The Greek spirits industry continues to show resilience, maintaining its international reach, remaining competitive and continuing to evolve in both quality and production.
According to recent Eurostat data analysed by SEAOP, total Greek spirits exports (within the EU-27 and to third countries) reached €52.3 million in the first half of 2026, edging down 0.03% in value (-€15,700 in absolute terms) from the same period in 2025. Volume stood at 18.2 million kg, down 1.43% (-263,000 kg).
Despite the slight dip in 2026, Greek spirits exports have continued to rise over the longer term. Compared with the first half of 2019, exports were up 41.5% in value and 11.1% in volume, reflecting the sustained international reach of Greek spirits.
A comparison with the past five years shows that Greek spirits exports rose 16.1% in value and fell 2.5% in volume.
The average export price of Greek spirits stood at €2.88/kg, up 1.4% from the same period in 2025. The average price remains significantly above post-Covid-19 levels, underlining the value of Greek spirits.
EU-27 member states remain the main destination for Greek spirits, absorbing the largest share of exports, at approximately 79.5% by value and 80.2% by volume. In the first half of 2026, EU-27 member states accounted for 79.5% of export value, or €41.61 million, and 80.2% of volume, or 14.57 million kg.
The value of Greek spirits exports in the first half of 2026 fell within the EU-27 by 0.98%. By contrast, exports to third countries rose 3.8% in value and edged down 0.7% in volume compared with the first half of 2025.
Germany remains the leading destination for Greek spirits, accounting for 40.5% of volume (7.36 million kg) and 36% of the total value of exports (€18.82 million). Bulgaria ranks second, with a marginal 2.6% decline in value and a 5.2% increase in volume compared with the first half of 2025. Iraq ranks third and is showing a recovery, absorbing 2.35 million kg worth €5.87 million, with increases of 8.9% in value and 6.1% in volume.
Alongside traditional markets, which receive the largest share of Greek spirits, Greek distillers are steadily expanding their exports to other destinations. In particular, in the first half of 2026, export value to Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic rose by more than 40% compared with the same period in 2025.
More specifically, export value to Poland rose 77.1%, from €1.12 million to €1.98 million; Italy recorded a particularly sharp increase of 152.6%, from €286,900 to €724,700; and the Czech Republic saw a 45.4% rise, from €483,400 to €703,100.
This significant growth was driven mainly by increased demand for gin, as well as for the broader category of other brandy-style spirits. Both categories contributed significantly to the rise in export value and the wider range of products Greek distillers offer overseas.
They also show that businesses in the sector can respond to consumer preferences and strengthen their presence in new markets.
SOURCE: ANA