Exports of Greek beverages (excluding wine and beer) reached €104.3 million in value in 2025, up 40.16% compared with 2016, according to Eurostat data analyzed by the Association of Greek Producers of Spirits and Alcoholic Beverages (SEAOP).
However, export value in 2025 fell by 9.17% compared with 2024, a development linked mainly to a price correction after the sharp increase recorded in 2024, as export volumes remained at similar levels.
Ouzo dominated exports, accounting for 66.5% of the total by volume. It was followed by other alcoholic beverages (such as liqueurs), while tsipouro remained last, despite an annual increase of 4.19% in export volume.
Iraq has increased its imports of ouzo because the war has reduced the production of arak, a Middle Eastern drink similar to ouzo.
For ouzo, the leading export market was Germany, representing 40.76% of the total export value. It was followed by Iraq with around 22%, and Bulgaria with 18%.
Germany’s top position is linked both to the large Greek diaspora communities in the country and to the popularity of Greek spirits among German consumers. Meanwhile, Iraq has increased its imports of ouzo because war has reduced the production of arak, a Middle Eastern drink similar to ouzo.
Πηγές: Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών, Καθημερινή