KEO (company)

KEO plc (Greek Κυπριακή Εταιρία Οίνων, Cyprus Wine Company ) is the largest beverage company and the largest industrial employer in Cyprus. The company is listed on the Stock Exchange of Cyprus. The Cypriot Orthodox Church holds a stake of 18.9% at KEO.

History

KEO was founded as a bottling plant for wine in Limassol in 1927. In 1951 the range was extended to include a brewery which was built with Czechoslovak know-how. To date, KEO extended the product range to dry wines (eg Commandaria ), mineral water, Cyprus brandy, spirits (including Zivania ), juices and preserves. The company supports the annual Limassol Wine Festival.

Abroad, the company is represented by importers. At present (2013 ) is a planned expansion into mainland Europe.