Giannis Panaritis – “Laconia Has the Potential to Become a Benchmark for Greek Entrepreneurship”

Laconia is far more than a region steeped in history. It is a land with a strong productive base, exceptional agricultural products, unique tourism destinations, and people who remain committed to investing in their homeland. At a time when extroversion, innovation, and strategic partnerships are shaping the future of local economies, Laconia has the opportunity to capitalize on its competitive advantages and establish itself as a leading force on Greece’s development map. The President of the Laconia Chamber of Commerce, Giannis Panaritis, shares his vision for the future of the region.

Mr. President, if you had just one minute to introduce Laconia to a foreign investor, what three characteristics would convince them to invest here?

Laconia is a truly blessed region with numerous competitive advantages. First and foremost is its primary sector, supported by the unique microclimate created by Mount Taygetus and Mount Parnon. The area’s geomorphology and climate produce agricultural goods of outstanding quality, including olive oil, olives, wine, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Secondly, Laconia possesses an extraordinary cultural heritage.

Every corner of the region tells a story—from Ancient Sparta and Mystras to Monemvasia, Pavlopetri, the world’s oldest submerged city, and the historic Mani Peninsula. From antiquity to the present day, Laconia has continuously contributed to Greece’s historical legacy. Finally, the region offers breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors experience an ever-changing landscape of mountains, sea, sunshine, tranquility, privacy, and authenticity. Altogether, these elements create exceptional investment opportunities.

Exports are a major driver of economic growth. Which international markets should Laconian businesses focus on, and what role can the Chamber play in supporting this effort?

Since the economic crisis, exports from Laconia have grown significantly. Our products continue to strengthen their position in international markets thanks to their exceptional quality. By participating in major international exhibitions such as Anuga, SIAL, Food Expo, and the Thessaloniki International Fair, local businesses showcase products that have received prestigious international awards, building a strong identity with global recognition. Today, our main export destinations are Europe and the United States. However, there is considerable potential to expand into emerging markets, particularly China and the broader Asian region.

The Chamber actively supports local entrepreneurs by promoting international outreach through participation in trade fairs and business missions. In addition, we organized the Laconian Products Festival in Gytheio in 2023 and Monemvasia in 2025, highlighting the region’s rich gastronomic heritage through dishes prepared exclusively with locally produced ingredients.

How can visitors discover Laconia not only as a holiday destination but also as a place of gastronomy, culture, and authentic experiences?

Through a wide range of initiatives, the Chamber promotes Laconian products both within Greece and internationally. Participation in agri-food exhibitions at home and abroad remains one of our highest priorities. Beyond exhibitions, we organize gastronomic events featuring renowned chefs who showcase the exceptional quality of local ingredients by creating recipes exclusively from Laconian produce.

The Laconian Products Festivals in Gytheio and Monemvasia—which we intend to continue organizing—have become an important platform for strengthening the identity of our local products.

Visitors travel with what I would call a “gastronomic memory.” They want to discover flavors they cannot experience elsewhere, such as Mani’s traditional syglino, tsaitia, diples, gkogkes, and many other local delicacies.

Every product must have a clear and authentic identity. At the same time, the international promotion and export of Laconian products allow consumers around the world to experience their unique quality and character.

Many speak about Laconia’s “competitive advantage.” What do you believe is the region’s greatest untapped asset?

As I mentioned earlier, Laconia enjoys many competitive advantages. The real key to success lies in combining them effectively. By connecting the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of the economy—with human capital at the center—we can create the foundations for sustainable regional development and long-term prosperity.

Women’s entrepreneurship continues to gain momentum. What initiatives has the Chamber undertaken to encourage more women to start businesses and strengthen the local economy?

Every year, the Laconia Chamber of Commerce organizes the Entrepreneurship Awards, which include a dedicated category recognizing women’s entrepreneurship and the important contribution women make to business.

Women entrepreneurs in Laconia already play a dynamic role in the local economy, and we are proud to acknowledge and support their achievements. The Chamber stands alongside every entrepreneur in Laconia, regardless of gender. Our initiatives are designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship while promoting greater outward-looking business activity.

One of the greatest challenges facing regional Greece is the migration of young people to larger cities or abroad. What needs to change for young professionals to choose Laconia as the place to build their future?

If we want young people to remain in Laconia, we must provide modern infrastructure, investment opportunities, and an environment where they can apply their knowledge, creativity, and ambition.

Without properly utilizing our local resources, we will also fail to retain our human capital, while depopulation and youth migration will continue to intensify.

We need development policies focused on regional growth rather than concentrating opportunities exclusively in urban centers. For Laconia in particular, the planning and immediate implementation of major infrastructure projects—including roads, ports, and an airport—are essential.

Finally, what is your personal vision for Laconia’s future?

One of my greatest ambitions is to highlight the exceptional health benefits of high-phenolic olive oil. Our goal is for the Chamber to become certified to validate high-phenolic olive oil carrying officially recognized health claims. This initiative would create significant benefits not only for Laconia but for the entire Peloponnese. Another important objective is the establishment of a School or Institute of Olive Cultivation. Scientific knowledge must reach the field.

Producing truly exceptional olive oil requires a scientific approach to caring for olive groves and trees, and this is a challenge our region must embrace. Finally, I envision the creation of a strong “Peloponnese” brand—an umbrella identity that will unite the products of the Peloponnese and significantly strengthen their recognition and competitiveness in global markets.

Thank you very much!