The world-renowned premium hand-picked nuts, handcrafted chocolate, and aromatic coffee brand, carpo, is set to mark a significant milestone with the opening of its flagship store in central London’s Piccadilly this autumn 2023. Located at 10 Glasshouse Street, the new site will celebrate carpo's 10th anniversary in the capital and introduce a unique and captivating shopping experience for customers.
Founded in Athens in 1991, carpo has a rich history in importing, processing, packaging, and merchandising nuts and dried fruits. Over the years, the company has established a state-of-the-art production unit, equipped with the latest mechanical equipment, ensuring the highest quality products. Founder Kosta Kontopoulos emphasised the importance of quality control, ensuring that processing and packaging never compromise the integrity of the products.
“It’s the authentic Greek hospitality – The simple idea that if you genuinely welcome someone inside your home, they will welcome you in their life,” Kosta. Kontopoulos, Founder
In recent years, carpo has ventured into the retail market, introducing an innovative concept where the three basic categories of their products - nuts, chocolate, and coffee - take centere stage. With an unwavering commitment to excellent customer service, exquisite merchandise, and the highest quality products, each carpo store offers a unique and delightful experience known as the "carpo 5 senses experience."
Since its inception, carpo has expanded its operations and established a strong presence in both Athens and London. In 2011, the company took a significant step into the retail market by opening its first flagship store in Kolonaki, one of Athens' most prestigious neighbourhoods. This move set the stage for further growth and expansion.
In 2013, carpo made a bold move by opening a store in the heart of London, located at Piccadilly Street. This move not only expanded the brand's global presence but also introduced a whole new market to its unique and exceptional offerings. Founder Kosta Kontopoulos reflected on the transformative impact of carpo stores in the retail sector, stating, "carpo stores had drastically changed the retail sector basically by introducing a whole new market."
The year 2015 witnessed the unveiling of the carpo five senses experience in Knightsbridge, London, captivating the residents and visitors of the highly acclaimed neighbourhood. The brand's fifth retail store, carpo golden hall, opened its doors in December 2015 at the ground floor of Golden Hall, one of Greece's most prestigious shopping malls.
In December 2016, carpo Glyfada welcomed customers to its sixth retail store, distinguished by the introduction of a lounge, further enhancing the carpo experience in Athens. The brand's expansion continued in 2017, as the iconic carpo five senses experience found its way to Kifisia at Levidou and Kassaveti Str.
Notable recognition came in February 2018 when carpo launched at Selfridges, one of the world's most awarded department stores. Founder Kosta Kontopoulos expressed his gratitude for the opportunity at the time, stating, "It is a great honour to be part of one of the best and most awarded department stores in the world, and we humbly accepted the proposal."
In 2021, carpo further enriched its presence in Athens with the opening of a store on the fourth floor of the Attica Department Store, positioned among other luxury brands. The same year, carpo expanded its retail store network in London with new openings in the Knightsbridge area and the prestigious 36 Hans Crescent Str, adjacent to Harrods, The World's Leading Luxury Department Store.
The global expansion continued as carpo made its debut in the United Arab Emirates in 2022, with a store in the illustrious Dubai Mall, surrounded by renowned brands like Chanel and Dior. This move highlighted the brand's uniqueness and high aesthetics, further solidifying its place in the global market.
In ancient Greece, Carpo was one of the Hours, the deities of time and weather. They were daughters of Zeus and Themis and sisters of Nymphs and of the deities of fate. Carpo was in charge of gathering all produce at the end of summer and was the protector of harvesting.
The name "Carpo" itself is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, referring to the Goddess responsible for providing food for the community and overseeing the Autumn season, including the ripening and harvesting of produce. This connection to nature and abundance remains a guiding principle for the brand.
Founder Kosta Kontopoulos emphasised that carpo's success is rooted in the authentic Greek hospitality, where the simple idea of genuinely welcoming someone inside one's home translates into a warm and inviting shopping experience for customers. With the new flagship store in London's Piccadilly, carpo continues to exemplify its commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and guest experience, enchanting customers with captivating aromas and flavours from around the world.
Read also Mark Bouris Gives Australia 'The Bird': Rebuilding the (Lost) Art of Conversation
