Exports of Greek alcoholic beverages significantly increased in the first half of 2024, in contrast to European exports which during the same period fell by 7.75% in value. According to recent Eurostat data processed by Seaop (Greek Federation of Spirits Producers), exports of Greek alcoholic beverages increased in the first half of 2024 by 12.5% in value (+€6.3 million) and 0.4% in quantity (+0.7 million kg).
In terms of export destinations, EU member states (27) absorbed 77.8% of the value, i.e. €43.8 million, and 78.1% of the quantity, i.e. 14.2 million kg. The total value of exports of Greek alcoholic beverages in the first half of 2024 increased within the EU-27 by 11.4% in contrast to the quantity in which a slight decline was observed (2.6%).
In relation to the percentage of exports directed to the markets of third countries, there is a notable increase in shipments, which increased by 16.5% in value (+€1.8 million) and 12.8% in quantity (+0.5 million kg) compared to the corresponding period of 2023.
Germany in the #1 place
Germany continues to be the top destination for Greek alcoholic beverages, accounting for 37% of the value of all exports. In 2nd place is Bulgaria, to which shipments decreased by 1.6% in value, while 3rd place is held by Iraq where, as shown by recent Eurostat data, exports appear to be following a stable path, with a €6.4 million value.
Ouzo
The flagship is ouzo, which, despite having to compete with similar drinks from countries such as Italy, Spain, France, etc., has been established internationally due to its high quality. In the last five years, there is an increase of 45% in value and 8% in quantity.
In particular, in the first half of this year, ouzo continues to hold the 1st place in the exports of Greek alcoholic beverages, occupying 59% of the value and 71% of the quantity of the total exports of Greek spirits. The first half of 2024 shows a percentage increase in value of 7.3% (+€2.2 million) and 3.6% in quantity (0.4 million kg).
European countries continue to hold the lead in terms of value and quantity, among all ouzo destination countries. Germany holds 1st place with 43% of the total in value and 46.6% in quantity, followed by Bulgaria with 20.3% in value and 16.5% in quantity, and Iraq with 19.3 % in value and 19.8% in quantity.
Tsipouro – Tsikoudia
The exports of tsipouro – tsikoudia hold a small share (about 2% of the value and 1% of the quantity) of the total exports of alcoholic beverages of Greek production, still count for a constantly growing category. In fact, in the last five years (2020-2024) they record almost a doubling of the value and a 62% increase in the quantity.
In the first half of 2024, an increase of 7% in value recorded, while the quantity decreased by 10.3%. Germany is the 1st destination of tsipouro with a share of 46.4% in value, followed by Albania with 12.6% and USA with 10.6%.
