Signature Greek foods and beverages – from Feta cheese to Ouzo – continue to gain ground in foreign markets, defying the slowdown in global exports that have weighed on other products and underscoring the continuing popularity of Greek cuisine.
Amid only a modest 2.7% increase in global merchandise trade so far this year, Greek F&B exports are up roughly 7%, and this year’s gains represent the latest in roughly a decade of continuous growth. Overall, Greek food exports have more than doubled in value to over €10 billion a year in the last 10 years, and the sector remains a cornerstone of the Greek economy. The reasons, say experts, are manifold.
Among them has been the growing popularity of the Mediterranean diet with health-conscious consumers around the world. This year, for example, the American newsweekly, U.S. News & World Report named the Mediterranean diet the best overall diet for the seventh consecutive year.
The multiple health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been endorsed yet again in scientific research. Just in the last several weeks, a trio of new research papers have declared that the diet can reduce heart disease in women, help control weight in children, and also arrest cognitive decline.
At the same time, there is growing recognition of the superior quality of Greek food products, something that became increasingly pronounced during the Covid pandemic when Greek foods and ingredients gained favor in Europe over rival products from other countries. That has also helped Greek producers enter and expand into new markets outside Europe, particularly in North America and Asia.
There is particularly strong demand for Greek dairy products – like Feta and yogurt – fish, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. Compared with a decade ago, for example, Feta cheese exports have risen by 700% and now account for €1 billion in overseas sales, up from €142 million in 2014.
Helping showcase Greece’s food sector, Greek exporters turned out in record numbers at this month’s giant SIAL Paris food fair in the gastronomic capital of Europe. The biennial exhibition, which was held October 19 to 23 and celebrated its 60th anniversary, is the largest F&B trade fair taking place this year, drawing some 265,000 visitors and more than 7,000 exhibitors from some 200 countries. Greece was represented by about 280 exhibitors in total, including a national delegation of 120 companies organized by Enterprise Greece, marking the 40th year that Greek exhibitors have taken part in the fair.
