Karelia Tobacco Company is Greece’s largest cigarette manufacturer & exporter and one of the largest independent tobacco companies in the world (i.e. not belonging to the Big 6 – Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, Imperial Brands, Altria and KT&G).
Karelia’s history dates back to 1888, when the Karelia family set up a small tobacco business in Kalamata, in the Peloponnese. Initially a regional business, Karelia started to expand its national presence in the 1950s and Karelia brands quickly became popular all across Greece. A new Karelia manufacturing plant, covering 80,000 square meters was built in Kalamata in 1971 under the leadership of George Karelias. The sales and marketing offices were established in Athens.
Timeline of major events in Karelia History
1976: Karelia was listed on the Athens Stock Exchange and traded under the Karelia Brothers name. Also, Karelia became the licensed manufacturer for RJ Reynolds (now Japan Tobacco International) in Greece, producing and distributing the Winston brand
1981: Karelia initiated the manufacturing of the Camel brand (the cooperation with Japan Tobacco was terminated in 2000s)
1990: Karelia started to export its products
1991: Karelia changed its official name from Karelia Brothers to Karelia Tobacco Company
1994: Karelia established an office in Sofia, Bulgaria
1995: Karelia acquired Meridian Duty-Free Specialists, a shipchandling company
1997: Karelia Belgium and Karelia Investment were established
2003: Karelia Tobacco Company (UK) Ltd was established to distribute Karelia’s brands in the UK
2007: The Bulgarian subsidiary was upgraded to a commercial import company called Karelia Bulgaria EOOD and GK Distributors EOOD subsidiary was established
2008: Karelia Tütün ve Ticaret was established in Turkey. Also, Karelia acquired the Backwoods cigar brand from Altadis to distribute it in Greece and duty-free markets.
In Greece, Karelia’s brands are sold in over 26,000 sales points. The Karelia brand and its emblematic packs are still a big part of modern-day Greek culture. In addition, more than 87% of Karelia’s production is exported to 65 markets, making Karelia one of Greece’s largest export businesses. Karelia’s brand portfolio includes:
George Karelias and Sons Excellence: Super premium brand. Made from the top leaves of Virginia tobacco from the USA, Zimbabwe, and Brazil’s Santa Catarina region. Blue vignette and gold embossed shoulder-box pack. Key message: “This is no ordinary cigarette”
George Karelias and Sons: Premium brand. Made from fine golden Virginia leaf and inspired by the traditions of the iconic Karelia Kasetina. Aromatic, superior bright Virginia blend with a robust flavor. Exquisitely embossed shoulder boxes. Launched in 1995 and exported to the international markets
George Karelias and Sons Hard Packs: Flip-top hard pack format
George Karelias and Sons – Hand Rolling Tobacco: A premium blend of hand rolling tobacco. George Karelias and Sons Quality Cigarette Papers introduced as a complementary product in the rapidly growing Roll Your Own category
Omé: Super-slims brand with an American blend. Launched in 2009. Sold in over 35 domestic and duty free/travel retail markets around the world including Europe, the Far East, the Middle East and Persian Gulf. One of the fastest growing brands in France. Colorful and dynamic pack design, creating a sense of energy, constant movement and modernity
Karelia S: Formerly, Karelia Slims. A blend of the finest Virginia tobaccos. One of Karelia’s top export brands, available in around 60 markets. Elegantly slim, refined in taste and appearance. Presented in an array of lively and elegantly colorful packs that reflects today’s contemporary lifestyle. Available in four versions (S, L, M, I) and sold at many leading international duty free outlets.
Karelia Blue: A fine blend of Virginia tobaccos. Featured in a Round-Corner format with bright and airy pack design
Oriental Mist – Hand Rolling Tobacco: A traditional blend rich in oriental flavor and other exquisite tobaccos, reminiscent of mystical, magical old days with a smooth, natural aroma and flavor
American Legend: An American blend cigarette for international travelers
Leader: An American blend cigarette first launched in the Greek market and later expanded to the international markets
Karelia Royal: One of Karelia’s first export brands. Made from a golden Virginia blend.
Wellington: Premium blend cigarette, presented in a king-size format
