Athens Foods: The Phyllo Powerhouse of Brook Park
Leading the Phyllo Market
Located in Brook Park, Ohio, Athens Foods stands as the world’s largest manufacturer of phyllo products, boasting an expansive 115,000 square foot production facility. From classic baklava to versatile phyllo shells and bites, the company has established itself as a key player in the culinary world.
The Rise of Kataifi
Chase Ames, a representative of Athens Foods, highlights a particularly noteworthy product: kataifi. This shredded phyllo offers a unique texture and flavor, becoming a significant revenue stream for the company over the past year and a half.
A Viral Sensation
The surge in kataifi’s popularity can be traced back to a viral TikTok video that featured a creative dessert known as Dubai chocolate. The video showed a captivating process where a creator toasted kataifi, mixed it with pistachio paste, and utilized this mixture to fill chocolate bars. “I started seeing orders rolling in,” Ames remarked, illustrating the rapid response to this culinary trend.
Meeting Increasing Demand
As word spread about this sweet treat, the demand for kataifi skyrocketed. Athens Foods experienced a surge in orders from not only existing clients but also a growing number of Mediterranean markets and grocery stores. The unexpected influx of demand prompted the company to scale up operations significantly.
Expanding Production Efforts
Haydee Rivera, who oversees production, describes the frenzy: “We had to open a second shift, Fridays, Saturdays, 13-14 hours to meet demand.” The company added 15 new employees to ensure they could fulfill customers’ cravings for kataifi and keep up with the growing orders.
Employee Pride and Growth
Rivera takes pride in her role, saying, “I make that product! I’m the supervisor in that department to make it happen.” Her enthusiasm reflects the sense of ownership and creativity among the staff, who are directly contributing to a product gaining international recognition.
Impressive Growth Metrics
Production of kataifi has soared by 76% since last year, translating to over 70,000 additional cases manufactured. This substantial growth could not have been possible without the innovation and dedication of Athens Foods’ team.
Responding to Customer Needs
In response to the evolving needs of their customers, particularly in the restaurant and food service sectors, Athens Foods introduced a new product: pre-toasted kataifi. “Our customers didn’t want to toast the kataifi on their own, so we developed a toasted version,” Ames explained. This innovation not only saves time for chefs but also encourages the use of kataifi in creative, Dubai chocolate-inspired recipes.
Changing Trends and Future Outlook
While the kataifi trend may not last indefinitely, Ames recognizes that it has raised awareness of this unique ingredient. “The floor is much higher now,” he noted, suggesting that the product has found its place in a broader culinary landscape thanks to its recent surge in popularity.
A Continued Legacy
Millions around the world have now experienced the flavors of kataifi, thanks to Athens Foods. This surge in awareness and demand signifies a remarkable chapter in the company’s story, further solidifying its status as a leader in the phyllo industry. The success of kataifi serves as a fine example of how social media trends can reshape culinary practices and consumer preferences, making Athens Foods a captivating brand to watch in the years to come.
