In 1980, Michalis X. Fotopoulos, along with his wife Maria Fotopoulou, started honey production in Akrithochori, Messinia. They had five beehives and produced honey for their family and friends. By 1983, the number of beehives increased to 200 and were relocated to the area of Messinian Mani and the mountains of Taygetus. Since 1994, their son Charalampos Fotopoulos has taken over the business after training in beekeeping seminars. Fotopoulos Beekeeping "Taygetus Honey" is certified with ISO 22000:2005 for the production and packaging of beekeeping products.