Ouzo dominated Greek spirits exports in the first half of 2024, maintaining its leading position. Germany alone absorbed at least 43% of these exports.
Recent data from Eurostat, analyzed by the Greek Association of Spirits Producers (SEΑΟΠ), indicates ouzo’s continued dominance. Despite facing competition from similar beverages from countries like Italy, Spain, and France, ouzo has established itself internationally due to its high quality. Over the past five years, its export value has surged by 45%, while export volume has increased by 8%.
Ouzo consistently holds the top spot in Greek spirits exports. In the first half of 2024, it accounted for 59% of the total export value and 71% of the volume of all Greek spirits. Specifically, the first half of 2024 saw a year-on-year increase of 7.3% in value and 3.6% in volume compared to the same period in 2023. European countries remain the primary destinations for ouzo, both in terms of value and volume. Germany leads the way, absorbing 43% of the total value and 46.6% of the volume. Bulgaria follows with 20.3% in value and 16.5% in volume, while Iraq secures third place with 19.3% in value and 19.8% in volume.
Tsipouro/Tsikoudia Exports Show Promise
Meanwhile, tsipouro/tsikoudia exports are demonstrating noteworthy progress. Although they represent a small portion (around 2% in value and 1% in volume) of total Greek spirits exports, they constitute a continuously growing category. Notably, over the last five years (2020-2024), their export value has surged by 99%, and volume has grown by 62%. The first half of 2024 witnessed a slight 7% increase in value, while the volume experienced a 10.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
Significantly, tsipouro/tsikoudia exports to third countries marked a substantial increase of 61.1% in value and 31.2% in volume compared to the same period in 2023. Conversely, exports within the EU-27 saw a slight decline in the first half of 2024, translating to a 6.6% decrease in value and a 19% decrease in volume compared to the same period in 2023. Germany remains the primary destination for tsipouro, absorbing 46.4% of the total export value. Albania follows with 12.6%, and the USA secures third place with 10.6%.
Greek Spirits Exports Surge
According to SEΑΟΠ’s analysis, the distillery and spirits industry stands out as one of Greece’s most outward-looking sectors, showcasing Greek tradition globally and acting as a driving force for the domestic economy through its upward export trajectory. In detail, total Greek spirits exports demonstrated positive growth in both value and volume during the first half of 2024. This contrasts with European exports, which suffered a 7.75% decline in value over the same period. Greek distilleries and spirit producers once again displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming challenges and highlighting the undeniable quality of Greek spirits both domestically and internationally.
Based on recent Eurostat data analyzed by SEΑΟΠ, the distillery and spirits industry remained one of the most outward-looking sectors in the first half of 2024. Despite global uncertainties, the industry achieved an overall increase in Greek spirits exports (within the EU-27 and to third countries) of 12.5% in value and 0.4% in volume compared to the same period in 2023.
Furthermore, the trajectory of Greek spirits exports from 2019 to 2024 underscores a significant upward trend in value and a modest but not insignificant increase in volume. A five-year comparison reveals a sustained increase in Greek spirits exports, reaching 61.4% in value and 12.8% in volume.
It is worth noting that the average export price of Greek spirits continues its upward trajectory, particularly post-Covid-19. The average price in the first half of 2024 increased by 12.1% overall (3.2% to third countries and 14.4% within the EU-27) compared to 2023.
Regarding export destinations, EU-27 member states consistently account for the largest share of Greek spirits exports, with approximately 80% in both value and volume. In the first half of 2024, EU-27 member states absorbed 77.8% of the total value and 78.1% of the volume. The total value of Greek spirits exports to the EU-27 increased by 11.4% in the first half of 2024, while volume experienced a slight decline of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2023.
Regarding exports to third-country markets, a significant increase is observed, reaching 16.5% in value and 12.8% in volume compared to the same period in 2023.
Analyzing the most important destinations for Greek spirits both within and outside the EU in terms of value for the first half of 2024, Germany remains the top destination for Greek spirits, accounting for 44% of the total export volume and 37% of the value. Bulgaria follows in second place, although exports to this destination decreased by 1.6% in value and 16% in volume compared to the first half of 2023. Iraq secures third place, and contrary to Bulgaria, Greek spirits exports to this destination appear to be following a stable path, according to recent Eurostat data.
Read about Ouzo: The Dos (and Dont When Drinking It