Meet our producers #35 Tyrakeion

“Tyrakeion” is a traditional cheese dairy in Kea, operated by the Mykoniatis family. What started as an idea in 2006 became a reality ten years later with the assistance of the family’s two young sons – Alexandros and Giannis.

The first one, a cheesemaker, and the other, a pastry chef, returned to Kea to apply their knowledge to expand the family’s previous occupation with livestock farming and realize their dream. Alexandros tells us: “We wanted to do something in Kea because we are interested in renewing the island’s production. We need to promote the island’s products that, due to imports, have been degraded in recent years.”

Starting out slowly, they now produce 15 products with milk of purely local origin. 70% of the milk comes from their own unit; however, there is a collaboration with neighbouring farmers who provide the cheese dairy with sheep’s milk from their surplus. Ice creams, sweets and other traditional products from cooperating producers on the island complete the products on offer, which can be found in their two shops, the first in Ioulida Kea and the second in Agios Dimitrios, Attica.

It is crucial for Alexandros to control every aspect of their business, which is why they are often in their shops to serve and talk to people. By the same token, they also grow 50 acres of oats, grain and other essentials needed for the livestock feeding demands of the farm.

This is what makes their products distinctive compared to conventional mass-produced goods. Everything they make is entirely handmade and is created in limited numbers depending on available milk supplies and the season. As long as there is milk available, they will make cheese, rice pudding or ice cream. This may sound unreasonable since not all of the demand is met. Still, it is a testament to the quality of their products, which are now well-known to anyone seeking something different, either in Greece or abroad.

With Aegean Cargo Sailing partnership has already been established since 2018. As Alexandros says: “I liked the idea from the beginning, and I think it will work because a lot of effort has been made, but like any project that is not aimed at a mass market, it needs more time and dedication.”

To see the work of Yannis and Alexandros in person and get to know their products you can book our 1st tour here: https://aegeancargosailing.org/…/2023-sea-trail-1-round-1/

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