Filia Rose, Taste of Lesvos

Our rosewater recently earned a Silver Award in the Mediterranean Taste Awards in London, which provided a wonderful boost to our efforts and motivated us to further refine our products while sharing the authentic taste of Lesvos Island.

Eleni Sivri

Can you share a bit of your company’s background?

Filia Rose is our family-run cottage industry in the village of Filia on Lesvos in the Aegean Sea. Here, we cultivate roses (Rosa Damascena), grapes, and figs on traditional stone terraces, following organic practices and protecting local pollinators.

We harvest from our grandfather’s fields, guided by family recipes and our grandmother’s inspiration, to offer people a genuine taste of Lesvos cuisine. We’re also proud members of the Open Farm team, and we plan to welcome visitors so they can experience our entire “farm to fork” process.

What are your goals for the future of your company? How do you plan to continue pushing boundaries in food and beverage industry while staying true to your roots?

Among our specialities is “rodostamus,” a centuries-old method of extracting rose juice and essential oils without adding anything—not even water. We’re equally proud of our rose-infused vinegar, an old family recipe nearly lost for two generations. All our products—fig syrup, rosewater, grape syrup, and rose vinegar—are rooted in the culinary traditions of West Lesvos and contain no artificial colours, fragrances, or preservatives. By enjoying these items, people can savour a genuine part of our culture while adopting healthier eating habits.

How much has technology helped you, and do your product(s) have sustainable and environmentally friendly characteristics?

Since founding almost a decade ago, we have relied on technology to learn and improve our cultivation and production methods without leaving our island. Yet organic farming alone isn’t enough for us: We also focus on water conservation, place nesting boxes for local bird species (such as the TYTO owl, a natural predator of rodents), and participate in the European RIBES project to create new products from plant waste. As a zero-waste cottage industry, our by-products feed our animals or become compost for our soil.

To what degree has climate change affected your production and business development?

Unfortunately, climate change has taken its toll on our crops: our roses bloom two months early, figs are getting smaller, and our grapes often suffer sunburn. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to strengthening our plants to withstand high temperatures and prolonged drought.

By continuing to innovate and stay true to our roots, we hope to bring the flavours of Lesvos to more people around the world—preserving our local traditions, championing sustainable farming, and promoting a healthier way of life.

Filia Rose received a Silver Award at the 2024 Mediterranean Taste Awards