

Vegetation & Biodiversity

The region belongs to the Mediterranean maquis and phrygana zone with very high floristic diversity. Dominant aromatic and shrubby species include thyme, oregano, sage, savory, spiny broom, wild olive, kermes oak and other native shrubs and trees. Research by the University of Crete reports more than 500 plant species, many of them Cretan endemics, making Asterousia one of the most biodiverse micro-ecosystems in the Mediterranean.

Vegetation → Diet → Milk Quality

Free-ranging sheep and goats graze year-round on natural pastures. Volatile and phenolic compounds from aromatic plants (terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols) are transferred to the milk, shaping its aroma and nutritional profile. Scientific work (e.g. Zervas & Tsiplakou, ELGO–Demeter studies) documents higher levels of beneficial fatty acids and phenolics in milk from such systems, providing a clear “terroir fingerprint”.

Role of Traditional Pastoralism

The Sokaras area maintains extensive open-range grazing systems. This traditional pastoralism preserves natural habitats (including Natura 2000 sites), supports biodiversity and nutrient cycling, produces milk with superior sensory and nutritional characteristics and sustains a rural economy closely linked to the local environment.

Impact on Cheese Quality

The unique chemical and aromatic profile of the milk results in cheeses with intense herbal aromas, depth of flavour and characteristic texture. Cretan graviera, kefalotyri and whey cheeses such as anthotyros and myzithra clearly express this link to the local vegetation. The “Graviera Kritis” PDO specification explicitly connects milk quality to vegetation and grazing systems in semi-natural pastures.

Conclusion

The vegetation biodiversity of the Sokaras–Asterousia zone enriches animal diets, enhances the chemical and aromatic profile of milk and elevates the distinctiveness of local dairy products. It represents a genuine “biodiversity terroir” where climate, flora, topography and traditional pastoral practices interact to produce authentic, high-quality cheeses that clearly express their origin.

References

Key references include publications by the Hellenic Agricultural Organization – Demeter, the University of Crete (Dept. of Biology), international journals on arid environments and small ruminant research, FAO reports and the official PDO “Graviera Kritis” specification.

Overview

At Aerakis Cheese Products, quality is not just a control step – it is a core value. Every stage of production, from milk collection to packaging, is organized around strict international standards of food safety and quality.

Our certifications confirm a structured, audited and fully documented approach to safety, consistency and trust, both for partners and end consumers.

ISO 22000:2005 – HACCP

The company is certified under the international standard ISO 22000:2005, which integrates Food Safety Management and HACCP. This ensures that production, storage and distribution are carried out under fully controlled conditions, with documented procedures and preventive controls.

The system guarantees traceability, hazard analysis and continuous monitoring at critical points, fully aligned with EU and Codex Alimentarius requirements.

TÜV HELLAS (Member of TÜV NORD GROUP)

Certification by TÜV HELLAS, one of the most recognized international inspection and certification bodies, confirms that Aerakis applies robust management systems and complies with strict safety and regulatory standards.

This collaboration strengthens our credibility in Greece and abroad, reinforcing confidence in the reliability and professionalism of our operations.

Certification by the Region of Crete

The Region of Crete has recognized Aerakis Dairy Products as a unit that promotes quality cheesemaking and the agri-food identity of the island.

As a member of the regional network “Crete – Our Life”, the company is officially linked with Cretan natural heritage, sustainable production and authentic culinary tradition.

Quality Management Systems – S.D.P. 185 & 183

Aerakis applies an integrated Quality Management System in accordance with certifications S.D.P. 185 & 183. These systems cover the assurance of raw milk quality, precision in cheesemaking and maturation, as well as hygienic preservation and distribution.

Systematic auditing, monitoring and continuous improvement ensure stable product quality and long-term reliability.

Our Commitment

For Aerakis, certifications are not formalities but a daily commitment to partners and consumers. Transparency, scientific rigor and respect for nature define how we produce and communicate our products.

Aerakis Dairy Products – Certified Quality, Proven Trust.

Export Profile – Overview

Aerakis Cheese Products is a family-owned company with deep roots in traditional Cretan cheesemaking and a modern export-oriented philosophy. From the village of Sokaras, at the foothills of the Asterousia Mountains, the company produces cheeses that combine the authenticity of nature with contemporary food expertise.

We work with distributors, catering suppliers and gastronomy professionals who value consistency, purity of flavour and long-term reliability.

The Strength of Origin

All milk used by Aerakis comes from free-grazing sheep and goats raised on the natural pastures of the Asterousia region, rich in thyme, sage, oregano and savory. This flora gives the milk aromatic depth and a balanced composition.

Collection and production take place under strict quality control in facilities certified to ISO 22000:2005, ensuring safety, stability and full traceability.

Products for Professional & International Use

The Aerakis portfolio is designed to meet the needs of modern gastronomy and international foodservice:

• Cretan Graviera (PDO) – rich, aromatic, naturally sweet cheese.
• Kefalograviera – smooth, buttery, ideal for fine dining and gourmet cooking.
• Kefalotyri – intense and spicy, perfect for professional culinary use.
• Anthotyros & Xynomyzithra – soft, versatile cheeses for sweet or savoury dishes.
• White Brined Cheese – light and stable, ideal for salads and buffet service.

All products are available in professional and retail formats tailored to each market and partner.

Export Strategy & Partnerships

Aerakis Dairy Products develops strong international partnerships with distributors serving luxury hospitality, gastronomy and retail. Collaborations include:

• Luxury hotel complexes and resort chains
• Fine dining and boutique restaurants
• HoReCa distributors and catering suppliers
• Retail and delicatessen chains, premium supermarkets and concept food stores

Our export strategy is based on reliability, flexibility and dedicated support for each partner.

The Partner Advantage

Collaborating with Aerakis offers clear advantages for distributors and professional clients:

• Certified quality and consistency across all product lines
• Authentic raw materials and pure flavours without artificial additives
• Professional reliability in delivery and service
• Full traceability and transparency throughout production
• Flexibility to adapt to different markets and business models

Aerakis does not simply produce cheese – it crafts natural products that carry the essence of the Cretan landscape from the mountains to the table.

From Nature to the Table

Every Aerakis cheese represents a balance between nature, tradition and innovation. Traditional cheesemaking techniques are combined with modern food safety to create products with aromatic richness, natural purity and excellent stability.

This profile makes Aerakis cheeses ideal for international gastronomy professionals and retail chains seeking products with origin, story and character.

Aerakis Cheese Products – Sokaras, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
“Authentic Taste. Certified Quality. Global Perspective.”

Overview

Aerakis Dairy Products supports partners worldwide through clear organization, certified procedures and professional enablement across exports, quality, marketing and logistics.

The goal is to provide not only excellent products, but also structured support that makes collaboration efficient and sustainable.

Export Organization

The company maintains a dedicated Export Department that coordinates all international commercial activities and partnerships.

• Specialized staff serving importers and distributors
• Complete handling of offers, invoices, certificates and customs documentation
• Multilingual communication (Greek, English, French, German)

Quality & Technical Coordination

Quality is a core principle for Aerakis. A full traceability system and certified procedures ensure technical reliability in every market.

• Full traceability and control from raw milk to finished product
• Certified procedures under ISO, HACCP and PDO standards
• Technical support for labelling, translations and regulatory compliance

Marketing & Trade Support

Aerakis facilitates partners in presenting and promoting its products in local markets.

• High-resolution product photography and digital marketing materials
• Private Label and packaging design support
• Corporate eBook and product data sheets (on request)
• Participation in international trade fairs and professional food exhibitions

Logistics & Distribution

Reliable infrastructure and certified partners ensure product integrity from production to delivery.

• Standardized packaging and palletization schemes
• Certified cold-chain freight forwarders
• Consistent lead times and temperature-controlled distribution

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