The project «produced? Brewing the Future» is the freshest addition to the Greek brewing scene, aiming to fill the gap in the premium beer market. Designed by three women, it seeks to spark a revolution by creating high-quality, low-alcohol, fat-free beers that everyone can enjoy.
Ms. Saia Karasavoglou, who led the project, spoke to Business Voice about this new venture.
– How did the idea for the Aisa project come about?
The project Aisa Brewing the Future, as reflected in the product packaging, is inspired by women and aims to give a voice to female entrepreneurship. The whole idea began during the COVID-19 period, with the goal of creating a product of our own—one that would be needed both by the local community and the broader market.
We chose beer because it’s like cooking—you can do so many things with it. The raw ingredients come in a wide variety, which allows you to craft the product exactly the way you envision it.
We also noticed that major breweries—and the beer industry in general—focus almost exclusively on men. Even in advertising, beers were associated with sports, football, and men drinking on the beach.
Finally, we realized that this is a sector in need of evolution—one that had to shape its future with a new direction.
That’s how *Brewing the Future* was born—from our desire to redefine the perception of beer. So, the fact that we, as women, are the ones designing the project, the recipes, and the branding was not just a challenge for us—it was also a way to bring fresh energy to the brewing industry.
Moreover, this concept is an opportunity for us to express our truth and send a message to the world—to pursue what you truly love.
After extensive research and testing, the product was launched on the market for the first time in August 2024.
Where did the name come from, and who are the women behind the project?
The name *Aisa* is more than just a beer. It’s an anagram of *Saia*, the name of our grandmother, whom we never had the chance to meet. Her name—which is also mine—became the inspiration for this project, and through *Aisa*, it was our dream to create something that brings her memory to life, out of respect for our family and our roots.
At the same time, in Greek mythology, *Aisa* was the goddess of fate, who determined the destiny of all—giving the phrase *Brewing the Future* a double meaning. In finalizing the name, we were greatly assisted by Mr. Giorgos Garefalakis, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks.
Behind the project are three women who have contributed to the entire process—from creating the recipes and developing the design to delivering the final product to the consumer. There’s me, Saia; my sister, Alexandra; and a third woman who has been incredibly helpful in a consulting role.
– What are the beers in the range, and what sets them apart from the competition?
We launched the project with a lineup of three beers: *Lager Than Life*, *Lady Katana*, and *Cadillac Jane*. First, we have a premium lager with a Czech-style profile that offers aromatic complexity. The second is a Session IPA with notes of tropical fruits and pineapple. The third is an American Pale Ale—a style quite rare in the Greek market—featuring bold aromas of grapefruit and orange, along with sweet white grape notes imparted by the hops. The goal of the third beer is to appeal to consumers who typically prefer wine, hence the grape-forward flavor profile.
Beyond the flavor profile of each Aisa beer—which we’ve successfully crafted to contain little to no fat—our key point of differentiation lies in the female perspective we bring to the brewing process. This allows us to approach beer with a fresh outlook, challenging conventional norms and creating products that are truly innovative. Of course, that doesn’t mean Aisa beers are exclusively for women. Our goal is to offer all consumers an experience that blends taste, quality, and innovation.
– Who are the beers aimed at? produced?;
Aisa beers, from the production stage to the design and packaging, embody the concept of *premium* in every detail. Our goal is to reach discerning consumers—such as high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars—as well as anyone who values quality, authenticity, and, of course, Greek-made products.
Our goal is to expand not only within the Greek market but also internationally, offering a unique experience that blends brewing tradition with modern influences. That’s why we plan to participate in numerous competitions, so our beers can earn awards and certifications that will strengthen their position in the market.
– How did you secure the funding to launch the project?
Aisa is essentially a brand under Square Seed, so the funding came from there. We were very excited about this initiative because, as members of the company, we were given the opportunity to light our own beacon and highlight the female perspective in the brewing industry.
What’s most important is that we found a company that embraced our idea and, above all, wanted to support youth entrepreneurship—not just female entrepreneurship.
– What is your relationship with Square Seed?
Square Seed is a purely family-run business based in Preveza, operating in the HORECA channel in northwestern Greece for the past 15 years. It began in 2010, in partnership with ABEK Vekrakos S.A., as representatives of Hausbrandt in regions of northwestern Greece—during a time of economic crisis in the country.
Nevertheless, through hard work, we managed to educate the public about coffee and share our vision. Over time, we significantly expanded our product range to cover the full spectrum of needs in the hospitality businesses we serve.
Today, Square Seed has two branches—one in Preveza and one in Athens, which was established on the occasion of the Aisa project—as well as the retail store “Taste & Aroma.”
– Where are Aisa products manufactured?
We produce our beers at *Mikrozythopoiia Thessalias – Volos Brewery*, a company with many years of experience and dedication in the field of brewing. We've developed a wonderful relationship with Mr. Giannis Riganesis and his team, and alongside them, we’ve learned everything about the stages and secrets of production.
At the moment, we're not considering creating our own production space. Our priority is building the perfect team—and since we’ve found that team, we have no intention of changing it.
– What inspired the design of the label? Do you plan to maintain a consistent visual style across all your future products?
As for the labels, we wanted the design to be both modern and thematically connected to each beer’s name. For example, the American Pale Ale called *Cadillac Jane* features American elements and a Cadillac on its label. *Lady Katana* includes references to Japanese culture, such as a samurai sword and a bonsai tree. Meanwhile, *Lager Than Life*—since it contains the word “life” in its name—features the Tree of Life and various earthy elements, evoking a healthy beer choice, as a lager typically represents.
The design of the project was curated by the team at *Caparo Design Crew*, led by Mr. Kostas Kaparos, and we owe them a big thank-you for creating the universe of Aisa. While we do plan, in theory, to stick with the same visual style, the Caparo Design Crew team has incredibly original ideas, and it's possible that in the future we might launch a product with a completely different design.
– Where can we find Aisa beers?
Since August 2024, our beers have been available in northwestern Greece, and since early October we’ve begun introducing the product to the Athens market as well. Beyond that, you can also visit our website www.aisabrewingthefuture.com and use the contact form to place orders from our retail partners. In addition, our website will share updates on every new location we collaborate with—so people can easily find where to try our beers. The Aisa e-shop is also coming soon.
– What are your plans for the future?
We’re planning many things for *Aisa Brewing the Future*—both in terms of product development and brand presence. Among the initiatives we can share are the creation of our own premium catalog, which will include the features of each beer, and the release of a printed Aisa-branded glass. Essentially, we’re planning actions that will showcase the product and offer a well-rounded presence of the project in the market.
Source: businessvoice.gr
