Exports of Greek spirits rise
More ouzo, tsipouro and raki produced by Greek distilleries than ever before went to consumers outside Greece in 2022, as a historic record was set in exports of Greek alcoholic beverages.
Exports were higher in value and quantity not only compared to 2021 but also to 2019, the last year before the outbreak of the pandemic.
Figures from the Association of Greek Spirits Producers (SEAOP) also show a significant increase in exports not only to countries where there are large Greek communities, but also to countries such as Iraq and Bulgaria. Quite significant exports also head to the countries of Western and Central Europe, as many tourists who visit Greece try the traditional Greek drinks and then look for them in their own country.
With regard to Iraq specifically, the increased exports are related to the fact that ouzo is similar to the local drink arak, the production of which has been greatly reduced due to the extensive destruction of Iraqi factories since the war years.
Therefore, according to SEAOP data, the value of Greek exports of alcoholic beverages in 2022 came to 96.71 million euros from €86.48 million in 2021, registering an increase of 11.83%. The increase in value is also partly due to the rise in prices, due to the general environment of appreciations, as the average selling price of alcoholic beverages recorded an increase of 11% in 2021.
The good news, of course, is the 5.65% increase in sales volume in 2022 compared to 2021, with exports reaching 37.98 million kilograms compared to 35.95 million kg in 2021. Compared to 2019, Greek alcoholic beverages exports in 2022 increased by 27% in value and by 10% in quantity.
Three-quarters of Greek exports of alcoholic beverages are made to the countries of the European Union; last year they increased by 8.57% in value and by 2% in quantity. Compared to 2019, exports to the EU increased in 2022 by 22.47% in value and 3.97% in quantity, while to third countries they rose by 41% in value and 34.77% in quantity.
