1935

The founder of the company, Angelos Papadopoulos, comes to Athens from the village of Kapsia Arcadia. He starts working in the pastry section of the famous Athenian restaurant Pallas on Panepistimiou Street. There, he first comes into contact with the food industry and the production of confectionery.

1951

He establishes a personal business and starts experimenting with the production of pastilles.

1956

After consulting French bibliographies, he begins the systematic production of pastilles from gum arabic. His production department is housed in a separate area of the house where he lives, in Voutira Street, Agios Eleftherios Acharnon.

During the same year, the founder converts his individual business into a partners hip with his brother Panos. The company VIAP (from the founders’ initials) is born! The vision of the founder and his faith in the product and its potential for predominance in the Greek market, lead him to register the VIAP MENTEL brand with the Department of Commerce. Today, VIAP MENTEL is one of the oldest brands in Greece.

1960

The first advertising promotions in the spirit of the times! “Throat soothing pastilles. Aromatic pastilles. Delectable pastilles suitable for smokers, sportsmen and singers”.

1963

Purchase of a state-of-the-art for its era system of pastilles production.

1966

Purchase of automatic packaging machines which leads to increased safety and better working conditions of workers.

1977

The plant of the company is transferred to Ano Liosia.

1980 - 2000

Selection of key partners for the distribution and sales of the product and establishment as a leader across the Greek market.

2005

The company building expands.

2006

The company is certified according to HACCP and ISO 9001.

An important date for VIAP MENTEL. The company is transferred to the well known Christopoulos family, which has extensive knowledge of the market and especially confectionery. Angelos Papadopoulos, remains, with pleasure, in the company as a consultant, assisting the new owners.

2011

Participation in the 40thInternational Exhibition ISM Fair in Cologne.

2012

The company markets two new pastille flavors, with cinnamon and mastic, as well as pastilles with natural Vitamin C (acerola), which are sold in pharmacies. There is also its new cereal praline on the market, which contains chocolate milk and cereal malt.

2014

The company continues its upward trend, invests in modern equipment, attracts new, younger customers, and modernizes its packages, breathing fresh air into them. It interacts with consumers through Facebook and other social media. And all these, without making reductions in staff and having the pleasure to still have as employees, people who started their working life within the company.

2021

The company refreshes the image of its packaging, and expands its online presence, bridging tradition with a new consumer audience.