ANUGA 2023:A record number of Greek companies participated- Greece ranks fifth out of 118 nations in terms of participation

Athens, October 17, 2023 | Greece participated in the International Food and Beverage show ANUGA 2023 with a record number of 269 Greek exporters, placing fifth out of 7,800 exhibitors from 118 nations at the world’s largest food and beverage show. ANUGA 2023 was held in Cologne, Germany, from October 7 to 11, 2023, gathering over 140,000 trade visitors from 200 countries.

The national pavilion organized by Enterprise Greece hosted 123 companies covering the entire range of the industry, from extra virgin olive oil and olives, dairy products, excellent quality honey, herbs, high nutritional value dried fruits and nuts, to salted and other Mediterranean diet items.

The national pavilion was divided into three halls: 10.2 Fine Food | 10.1 Dairy | 4.2 Frozen | 2.2 Bakery | 8.2 Beverages. This year’s participation focused on highlighting the quality of raw materials from Greek land, the domestic industry’s growth potential, but also its ability to attract not only international buyers to meet the consumer preferences to which it is addressed but also serious investment ventures, thus further enhancing its competitive advantage both in the European and global markets.

In this regard, a slew of business contacts was held between Greek and international companies, both separately and through the specifically created electronic platform, which was launched this year in partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network for the first time. In total, 19,000 scheduled and ad hoc meetings were held, primarily in the booths of participating companies, but also in a specially designed area in the Greek pavilion, with the goal of exploring commercial partnerships, export development opportunities, partnership strengthening, and potential investment synergies.

Enterprise Greece operated a special tasting and events area (Business Hospitality Center) to better promote Greek gastronomy, where visitors and distinguished guests could enjoy Greek flavors that excel in terms of nutritional value while also offering a variety of gastronomic experiences, such as wines, as well as be informed about the competitive advantages of Greek primary production. Furthermore, to highlight the national involvement, our country was promoted through advertising posts in the exhibition’s most significant areas.

The National Pavilion was honored with their presence by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, the Consul General of Greece in Düsseldorf, Mr. Vasilis Koinis and the President of ACCI, Mrs. Sofia Kounenaki Efraimoglou. All of them referred to the dynamic Greek presence in the exhibition, with Mr. Avgenakis referring with praise to Enterprise Greece, which, as he characteristically stressed, understanding the special weight of the European and global market for Greek food and beverage exports, organized the most impressive national participation in recent years.

Mr. Marinos Giannopoulos, the company’s CEO, spoke about Greece’s presence at Anuga 2023 and Enterprise Greece’s contribution to the promotion of Greek products abroad: “Enterprise Greece actively and dynamically supports Greek companies to export their products to as many foreign markets as possible.” Our impressive presence at Anuga this year is the culmination of our efforts, which is why Enterprise Greece will continue to operate in the same dynamic manner, with upgraded, more sophisticated, and innovative services, to ensure that Greek export entrepreneurship ensures promising growth prospects and new historical records.”

Ms. Betty Alexandropoulou, Executive Director and Member of the Board of Enterprise Greece, added: “In 2022, the upward trend of our exports continued unabated.” Greece exported an amazing €6.5 billion to Europe, mostly in the Food and Beverage Sector. Germany, which hosted the ANUGA International Fair, absorbed 13.3% of the total. These results are the result of sector firms’ efforts mixed with worldwide trends such as the Mediterranean diet’s acceptance, growth in visitor flows in our country, the reinterpretation of local cuisines with “Greek” influences by inventive foreign chefs, and so on.
This trend is evident in Greece’s attendance at ANUGA this year, with the country placing among the top five. We were there with them as Enterprise Greece, assisting them in establishing themselves worldwide and increasing their exports.”