Creta Farms: The First Greek Company To Be Included In The Juncker Investment Plan

3fa291cb-894f-42c4-aa4f-627026f80330.pdf Creta Farms: The First Greek Company To Be Included In The Juncker Investment Plan Athens, May 10th 2016 - Creta Farms SA signed a EUR 15 million financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) with a tenor of five years, marking the first EIB transaction in Greece that benefits from the support of the EU budget guarantee under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the financing arm of the Investment Plan for Europe.

The signing that took place today in the presence of state officials and press representatives is the capping stone of a collective effort on behalf of both Creta Farms and the EIB. EIB, which will help Creta Farms in every stage of its Research, Development and Innovation plan, will use Creta Farms as the first example in Greece of the Investment Plan for Europe.

Mr. Emmanouil Domazakis, President of Creta Farms, stated: "We are investing in innovation and international expansion. Today's agreement is an endorsement of the actions that the company took in recent years. Once more, we are leading the way by being the first Greek company to be included in the Investment Plan for Europe. It is an honor for us that the European Investment Bank, an internationally recognized institution, stands beside us on the implementation of our Plan for Research and Innovation, in the development of know-how and in the expansion of our products in international markets". EIB Vice President Mr. Jonathan Taylor added: "I am delighted to be here in Greece to sign this EUR 15 million transaction with Creta Farms. Funding for this innovative company is the latest step under the Investment Plan for Europe in Greece, in line with the EIB Group's strong track record of supporting the Greek economy over many years…."

The terms of the agreement between Creta Farms and the EIB have been tailored to best fit the company's growth plans. Creta Farms' plan for international expansion has been approved by the EIB, which, through the support of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), is aiming to further expand the company's Research and Development.

Mr. Konstantinos Domazakis, Vice-President of Creta Farms stated: «Among numerous obstacles, we managed not only to become leaders in our field but also inspire trust to the biggest investing organization of Europe, for the first financing deal regarding Greece. In the context of the Juncker plan, this financing does not only invest in our product but in

Ε: info@cretafarm.gr | www.cretafarm.gr

Greek innovation as a whole! We are proud that, through our continuous efforts, we created the first fresh meat protein snack in the world, with a new worldwide patent at a 330€ billion market. We would like to thank the EIB for this honor to support our innovation growth plan and our extroversion program".

The company's strategy involves the development of new product lines in the cold cut meat and dairy food industry. The investment will improve the company's competitiveness, both domestically and in international markets. This will help to create more than 100 new jobs in Greece.

Commission Vice-President Mr. Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, stated: "Today is a very important day for Greece under the Investment Plan for Europe: Τhe first EIB project to be financed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) is being signed. Creta Farms will use the new finance to invest in RDI and grow their innovative, agri-food business".

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About Creta Farms

Creta Farms, a Greek company founded in 1970 in Crete, is a leading integrated processed meat and dairy food manufacturer in Greece and the biggest pork producer in the country. It is a leading Greek exporter in the food industry with two large production facilities and high-quality livestock farms. The company's competitive advantage comes from the innovation it has brought into the food sector, replacing animal fat with extra virgin olive oil. Since 2001, Creta Farms has registered 17 patents producing innovation, high dietary value products with the "En Elladi" brand in Greece and the "Oliving" brand in international markets. Creta Farms aims to lead in the global trend towards healthy nutrition, producing innovative products that reinforce the profile of Greek businesses worldwide. Annual turnover exceeds EUR 100 million and the EBITDA margin is above 10%, while its efforts are supported by more than 700 employees.

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