Exports of Greek alcoholic beverages saw a significant increase in 2024, despite a downturn in the broader European Union market. While exports of alcoholic beverages from EU countries fell by 2% and imports from third countries decreased by 3% compared to the previous year, Greek exports continued to thrive. According to preliminary data from EUROSTAT, processed by the Hellenic Association of Brewers and Alcoholic Beverages (SEAOP), the export momentum of Greek products is expected to exceed 100 million euros for the second consecutive year.
In 2024, there was an overall increase of 7.9% in value, translating to an additional 8.4 million euros, and a 1.5% increase in quantity, which equates to an additional 0.6 million kilograms. This positive trend is reflective of a consistent growth pattern observed over the past five years, particularly in the post-COVID era, where exports have increased by 45.4% in value and 4% in quantity, alongside a 40% rise in average selling prices.
The average price of exported Greek alcoholic beverages also saw a notable rise in 2024, increasing by 6.3% compared to 2023. This upward trend was observed both in third countries and within the EU-27, with average prices rising by 2.56% and 7.14% respectively.
Despite a slight dip in quantity, EU member states remain the primary export destinations for Greek distillates, accounting for 74% of the total value (84.9 million euros) and 76% of the quantity (27.9 million kilograms). A closer look at the exports within the EU-27 in 2024 reveals an increase in value of approximately 4.2 million euros (5.19%), while the quantity decreased slightly by 0.5 million kilograms (1.8%).
When analyzing the data from the five-year period of 2020-2024, Greek alcoholic beverage exports to EU countries have risen by 51.4% in value, from 56.1 million euros in 2020 to 84.9 million euros in 2024, and by 6.2% in quantity, from 26.3 million kilograms to 27.9 million kilograms.
Interestingly, the decrease in quantity exported to EU-27 countries did not significantly impact the overall figures, as it was offset by increased exports to third countries. In fact, exports outside the EU-27 showed substantial growth in 2024, with an increase of 16.5% in value (from 25.4 million euros in 2023 to 29.6 million euros in 2024) despite a 13.5% decrease in quantity (from 7.8 million kilograms to 8.9 million kilograms).
Germany continues to be the leading destination for Greek alcoholic beverages, holding 35% of the total value (40.1 million euros) and 43.5% of the quantity (16 million kilograms). However, the German market has shown a decline in performance, with a decrease in value by 5.75% and in exported quantities by 2.73% in 2024 compared to 2023.
The second most significant market for Greek alcoholic beverages is Iraq, where exports reached 15.2 million euros in value and 5.8 million kilograms in quantity. Following a downturn in the Iraqi market in 2023 due to a ban on the import and sale of alcoholic beverages, recovery is anticipated, as both the value and quantity of exports increased in 2024, with a 4.6% rise in quantity and a 3.8% increase in value.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria continues to show a steady upward trajectory, cementing its status as a crucial export market for Greek distillates within the EU. In 2024, Bulgaria recorded an increase in value of 4.9% compared to 2023.
In addition to these key markets, certain countries have shown remarkable performance in 2024. Spain saw an increase in exports of Greek alcoholic beverages, with a value of 5.4 million euros, marking a staggering growth of 447.5%. Austria also experienced a significant rise in value by 37.6%, reaching 5.2 million euros, while France's exports reached 5.1 million euros, reflecting a 36.1% increase.
From third countries, Albania recorded impressive growth, with exports reaching 4.9 million euros (+65.4%), Israel at 1.2 million euros (+25%), and North Macedonia at 1.1 million euros (+21.8%).
Among the Greek alcoholic beverages, ouzo remains a standout product, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's export success. In 2024, ouzo represented 56% of the total value and 69% of the quantity of all Greek distillate exports. The value of ouzo exports grew from 61.1 million euros in 2023 to 64.3 million euros in 2024, translating to a 5.2% increase. The quantity of ouzo exported also rose by approximately 2.4%, from 24.8 million kilograms in 2023 to 25.4 million kilograms in 2024.
Exports of ouzo within the EU-27 maintained stability, with a slight increase in value of 2.3% and a decrease in quantity by 1.6% compared to 2023. Germany remains the leading market for ouzo, accounting for 43.5% of the value (28 million euros) and 48.2% of the quantity (12.2 million kilograms), although it too has seen a slight decline in performance in 2024.
Bulgaria has emerged as the second most important export destination for ouzo, with an impressive value increase of 25.4% in 2024, rising from 8 million euros in 2023 to 10 million euros. The quantity exported also grew by 20.2%, from 2.7 million kilograms to 3.2 million kilograms.
Despite fluctuations in individual markets, the overall performance of Greek alcoholic beverage exports in 2024 showcases a resilient industry, bolstered by the quality and recognition of Greek products on the international stage.