It all began in 1999, with a handful of traditional recipes and a whole lot of heart. Driven by nostalgia for the flavours of home and a deep sense of family unity, Iakovos and Debbie Xanthopoulos laid the foundation for what would become one of Australia’s most beloved Greek food brands—Olympian Foods.
More than twenty-five years on, Olympian Foods is a household name, with products lining supermarket shelves nationwide. But behind every tsoureki or koulouraki lies a story of determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
The business started small, producing handmade kritharaki, trahana, rusks and egg pasta for the local Greek community in Adelaide. These humble beginnings were rooted in recipes passed down through generations—simple, honest food made with care.
As demand grew, so did the brand. Collaborations with well-known distributors like Gaganis Bros, Kebi and Veeos Foods helped Olympian Foods expand into major markets across Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
In 2003, the product line was expanded to include tsoureki, and by 2010, traditional sweets like melomakarona, fasting rusks and butter cookies were added—all made from natural ingredients.
A pivotal milestone came in 2015 when Woolworths added Olympian Foods products to their shelves, with Coles following suit a year later. Then in 2018, their Sweetloaf tsoureki was recognised as the highest-selling international product in Coles’ specialty food category—an accolade that cemented their reputation for quality and excellence.
In 2019, the company launched its online store, giving customers access to traditional Greek flavours from anywhere in Australia. By 2020, to mark two decades of operation, Olympian Foods offered over 40 product lines. Gluten-free options followed in 2021, and in 2022, the company launched a new range including coffee, olive oil and frappe machines, signalling further diversification.
The brand’s evolution continued with a refreshed identity in 2023, which coincided with entry into Costco and plans to expand into New Zealand in 2025.
Through it all, one thing has remained constant: family. Iakovos and Debbie led the business with integrity and resilience, supported by their parents every step of the way. Today, the next generation—including Dimitri, Ioannis, Vasili, Christina, Nikita and Kayla—have joined the company, bringing fresh energy and vision while honouring the legacy built before them.
“Olympian Foods is more than a business—it’s a living heritage,” says Debbie.
“Our goal was always to bring the tastes of home to people here. Seeing our children continue that journey is the greatest reward.”
As Olympian Foods celebrates its 25th anniversary, the passion that fuelled its founding still drives its future. With eyes on new markets and a heart firmly rooted in tradition, the company continues to deliver the flavours of Greece to Australian homes—one handmade treat at a time.
