“Lagou” soft drinks

The uniqueness of “Lagou” soft drinks lies in the historical, family and local character of the production, which maintains a small scale and the authentic taste that locals are accustomed to.

• Identification: The product concerns a range of soft drinks, with orangeade and lemonade as the main flavors, while it also includes other classic soft drinks, such as soda. The name comes from the owning family, Lagou.
• Taste Specifications: The soft drink is characterized by a relatively mild and classic taste reminiscent of traditional Greek lemonade or orangeade. Production is based on water, sugar, natural (and possibly artificial) juices and flavoring substances, in accordance with food and beverage regulations.

The geographical production area is Fournoi Korseon, a small island complex in the Eastern Aegean, between Samos and Ikaria.

• Production Location: The production unit is located in the main settlement of Fournoi, which makes the product directly linked to the core of the local community.
• Raw Materials: The water, as the main ingredient, comes from the island’s local resources, although the juices and sugar are imported raw materials. The island’s isolation makes the continuous supply and the maintenance of equipment more difficult.

The production method of “Lagou” soft drinks follows the standard soft drink bottling process, adapted to the capabilities of a small island unit.

• Process: The process involves dissolving the sugar and concentrates (juices and flavorings) in treated water. The solution is then filtered and, after being cooled, is enriched with carbon dioxide (CO2) under pressure. Bottling and sealing take place in glass bottles, using machinery that has been adapted to the constraints of limited space and capacity.
• Standardization: Although this is a small-scale unit, the process meets the sanitary specifications and regulations of the European Union and Greece for the bottling and packaging of beverages, thus ensuring the safety and consistent quality of the final product.

The impact of “Lagou” soft drinks on Fournoi is substantial and multifaceted, going beyond purely economic benefit.

• Economic Impact: The business operates as one of the few local artisanal pillars of the island. It provides jobs (albeit limited) and contributes to the local circulation of capital. Most importantly, it reduces dependence on imports of similar soft drinks from the mainland or other islands, especially during the tourist season.
• Cultural Identity: The soft drinks have become part of Fournoi’s identity. References to them by visitors and the nostalgia of locals reinforce the authenticity of the island’s image as a place that preserves its small, traditional businesses, contributing to the tourist experience.

The history of the Lagou business is inextricably linked to the development of small-scale industry on isolated Aegean islands.

• Commencement of Operations: The company is reported to have begun operating in the 1950s or 1960s, at a time when the transport and preservation of products on the islands was extremely difficult. The creation of a local soft drink unit met a basic need of the local market, offering a product that was considered luxurious for that era.
• Continuation: The success of the business was based on the family’s dedication and on maintaining its operation despite economic and geographical difficulties, making it a historic example of island entrepreneurship and family tradition.

“Lagou” soft drinks have been integrated into local customs as a typical treat.

• Hospitality Treat: Lagou soft drinks are a traditional treat of hospitality in the homes and cafés of Fourni. Offering a Lagou is a sign of local pride and a way of welcoming visitors.
• Festivals and Celebrations: During local festivals and religious feasts, the soft drinks, together with local delicacies, are widely consumed, forming part of social interaction and the festive atmosphere.