Manopoulos is a modern integrated manufacturing unit producing historical metal chess and traditional, handmade backgammon sets with a significant exporting activity worldwide. The company is exporting in over 45 countries.
Interview with Georgia Manopoulou, CEO of Manopoulos SA.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Georgia Manopoulou: Manopoulos has been creating premium quality board games since 1972. Our uncompromising demands of style, materials and workmanship are reflected in all our game sets. Each backgammon and chess set we design, carries a part of our soul and legacy.
What’s the news about new products/services?
G.M: Manopoulos company always listens to the pulse of the market and tries every year to come up with new designs and new toys, satisfying the needs of our customers.
What are the ranges of products/services?
G.M: Our backgammon collection is hand crafted with the finest wood such as olive, mahogany, walnut, rosewood, ebony and many more. Natural wood gives the backgammon a unique look, an incredible sense of touch and durability. Wood by its nature cannot be free of imperfections. Uneven wood grains and different shadings are part of its characteristics and proof of its authenticity. The different wood veneers are inserted below the body of wood by using the traditional technique of marquetry, an art that flourished in Europe in the 16th century.
Our premium quality chess collection is the result of gifted sculptors’ inspiration and high level workmanship with a deep respect in the ancient Greek civilization. The use of the most advanced technology of die casting and metal plating and the choice of the best materials give our customers a 5-year guarantee. The chessmen are varnished and finished off by hand. We are proud to produce this unique chess collection engaged to great cultural value.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
G.M: The market for board games, especially backgammon and chess, has seen notable developments, particularly in the digital era, with each game experiencing unique trends and opportunities for growth.
What can you tell us about market trends?
G.M: Chess has seen a massive surge in popularity, especially due to digital platforms. With the rise of streaming interest in the game has increased dramatically.
There are a lot of online tournaments with sponsorships and great prizes. And of course, we have a lot of physical tournaments with bif participation as well.
Similar to chess, backgammon has digital and physical play. There are a lot traditional tournaments especially in Europe and Middle East. The game of Backgammon as a social game in cafes and public spaces continues to sustain its appeal. It remains popular in Middle East and in Greece and its social aspects help drive demand for new players. Manopoulos has a scope to keep the traditional bord games bonded with our customers. By owning a Manopoulos game set you literally escape from the everyday reality and you create your own tales while enjoying quality time with friends and family.
What estimations do you have for the rest of 2024?
G.M: Although we are reaching the end of 2024, we are already pleased to be able to present new products to our customers for 2025, participating in three international exhibitions and making the Manopoulos culture and name known.