Naxos: New investments by EAS in cheese factories and stables

The president of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives Naxos (EAS Naxos), Dimitris Kapounes, announced a programme of new investments and actions during his speech at the 17th Naxos Potato Festival, according to a report by naxostimes.gr on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The programme includes the completion of two new cheese factories, the creation of an agricultural centre, new storage and refrigeration facilities, photovoltaic infrastructure, as well as the creation of a cooperative stable. This year’s festival had the character of an anniversary event, as EAS Naxos completes 100 years of operation this year, and the Potato Festival has become a permanent annual meeting for the agricultural world of the island. According to the report, the event was attended by over 3,000 people, a fact that demonstrates the importance the institution has for the local society of Naxos.

In his speech, Kapounes referred to the history of Naxos potato and graviera cheese, two products that have been closely linked to the identity of the island’s agricultural sector for decades, as well as the difficulties that producers face today due to increased production costs. He also presented data on the economic performance of the Union, but the report does not mention specific figures, as EAS Naxos remains a fundamental pillar for the distribution of the island’s agricultural and livestock products for a century. As part of the celebration of 100 years, EAS Naxos is preparing two publications: a new cookbook by Christos Nezos and a volume on the history of the Union and the cooperatives of the island, edited by Vasilis Fragoulopoulos.

Of the announced investments, a new modern cheese factory of EAS Naxos in Glynados, with a budget of 8 million euro, is expected to open in the coming period, according to Kapounes. A second cheese factory, in Kaloxylou, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The agricultural centre is planned over an area of 500 square metres and is expected to provide tools and equipment to farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, beekeepers, olive growers and wine-growers on the island. For storage, cooling and photovoltaic installation needs, EAS Naxos has already purchased 1 hectare (10 stremmata) of land and is planning the acquisition of a further 0.5 hectares (5 stremmata).

At the same time, negotiations are ongoing for the acquisition of 3 hectares (30 stremmata) of land in central Naxos, where the creation of the cooperative stable is planned. For this specific project, no timetable was given, as the acquisition of the area remains at the negotiation stage and has not been finalized. In contrast, the two cheese factories and the agricultural centre are at a more advanced stage of implementation, with the Glynados cheese factory being closest to completion. The two publications marking 100 years of the Union have not yet announced a release date. More details are expected to be provided by EAS Naxos in the coming period. See also developments in the Naxos section and the economic news of the network.