Ouzo will continue to lead Greek exports of alcoholic beverages until 2024, with Germany absorbing at least 43% of exports.

Recent Eurostat statistics compiled by the Association of Greek Spirits Producers (SEAOP) show that Greek ouzo continues to hold the top spot. Although it has to compete with similar drinks from countries such as Italy, Spain, France, etc., Ouzo has established itself internationally due to its high quality. In the last five years, it has shown a 45% increase in value and an 8% increase in quantity.

In the first half of 2024, ouzo exports accounted for 59% of the value and 71% of the quantity of all exports of Greek spirits. In particular, the first half of 2024 shows a percentage increase of 7.3% in value and 3.6% in quantity compared to the corresponding half of 2023.

European countries continue to hold the lead in value and quantity among all Ouzo destination countries. After Germany with 43% of the total in value and 46.6% in quantity, Bulgaria follows with 20.3% in value and 16.5% in quantity, and in third place is Iraq with 19.3% in value and 19.8% in quantity.

The trend in exports of tsipouro/tsikoudia is remarkable. In particular, although they have a small share (about 2% in value and 1% in quantity) of total exports of Greek-produced alcoholic beverages, they constitute a constantly rising category. In fact, in the last five years (2020-2024), they record an increase of 99% in value and 62% in quantity. The first half of 2024 shows a slight increase of 7% in value, while the quantity decreased by 10.3% compared to the first half of 2023.

It should be noted that exports of tsipouro/chicudia to third countries showed a significant increase of 61.1% in value and 31.2% in quantity, compared to the same period in 2023. There was a slight decrease in exports of tsipouro/cichoudia within the EU 27 in the first half of 2024, which in percentage terms translates into 6.6% in value and 19% in quantity compared to the same period in 2023. Germany is the leading destination for tsipouro with a 46.4% share of the total in value terms. Albania follows in second place with 12.6% and the USA in third place with 10.6%.

INCREASED EXPORTS

According to the statistics compiled by the SEAOP, the sector of distilling and distillation seems to be one of the most extroverted, highlighting the Greek tradition around the world, while it is a driving force for the domestic economy with an upward trend in exports.

More specifically, overall, Greek spirits exports in the first half of 2024 showed a positive sign in both value and quantity, in contrast to European exports, which in the same period suffered a 7.75% decline in value. The Greek distillery/distillery has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming obstacles and highlighting the undeniable quality of Greek alcoholic beverages both nationally and internationally.

It is worth mentioning that the average export price of Greek alcoholic beverages continues its upward trend, especially after Covid-19. The average price in the first half of 2024 increased overall by 12.1% (3.2% to third countries & 14.4% within EU-27), compared to 2023.

In terms of export destinations, EU-27 Member States consistently hold the largest share of Greek spirits exports, with a share of around 80% in value and quantity. In the first half of 2024, EU-27 Member States absorbed 77.8% in value and 78.1% in quantity.

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 there was a slight decline of 2.6% (compared to the first half of 2023). Regarding the share of exports directed to third country markets, there is a remarkable increase in shipments, which stood at 16.5% in value and 12.8% in quantity compared to the same period in 2023.