Greek Food & Beverage Sector Drives €26.2 bn Turnover and Export Surge

The Greek food and beverage industry, the largest segment of the country’s manufacturing sector, recorded a turnover of €26.2 billion, accounting for 27 % of total manufacturing value (€4.7 billion). It directly employs about 162,000 workers, making it the biggest manufacturing employer.

Investments reached €7.2 billion between 2015 and 2024, with more than €1 billion invested in 2024 alone. Research and development spending hit €56.5 million in 2023, representing roughly 10.5 % of Greece’s total R&D budget and placing the sector second among EU countries with comparable data. Exports doubled over the past decade to €7.4 billion in 2025, amounting to 15 % of Greece’s total exports. Processed fruits, vegetables and dairy products contributed about 51 % of export value, with Italy and Germany absorbing roughly a third of shipments.

Despite high inflation, the sector’s price index for standard food items remained near‑zero for 18 months (Jan 2025 – Jun 2026), helping to stabilise household food costs.