Greece’s iconic anise-flavored spirit, ouzo, is driving a record-breaking year for the country's alcohol exports, emerging as the undisputed leader in 2024. According to preliminary EUROSTAT data analyzed by the Hellenic Association of Distillate and Alcoholic Beverage Producers (SEAOP), ouzo accounts for 56% of the value and 69% of the quantity of all Greek spirit exports this year.
In 2024, ouzo exports increased to €64.3 million, up 5.2% in value from €61.1 million in 2023, and saw a 2.4% rise in volume, from 24.8 to 25.4 million kilograms.
Exports to EU-27 countries remained relatively stable, with a modest 2.3% increase in value but a 1.6% drop in volume.
Germany continues to be the top market for ouzo, absorbing 43.5% of its export value (€28 million) and 48.2% of its volume (12.2 million kg), although both metrics saw a slight decline compared to 2023. Bulgaria is showing strong growth as the second-largest EU market, with ouzo exports increasing by 25.4% in value (€10 million) and 20.2% in quantity (3.2 million kg) year-on-year.
In contrast, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France saw a decline in both export volume and value.
Exports beyond the EU have rebounded after a downturn in 2023, registering growth of 11.7% in value and 12.8% in volume.
A major driver of this upswing is Iraq, now the second-largest export market for ouzo, with sales reaching €15.1 million (up 6%) and 5.8 million kg (up 7%), indicating a gradual market recovery following previous alcohol import bans.
Other non-EU markets with positive trajectories in 2024 include the United States, North Macedonia, Israel, and Australia.
While accounting for a smaller portion of total exports, tsipouro and tsikoudia have shown remarkable long-term growth, especially in non-EU markets.
In 2024, EU exports of these spirits rose by 4.4% in value, although volumes dropped by 2.1%.
Exports outside the EU surged by 25.5% in value and 12.8% in quantity. Over the 2020–2024 period, tsipouro exports grew by 79% in value and 51.2% in volume, suggesting increasing international appreciation.
Amid a 2% decline in overall European alcohol exports and a 3% drop in imports from non-EU countries, Greek producers bucked the trend.
In 2024, total Greek alcohol exports surpassed €100 million for the second consecutive year, with export value rising by 7.9% and volume growing by 1.5%.
The average selling price also climbed by 6.3%. Over the five years since 2020, Greek alcohol export value is up 45.4%, export volume increased 4%, and the average price surged 40%, underscoring the sustained quality and global competitiveness of Greek spirits, according to SEAOP.