NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his talented basketball family have recently announced their decision to invest in well-established Greek wine companies. Hellenic Wineries and Boutari Winery, both with a rich history spanning over a century, will now have the Antetokounmpo brothers as ten percent shareholders.
Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his delight about the investment and partnership with Elias Georgiades, stating, "I am thrilled about our investment and collaboration with Elias Georgiades. Together, we aim to develop companies with a longstanding heritage in producing natural products from the Greek land, such as wine and natural mineral water."
Though the brothers have relocated to the United States for their NBA careers, they have chosen to bring a piece of Greece along with them and share its beauty with the world.
Driven by their love for their homeland, their connection to nature, and an appreciation for the historical art of winemaking, Giannis, Kostas, Thanasis, and Alex Antetokounmpo aim to invest in preserving winemaking knowledge in Greece and promoting it globally for recognition.
"Our aspiration is to introduce Greece's exceptional products to wine enthusiasts worldwide, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchanges," reads their joint statement.
Ante Inc., a global business portfolio founded by the Antetokounmpo brothers, will be acquiring shares of Hellenic Wineries as part of their joint venture in wine. They had previously purchased Boutari Wineries in 2022 and recently acquired the natural mineral water company IOLI.
Giannis, also known as the "Greek Freak," had faced an uncertain career and contemplated leaving basketball altogether before deciding to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks. His interest in Greek agrobusiness and winemaking will undoubtedly bring attention to ancient knowledge and traditions.
Other investors in Hellenic Wineries are also thrilled to have the Antetokounmpo family as partners. Elias Georgiadis, the CEO of Sterner Stenhus and a major shareholder in the wineries business, expressed gratitude to the brothers for their investment.
"We are especially pleased to welcome the Antetokounmpo family to Hellenic Wineries, which produces and markets Boutari wines and IOLI water," he said. "By joining forces, we will be able to pursue our strategic goal of promoting Greek products, such as wine, globally, while also boosting wine-related tourism in our country."
