When Xanthos Sarris, the impressive footballer and captain of Anorthosis FC in 1950, won the Cyprus Cup and Championship, few imagined his next conquests. However, a few years later, in 1959, the visionary, and by that time turned entrepreneur, Xanthos Sarris, adopted the famous Archimedes phrase “Eureka, eureka!”, creating the EUREKA company and beginning to conquer one business peak after another. Let us see more about this truly unique success story.
Early life
Xanthos Sarris was born in 1922 in Egypt to a Greek father and a Cypriot mother. When he reached the age of 12, his family relocated to Famagusta. There, Xanthos pursued studies in accounting, eventually earning the title of Chartered Accountant.
In 1946, at a mere 24 years old, he established Famagusta’s first organized accounting firm. Concurrently, Xanthos passionately engaged in track and field athletics, and also football, as a player for his beloved team, Anorthosis, where he later assumed the role of president.
In 1943, Xanthos married Andriani Michailidou, with whom he welcomed Kalliopi. Following their separation, Xanthos met Zacharoula Neophytou in Famagusta, marrying her in 1952 and spending the remainder of his days by her side. Zacharoula, cherished by all as a steadfast companion, provided the stability that the perceptive Xanthos required to thrive. Together, they bore three children—Nikos in 1954, Elena in 1956, and Alkis in 1962—constituting the next generation of EUREKA.
1959. The moment of “Eureka”
For the unstoppable Xanthos Sarris, the big moment came in 1959 with the founding of EUREKA. With the significant contribution of his son-in-law, Christodoulos Neophytou, Xanthos discovered and utilized the great potential of a whitening product. The “EUREKA super-whitener” begins its production in a small, one-room facility!
1960 – 1970. The rapid development
In a swift progression, the humble one-room setup blossomed into EUREKA’s inaugural chemical plant, erected in 1960, in Famagusta. Concurrently, Xanthos Sarris initiated the establishment of a second enterprise in Greece, EUREKA HELLAS. This era witnessed the inception of iconic household brands that seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Cypriots and Greeks alike: from EUREKA dishwashing liquid to AROXOL insecticide, FAMOZO window cleaners, TIK TAK toilet liquid, and a plethora of others.
1967. “Our Beliefs” by Xanthos Sarris
In 1967, long before the concepts of “HR” and “inclusion” became prevalent, Xanthos Sarris formulated the company’s “Management Beliefs”. This manifesto delineated the operational ethos of the company, emphasizing honest collaboration with both employees and customers, alongside unwavering respect for the consumer. Even today, it serves as a steadfast guiding principle and moral compass for the EUREKA Group.
1970 – 1974. The expansion
In the early 1970s, Xanthos Sarris expanded his endeavors into additional sectors. Venturing into the food market, he launched the SAFEWAY FOODS factory. His inaugural product, CREMOLINA, marked the debut of soft margarine production in Cyprus and swiftly captured 30% of the local market share.
1975. The catastrophe and rebirth
The true testament to Xanthos Sarris’ entrepreneurial prowess and unwavering resolve came to light in 1974, amidst the turmoil of the Turkish invasion, which compelled the EUREKA family to abruptly abandon their Famagusta factories and displaced the company’s workforce from their residences.
As a forward-thinking leader, cognizant of the dire circumstances, Xanthos sprang into action without hesitation. Rallying the EUREKA executives via radio to a meeting in Larnaca, he declared the revival of the company and sought their solidarity. Responding to his call, everyone joined forces, and within a mere month, by September 1974, Xanthos secured a factory in Limassol and restarted production of EUREKA’s essential goods, with rudimentary means, ensuring their presence on supermarket shelves.
Through this swift response, he not only provided employment and housing for most of the refugee workers but also sustained the company’s operations. A year later, in 1975, the rebirth culminated with the establishment of the company-owned EUREKA factory in Limassol, marking a significant milestone in restoring the growth trajectory of the Cypriot company under Xanthos Sarris’ leadership.
1976 – 1980. The growth of the Group
In 1976, Xanthos Sarris together with his wife Zacharoula moved to Greece to give impetus to EUREKA HELLAS. In 1977, EUREKA HELLAS launched operations at its state-of-the-art factory located in the Industrial Area of Volos, boasting modern production facilities. The following year, 1978, marked the commencement of robust export endeavors. Initially targeting the Arab countries, the company swiftly expanded its export footprint, reaching into Central and Eastern Europe.
1981. The end of a Chapter
The great visionary Xanthos Sarris passed away at the age of only 59, leaving his eldest son, Nicos, to assume the helm as CEO of the Greek company. Subsequently, his other two children, Elena and Alkis, join the Group.
The legacy of EUREKA’s founder is hard to put into words. Xanthos Sarris propelled the company forward with his steadfast convictions, transcending mere business aspirations. From the very beginning, his vision encompassed a profound commitment to innovation, integrity, and social responsibility.
The legacy continues
Xanthos Sarris found the way to success in his own, unique way. 65 years later, the EUREKA group continues its dynamic presence across Cyprus, Greece, and Romania, featuring numerous top brands dedicated to providing consumers and their families with a simpler and cleaner daily life.
Xanthos Sarris’ philosophy resonates to this day in the corporate culture of the EUREKA Group, having fostered an environment where creativity thrives, challenges are met with resilience, and success is measured not only in financial metrics but also by the positive impact the company imparts on our society.
