Interview with Apostolos Patounis, the owner of the unique Soapworks in Corfu

The shop and soap factory of Patounis family are located in a central spot of Corfu town, at SanRoco square. It is easy to find since it is near the Dassia bus stop, on the way to Ionian University. Don’t expect to see something big or spectacular; it is a pure traditional place that is worth visiting as it promotes natural products. Both residents and tourists should visit it and learn all about the soap making process.

We visited the soap factory for you and interviewed Mr.Patounis. We met him at the shop which is the front part of the building. Behind the shop there is a huge, oblong room which is the actual factory where the soap production takes place.

Would you please tell us about this place?

This place was built at the end of the 19th century and still operates the same way it used to, while at the same time it maintains a big part of the old equipment. As a result, last year it was listed with the Ministry of Culture as a monument of Industrial Archaeology along with its equipment and use. This place is a live museum which is being visited by both Greeks and tourists. We welcome school visits and other educational groups.

Tell us about your family. Where did they start this business?

The first soap factory was set up in Zakynthos in 1850. It dates back to 5 generations! The soap business was started by my great-great grandpa in 1850. That was the first soap business in Greece, and we are now the last we keep on making traditional green soap.

The Corfu plant built in 1891, preserved with its functioning tools and equipment, constitutes a living memory of an old splendid local tradition.

Let’s talk about the soap you make. Any important details you would like to share with our readers?

Pure soap is considered the most adequate skin cleanser since it unblocks skin pores by effectively removing dirt, oily substances and dead cells.

The special characteristic of our soap is that it is being made from natural raw materials and the final product does not contain any additives.

Mr.Patounis is now showing us the inner place-the factory- where the visitor can see the production of soap, stacks of dried soap and the equipment.

As you can see, we still operate in the same traditional way. You can make your own soap at home if you wish. It is easy. It only takes one hour to do so. Here, it takes 10 days. We’ve got 3 types of soap.

• We use local 100% pure virgin olive oil to produce soap suitable for the face and baby care. This type has limited lathering capacity but it is distinguished for its mild action on sensitive skin. This is the Olive Oil Soap.

• Another type of soap is the Olive-Palm Soap that contains 80% pure virgin olive oil and 20% edible Palm-kernel oil. This is a mild soap with rich smooth lather.


• The legendary product is, however, the Green Olive Soap. It is made of olive pomace oil which contains the olive Chlorophyll and is distinguished for its disinfecting properties and wide range of applications.

The above soaps are made using only the basic raw material of traditional soap manufacture, (oil, soda, sea salt and water), with no additives.


I have a question about the Green Olive Soap. Why is it called Green soap-it looks brown actually!

This kind of soap is produced via the heated process. When fresh it is green but later on when it dries it turns to brown. This soap is practical as it is very cleansing. There is also the Green laundry soap which is very effective.


We noticed some tools on a counter. One looks like a hammer.

There are two tools over there. What are they?

The one that looks like a hammer is the stamp of the product. We stamp the soap bars with it. The other one with the long handle and the knife at the edge is for cutting the soap. These tools are the original ones.

How often do you have a production?

In winter we usually have it once a week. In summer, every two weeks.

Any other product you plan to make in the future?

We are preparing a formula suitable for the washing machine. But it will take some time. Soap flakes are used for aphides in the fields.

What else do you sell in the shop?

Apart from soap we sell items for farmers.

Thank you very much! That was a very interesting and educational interview.



Contact info


If you would like to contact Mr.Patounis, email him at

info@patounis.gr

Tel.No. +30 26610 39806
Fax.No. +30 26610 20704

The shop/factory is at

9, I.Theotoki,
49100 Corfu
Greece

Natural products on Corfu island

The Land of Corfu

Start from the central square of Corfu called Esplanade, which is known as ‘the biggest square in the Valkans’, and Liston, which is the road with the arches that was designed and built by the Royal French after 1807 and is located on the west side of Esplanade, and you will get to St.Spyridon road. Go along St.Spyridon road starting from Liston and you will find yourself in the heart of the traditional area of the old town. At the end of the road there is a junction to Filarmoniki road, and just there is our shop which is located at the groundfloor of the building where Filarmoniki ‘Mantjaros’ is.

At the entrance of our shop which is at Filarmoniki road, you can find all the Greek products that are made from one of the most valuable product in the world, olive oil, which is a product of Greece.

Based on olive oil, plant-based cosmetics and pure traditional soap are produced in the old way they used to get produced years ago, as well as Greek sponges.

You can also find here Virgin Olive oil with acidity up to 0.3%, cold processed, straight from the Corfiot olive groves, as well as the best olive oil from all over Greece, awarded as the best in international competitions.

You can also buy black Kalamon olives, which are the best olives in the world, as well as thyme, oregano and all the spices of Mediterranean cooking.

Finally, here you can find all the Greek sweets and cakes and traditional Corfiot liquor, such as lemon liquor and Koum-kouat, ouzo and the best Corfiot wines.

At the entrance of our shop at St.Spyridonos street you can find Greek traditional gifts such as:

Handmade icons, old copper utensils that are at least 80 years old, lanterns in every shape, a selection of nargile items, handmade alabaster and original fossils.

Our business handles both retail and bulk orders.

We will be happy to meet you!

With respect,

Lygeri Kalogeresi

The Corfiot Market Online

Are you interested in buying or renting property on the island?

Are you looking for a job?

Are you an employer searching for new staff?

Would you like to make your business/services known to the public?

All those interested in the above can now have a handy solution: The online services of www.Aggelia-Online.gr. The site hosts both Greek and English ads from Corfu, other parts from Greece, and from all over the world.

NEW

In January 2008, Aggelia-Online also launched their first print magazine issue (see picture above). This is a bimonthly magazine full of ads of every kind. For the time being the ads are in Greek only, but the owner welcomes ads in English too, for future issues.

Here’s what the owner of the site states:

“Our aim is to connect people and offer a reliable service that will cover the supply and demand of the island. Also, our efforts focus on promoting businesses and services both online and in print, that’s why we launched the print edition. Some people still prefer the print to the online version, and we have to respect their wishes.”

Anyone can publish an ad by visiting the site www.aggelia-online.com.

Photo ads are the most popular ones nowadays. The site is also open to writers and artists who wish to promote their work.

The magazine is not only about market promotion. It includes articles of general interest. A special issue will come out at Easter, so if anyone is interested in including their services/business in it, now it’s the time! The second issue is in the pipeline and will be released soon.