What is VIOLAR S.A.?
VIOLAR S.A., founded way back in 1955 by the Markou brothers in Livadeia, Greece, is a company that’s all about cotton ginning and trading. Over the decades, it has grown into a leader in cotton and grain sectors, with a strong focus on quality and reliability. The company’s main goal? Customer satisfaction, hands down. They’ve built their reputation on delivering high-quality products and services, making sure every step of the process meets strict quality control standards. It’s not just cotton ginning—they’re also involved in grains, agricultural supplies, and even electricity production and distribution. Quite the diverse portfolio, right?
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes VIOLAR stand out:
- Founded in 1955, with over six decades of experience.
- Multiple industrial units: Livadeia (since 1978), Achilleio in Larissa (since 1994), Velestino in Volos (acquired 2004), and Gefyra in Thessaloniki (acquired 2020).
- Certified quality control laboratory by the International Cotton Association of Bremen since 2013.
- Wide range of certifications including AGRO, FIBERMAX, QMSCERT, ISCC, OCS, GOTS for cotton; GLOBALGAP for quinoa; ISO 22000 for cottonseed; and ENPLUS for pellets.
- Global sourcing footprint covering Brazil, Spain, Turkey, West Africa (Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin, Cameroon, Togo), plus recent expansions into Mexico and the USA.
History and Evolution of VIOLAR
The story of VIOLAR is a classic tale of steady growth and expansion. It all started in 1955 when the Markou brothers kicked off cotton ginning in Livadeia. Fast forward to 1969, and they opened a seed processing unit in the same city. The big leap came in 1978 with the launch of their current cotton ginning industrial unit. Then, in 1994, they expanded to Achilleio, Larissa, adding a second industrial unit. The 2000s saw further growth with the acquisition of a facility in Velestino, Volos, in 2004, and more recently, in 2020, a new industrial facility in Gefyra, Thessaloniki. It’s a journey marked by strategic moves and continuous improvement.
Facilities and Infrastructure
VIOLAR’s facilities are modern and well-equipped, reflecting their commitment to quality and efficiency. The company operates administrative offices, ginneries, dryers, warehouses, and silos—all designed to support their core industrial activities in cotton ginning. These facilities are spread across Greece, ensuring a strong local presence while supporting their global operations. The infrastructure not only supports production but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the high standards VIOLAR is known for.
Quality Control: The Heart of VIOLAR’s Operations
Quality control isn’t just a buzzword at VIOLAR—it’s the cornerstone of everything they do. Since 2013, their quality control laboratory has been certified by the International Cotton Association of Bremen, which speaks volumes about their dedication to excellence. Every input and output is carefully controlled, certified, and categorized before storage or loading. This rigorous process ensures that customers always receive products that meet or exceed expectations. It’s this attention to detail that keeps VIOLAR ahead in a competitive market.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to VIOLAR
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting sustainable agriculture and food production.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating jobs and promoting economic development.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Investing in modern facilities and technology.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensuring quality control and sustainable sourcing.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Promoting sustainable land use through responsible cotton and grain production.
Global Footprint and Sourcing Strategy
VIOLAR’s reach extends far beyond Greece. The company sources ginned cotton from a diverse range of countries, including Brazil, Spain, Turkey, and several West African nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin, Cameroon, and Togo. Recently, they’ve expanded their sourcing to include Mexico and the USA, showing a clear strategy to diversify and strengthen their supply chain. This global footprint not only enhances their product offerings but also positions VIOLAR as a key player in the international cotton and grain markets.
