Ever since 1931, Papastratos has dominated Greece’s tobacco landscape. Papastratos is more than just a cigarette company. It’s a story woven into the fabric of Greece itself. Evangelos Papastratos founded the company in 1930. The first Papastratos factory was located in Piraeus. Imagine the bustling port, filled with the aroma of tobacco. This marked the beginning of Papastratos’ rise to prominence.
Papastratos quickly expanded. A second factory opened in Berlin in 1933. Unfortunately, it closed in 1936 under pressure from the Nazi regime. A third factory in Cairo opened in 1937. It operated until 1955. In Greece, entire communities, like Agrinio, thrived thanks to the tobacco plantations. These plantations supplied the Papastratos factories. The company’s influence even extended to public works projects. The Municipal Park in Agrinio stands as a testament to Papastratos’ contributions.
Papastratos’ journey took a significant turn in 1975. They began collaborating with Philip Morris. This partnership culminated in a full acquisition by Philip Morris in 2003. Papastratos now produces well-known brands like Marlboro, Assos International, and Old Navy. In 2009, a new chapter began. Papastratos inaugurated a state-of-the-art factory in Aspropyrgos. This investment of over 100 million euros boasts a production capacity of 20 billion cigarettes annually. Papastratos also maintains a tobacco warehouse in Agrinio, further solidifying its connection to its roots.
Papastratos has become a central hub for Philip Morris International. It oversees operations for 12 countries in Southeastern Europe. This includes Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro. Papastratos’ success translates to over 5 billion dollars in revenue, three factories, and more than 4,000 employees. It also operates two out of the three heated tobacco rod production plants in Europe.
Papastratos remains committed to its employees and the community. The company has been recognized for its excellent work environment and employee development programs. It continues to invest in social responsibility initiatives, partnering with various NGOs to provide support during times of economic hardship. Papastratos is not just a company. It’s a story of growth, transformation, and enduring commitment to Greece.