STEVIA HELLAS Cooperative started its activity in 2011, when it had in Europe as soon as the consumption of stevia is allowed. Earlier, groups of farmers had already started experiments, having encouraging results. They were based on the positive results but also in the market forecasts for stevia, which saw it replace 20% of sugar by 2020. Of course, the determination of the producers of the Cooperative to play an important role change their financial data for the better, taking the risk and choosing to invest in a new crop that is clearly unknown to European data greater prospects than the classic local crops.Thus, with these motives o Stevia Hellas Coop was founded in 2011, now managing to be the only producer stevia on a large scale. Today, about 60 members-shareholders participate in the Cooperative. The producers, who are also shareholders of the Cooperative, cultivate more than 500 acres stevia. This area is expected to triple in the next two years, as demand for stevia (both dried leaves and crystalline or pure) grows very fast rhythms. As for the Cooperative's product range, it contains the entire route stevia production.From organic tea leaves, pure stevia for industries and more crystalline in final packaging for consumers. The Director A consultant of the Cooperative states: We are always moving forward with quality and not the quantity. We want our product to meet specific criteria and standards, which everyone is obliged to comply with. The level of our production is very high in specifications, which is also proven by market comments. The fact that We are the first in Europe, it is no coincidence.It is a position we hold, because and we have invested in producing first quality products, but also because we are 2 reliable partners and suppliers, providing a solution to market needs. From the beginning, that too It is in honor of our producers, we have separated the cultivated part from its own production and sales, creating two sections. We realized that in order to be able to as we evolve we must each work together in what we know best. This is what makes us different from the Greek cooperatives, since you will see that The reason they fail is because the producer himself takes on the role of seller.We at the Cooperative are a united team, each working on its own subject. There is a team of producers and agronomists and a team of R&D and sales. Of course, the central decisions are taken by the Board. in which our producers participate. About Two years ago we had the invitation to join our Cooperative in the initiative Growth in Agrifood of the National Bank. Support from adults is very important organizations, you enter a community that you would hardly have access to. In fact, you automatically gain recognition in this cycle, reliability and most importantly, access. Already, Having used the tools provided by the National, we have come in contact with many companies of Greece and abroad, we have been helped in making strategic decisions but and we have gained access to a huge network of reputable professionals and reliability". As for the other products, the export activity of the Cooperative is mainly in Europe. Large tea and aromatic companies supply stevia leaves, but also with crystalline and pure stevia most Greek industries (GreenCola, DELTA, Olympos, KriKri, Geodi, etc.) but also large confectionery chains such as Constantinidis.The competition comes mainly from China and Latin America. This because in Europe are the only ones that supply 100% European stevia. It is cultivated in Greece and its processing takes place in France, in one of the most modern factories worldwide, which is a partner of the Cooperative. There are also stevia markets notable companies, with imported products, however, that meet the specifications. The next goal of the Cooperative is to invest 1 million euros in equipment for cultivation and then the creation of the first stevia leaf processing industry in Balkans.

i)Recognize the Motor Powers that affect production activity stevia in Greece