Greek Export Sectors – Enterprise Greece

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Source: https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr/el/proothisi-eksagogon/kladoi-eksogogon/

1. Food & Beverages

The Food and Beverages industry is one of the key pillars of Greek manufacturing, as it constitutes a primary productive activity and a driver of economic development for the country.

The Greek Food and Beverages industry is one of the most important sectors of the domestic economy, with significant investments, growth prospects, strong outward orientation, and robust business activity in Greece, the Balkans, and across Europe.

The key characteristics that highlight the role of the domestic food and beverages industry are its high-quality products, the Greek brand name, and the organised promotion of Greek food products in international markets.

1.1 Seafood & Aquaculture

Aquaculture, and particularly fish farming, is one of the most important sectors of Greece's primary animal production industry, due to its contribution to the country's economic development and social cohesion.

1.2 Frozen Seafood

The frozen seafood sector consists of businesses active in the import, trade, production, processing, standardisation, export, and distribution of frozen seafood products to the market.

1.3 Dairy Products

Dairy products are those produced primarily from fresh milk. They are rich in vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, saturated fats, carbohydrates, and high-biological-value proteins. Dairy products include yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream, and milk.

The dairy sector in Greece holds a prominent position in the broader food industry, encompassing some of the country's largest food manufacturing companies, which invest significant capital in new investments and modernisation of their existing facilities.

In recent years, there has been a steadily growing trend in the export of certain dairy products, led by Greek yogurt. Cheese also shows high export performance, followed by milk, cream, butter, and whey. Feta cheese is one of the top export products at a global level, as a unique traditional PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product.

1.4 Olive Oil

Olive oil — Homer's "liquid gold" — is the oil derived from the fruit of the olive tree, traditionally cultivated across the Mediterranean region and in every corner of Greece.

Since antiquity, its value has been recognised by Hippocrates, Diocles, and Dioscorides for its therapeutic properties. Today, doctors and nutritionists, drawing on scientific research, argue that olive oil has a beneficial effect on virtually all bodily functions.

Olive oil has always been a significant export sector in the Greek economy, and every report, study, and research relating to the country's agricultural sector makes a special reference to it.

2. Wine & Spirits

Greece is a country that is home to some of the most exciting, small-scale wines on the planet. The wine and spirits sector demonstrates strong export potential, based on indigenous grape varieties and the country's uninterrupted winemaking tradition.

3. Industrial Products – Building Materials – HORECA

Industrial products now represent a significantly larger share of Greek exports compared to primary sector products. Highly competitive companies in building materials, machinery, and technology manufacturing are increasingly targeting foreign markets, where they now generate as much as 80% of their total turnover.

Similarly, the HORECA sector shows significant export potential, due to Greece's deep expertise in tourism.

3.1 Building Materials

The Building Materials sector has historically been a significant component of the Greek economy, influencing a substantial portion of the country's productive capacity: material production industries and companies, contractors, and end users/consumers. Furthermore, the sector is characterised by strong growth prospects and enormous export potential.

3.2 Industrial Products

The industrial products sector encompasses companies manufacturing machinery, equipment, and technology products that are developing an increasingly strong export presence in markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

3.3 HORECA

The HORECA sector (Hotels – Restaurants – Cafes) demonstrates significant export potential thanks to Greece's deep expertise in tourism and hospitality. Greek companies producing professional catering equipment and supplies export to international markets, leveraging the global reputation of Greek cuisine.

4. Consumer Products

The Consumer Products sector is connected to millions of people — directly and indirectly — on a daily basis. It is a sector with proven resilience, continuing to grow even during periods of economic downturn.

4.1 Clothing & Footwear

The Clothing & Footwear sector has historically been an important sector for the Greek economy. Greek fashion and footwear companies are present at leading international trade fairs such as MAGIC Las Vegas, Coterie New York, and Who's Next Paris, showcasing Greek design identity in global markets.

4.2 Jewellery

The Jewellery sector is a traditional strength of Greek manufacturing, with a strong export presence in Europe, America, and the Middle East. Greek jewellery companies participate in top international exhibitions such as Bijorhca Paris, Milano Fashion & Jewels, and Cosmoprof Bologna.

5. Maritime

In Greece, the marine equipment manufacturing sector has emerged strongly in recent years and stands as an example of business outward orientation.

5.1 Marine Equipment

Member companies of the Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters association (HEMEXPO) have achieved approximately 50% of their revenues from export activities. According to all studies, the potential for increasing production and attracting new companies to the sector is substantial. The sector participates in leading international maritime exhibitions including Europort, SMM Hamburg, Boot Düsseldorf, Sea Asia, and Asia Pacific Maritime.

6. Technology & Innovation

The Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector is one of the most important sectors for the Greek economy, driven by the growing demand for automation and digitalisation in both the private and public sectors.

Greece has a highly skilled workforce and high-calibre professionals with international experience and an entrepreneurial spirit.

This is further amplified by the dynamic support of ICT development initiatives through both public and private frameworks (business incubators, Research & Development centres, co-working spaces, etc.), as well as the country's strong technological infrastructure.

The Greek startup ecosystem flourished even during the economic crisis and continues to grow. During this period, Greek tech companies made outward-looking moves that helped them develop and expand into foreign markets.

6.1 Information Technology & Telecommunications (ICT)

The ICT sector includes software, digital services, telecommunications, and cutting-edge technology companies. Greek companies participate in leading international exhibitions such as MWC Barcelona, WebSummit Lisbon, Embedded World, IoT Solutions World Congress, and Data Centre World London, showcasing Greek technological excellence on the world stage.

Source: Enterprise Greece – Investment and Trade Promotion Organisation https://www.enterprisegreece.gov.gr