Do Greek agricultural products have the place they deserve in international markets? For Mr. Christos Giannakakis, President of COGREXPO SA and Vice-President of ETHEAS, the sky should be the limit.
Interview: Kyriaki Moustakidou
Founded in August 2024, COGREXPO – Cooperative Greek Exports SA brings together 33 major Greek cooperative organizations, all united by a shared vision: to enhance the presence and competitiveness of domestic agricultural products in dynamic global markets. For years prior to its establishment, farmers and producers recognized the need for such an initiative. Now this new export company addresses a significant gap in Greece’s agricultural sector.
Established by the General Assembly of the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS), and with the support of Piraeus Bank, COGREXPO aims to create critical commercial value and develop a product basket, in order to negotiate effectively with international Supermarket chains.
The 33 cooperatives – shareholders of the joint-stock company- represent almost all agricultural products across Greece. Following a fully-fledged business study, they have identified target markets with the greatest commercial potential, as well as 53 key agricultural products that require strategic promotion.To ensure Greek products gain the added value they often lack abroad, the company plans to implement a series of strategic actions in 2025, including: participation in international F&B trade fairs, expansion of export networks, organization of educational seminars, and also coordination of meetings with importers and supermarket chain buyers.
In an exclusive interview to Ambrosia Magazine, Mr. Christos Giannakakis, President of COGREXPO and Vice-President of ETHEAS, introduces us to the bright future of these united cooperatives.
What needs does COGREXPO address and what are the main objectives of this initiative?
Our primary goal is to totalize sufficient quantities and varieties of products. This has long been a significant challenge, as the difficulty to achieve great volumes has prevented us from penetrating foreign Supermarket chains. To compete effectively in international markets, we must consistently deliver high quality products in large quantities and a diverse product range. This strategy allows us to meet consumer demands and adapt to the specific requirements of major retail chains. By aggregating these quantities, we can significantly strengthen our negotiating position and secure better terms of cooperation, ensure our presence in international markets and become more competitive against other players in the sector.
Which product categories will COGREXPO initially support in its export activity and how does it plan to achieve this?
Our business study covers 53 agricultural products. However, the initial focus will be on key categories, such as olive oil, olives, fruit preserves, kiwis, apples, wines, dairy products, poultry, and other selected categories of fresh fruit and vegetables. At the same time, we remain open to supporting other goods produced in smaller quantities, but with notable export potential.
Are there any specific international markets COGREXPO will focus on? If so, what criteria led to these markets?
Our previous difficulty to gather sufficient quantities of products, a critical demand of international retail chain buyers, prevented us from accessing affluent and high potential markets in Northern and Western Europe. Moreover, these regions are a priority, along with markets in North and South America, as well as Southeast Asia. Our business study indicates that the existing higher retail prices in these regions could generate significant income for Greek producers and increased profits for our cooperatives.
What challenges must Greek exportable products overcome to improve their position in the global market?
Let me start with a fact: cooperative organizations in Italy and Spain handle over 1 million tons of products annually. These numbers give them a decisive advantage in economies of scale and greater negotiating power with major supermarket chains. Nevertheless, the establishment of COGREXPO offers to Greek producers a unique opportunity to address this challenge successfully. The solution lies in fostering collaboration among producers across Greece to consolidate volumes. By working together, we can improve competitiveness and strengthen our position globally.
Domestically, what challenges do agricultural cooperatives face and how can they overcome them? Will COGREXPO play a supportive role in this effort?
Agricultural cooperatives in Greece face many challenges such as climate change, rising production costs, and market fluctuations. To address these issues, they need to adopt resilient crops, collaborate on bulk purchases, invest in technology and sustainable practices. COGREXPO will play a key supportive role by helping cooperatives reduce costs and increase the added value of their products through quality certifications. These measures will reinforce the competitiveness and sustainability of both the cooperatives and their products.
Is there potential for other Greek agricultural products to enter high-demand export categories in the future?
Absolutely. Greece’s unique geographical and climatic conditions enable the production of exceptional goods that are ideal for premium export markets. Enhancing the export potential of these products will require a focused strategy emphasizing quality, innovative packaging, certification, and the promotion of Greek identity in global markets. With targeted actions, Greece can undoubtedly improve significantly its position in dynamic international markets worldwide.
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