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ELMA |
ELMA (Greek Mastiha) was established as a chewing gum brand with mastiha in Chios in 1958. For nearly half a century, it served as the distinctive product of the Chios Gum Mastiha Growers Association, as it was the sole finished product in the Cooperative’s portfolio until 2002. Mastiha, being the only Greek chewing gum for decades, became synonymous with the entire category of chewing gum. This tradition persists in Greece today, with many consumers equating mastiha with chewing gum and vice versa.
During the 1960s and 1970s, ELMA gained significant popularity in the Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Competitors of that era even imitated ELMA’s brand colors (green and red). The initial ELMA factory operated in Chios town, and since 1984, it has been relocated to its current site in Kardamada, Chios, where the mastiha factory
is also situated. The production equipment from the original factory is displayed at the Chios Mastic Museum.
The initial ELMA chewing gum was a mastiha and sugar confectionery product that was packaged in paper boxes.
For nearly four decades, it was marketed with the same packaging and characteristics both in Greece and in various
Arab countries, where it experienced impressive sales success. It became closely associated with mastiha and
was primarily known for its hardness, leading consumers to make countless jokes about losing dental fillings while
chewing it. In 1997, it received PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) classification from the European Union.
ELMA’s share in volume and value in Greece until 2001 was negligible, as its performance was classified under
the “others” category, with shares below 0.5%. However, in 2000, the recipe and packaging underwent significant
changes. A few years later, benefiting from the positive publicity and communication surrounding mastiha, particularly since the establishment of mastihashop, ELMA experienced a surge in demand. This propelled it to the
4th position within the chewing gum category in Greece, with market shares exceeding 7%.
From 2006 to 2015, ELMA introduced new chewing gum varieties that blended the beneficial properties of mastiha
with other popular flavors. In 2022 ELMA introduces, for the first time, chewing gums available
in both jar and stick formats, for those who prefer a soft chewing gum experience with a long-lasting flavor sensation.
For over half a century, the ELMA brand has been synonymous with the chewing gum category in Greece. In 2015, with the recognition of mastiha as a traditional medicine by the European Medicines Agency and in response to the growing demand for mastiha products, the decision was made to expand the ELMA brand to include a range of consumer mastiha products. Currently, ELMA offers the following:
Healthy Snacks that fall into the category of Functional Foods and Popular Greek Traditional Mastiha Products
Exploiting the unique properties of mastiha, ELMA creates snacks that not only provide nutritional value
but also offer positive effects on gastrointestinal health, particularly in addressing digestive issues. For many decades, the distinct flavor of mastiha has been closely tied to the experience of enjoying a “submarine” - a traditional Greek dessert, loukoum served as a delightful companion to coffee, forming an integral part of traditional treats. Additionally, mastiha is associated also with the Syrian halvadopites, which were traditionally enjoyed during island festivals as a delicious snack.
In response to consumer demands, we strive to fulfill their needs by introducing mastiha powder for use in cooking, confectionery, and baking. Mastiha is combined with other ingredients such as mahlep and dry yeast to facilitate the preparation of Greek brioche, as well as with inulin (derived from chicory root) for nutritional use. Our products come in practical and user-friendly packaging, containing the appropriate quantity for use. This packaging ensures the authentic taste and aroma of mastiha are preserved. |
GREECE |
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CHIOS MASTIHA |
• WHAT: Chios Mastiha (Mastic Gum) is the natural resin excreted from Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, a tree which exclusively grows on the Aegean island of Chios, Greece. It is a UNIQUE product, known and appraised since antiquity, and characterized by many beneficial qualities and wide-ranging uses & applications.
• WHERE: Mastiha tree grows ONLY on the southern part of the Greek island Chios, an area known as Mastiha villages, due to the unique characteristics of the ground, the microclimate and the traditional technique of cultivation.
• WHEN: Mastiha production is labor-intensive and starts with fertilization in December, followed by pruning in January. The crucial stage of kentos, or carving small scars on the bark, takes place from July to September. The resin solidifies within 20 days and harvesting is from mid-August to October. The cleaned production is then delivered to the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association.
• WHY: Mastiha is the ultimate Greek superfood since just 1g is the recommended daily dosage for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system. It is 100% natural, vegan, gluten- ,lactose- & sugar-free, contains no allergens & has no side-effects. Mastiha is a strong natural antioxidant, while thanks to its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action it has beneficial effect on oral health & protects the skin. Studies & recognition by the EFSA support its consumption for a healthy digestive system.
• HOW: Mastic has multiple purposes, with variety of applications and uses. It can be used as a natural chewing gum, as a healthy ingredient for cooking & baking, as a digestive beverage and as a natural medicine (as food supplement) for digestive support. In general, Mastic is being used as a main ingredient in food and drink industry, in cosmetics as well as in chemistry and pharmaceuticals industry.
• WHO: Mediterra SA is a distribution and manufacturing company of Mastiha products based in Chios. It is a subsidiary of the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association, which is responsible for the exclusive cultivation and development of Mastiha. The company operates both retail and wholesale activity in Greece and globally, and has a production unit in Chios. Additionally, it has developed a retail outlet network under the brand "mastihashop" with stores in Greece and abroad.
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GREECE |