""

Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 10/20/2003

**GAIN Report Number:** GR3022

GR3022

**Greece**

**Exporter Guide**

**Annual**

**2003**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Ann Murphy

U.S. Embassy Rome

**Prepared by:**

Danae Synodinou

**Report Highlights:**

Greece is an import dependent country, with total CY 2001 agricultural
imports from the U.S. of \$115 million. Greece, the host of 2004 Olympic
Games, expects tourism to double to 25 million people at the time of the
Games. There are exciting marketing opportunities for U.S. foods to meet
the increased demand. U.S. foods are also popular among Greeks whose
lifestyles are changing.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Rome \[IT1\]

\[GR\]

Table of Contents

[**SECTION I. MARKET OVERVIEW 3**](#section-i.-market-overview)

[SECTION II. EXPORTER BUSINESS TIPS
4](#section-ii.-exporter-business-tips)

[SECTION III. MARKET SECTOR STRUCTURE AND TRENDS
7](#section-iii.-market-sector-structure-and-trends)

[SECTION IV. BEST HIGH-VALUE PRODUCT PROSPECTS
10](#section-iv.-best-high-value-product-prospects)

[SECTION V. KEY CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION
10](#section-v.-key-contacts-and-further-information)

[APPENDIX I. STATISTICS 11](#appendix-i.-statistics)

[A. KEY TRADE AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
11](#key-trade-and-demographic-information)

[B. CONSUMER FOOD AND EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCT IMPORTS
12](#b.-consumer-food-and-edible-fishery-product-imports)

[C. TOP 15 SUPPLIERS OF CONSUMER FOODS AND EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCTS
14](#c.-top-15-suppliers-of-consumer-foods-and-edible-fishery-products)

# SECTION I. MARKET OVERVIEW

Greece is an import‑dependent country (\$3.5 billion of agricultural
products in 2001) with a population of 11 million people. The Greek
economy is continuing to improve steadily although it is still not as
strong economically as some of the other EU member states. The Greek
economy grew by 4.0 percent in 2002, exceeding initial estimates of a
3.8 percent growth rate, per National Statistical Service reports. The
transition to the euro in January of 2002 was an economic milestone for
the country. Greece's National Statistical Service (NSS), reported that
exports increased 0.5 percent while imports rose 0.5 percent in 2002.
The NSS also indicated that final consumption rose by 3.1 percent and
investments increased by 7.4 percent[.]{.underline}

The Bank of Greece's (BOG), 2003 economic projections are pessimistic.
The BOG expects the country's trade deficit to worsen in 2003 as a
result of the Iraq war and the appreciation of the euro currency. On the
contrary, the Greek government has a more optimistic view over economic
developments for 2003, primarily due to the abilities of commercial
entities to secure EU funding from the Third Community Support
Framework.

Among the eurozone countries, Greece ranks second, after Ireland, in
respect of annual inflation. Greece's inflation rate in 2002 was 3.6%.
The Bank of Greece recently projected inflation for 2003 to reach 3.9
percent. The Greek Government, on the other hand, forecast inflation to
be 3 percent. Inflation in August was 3.3%. In 2002, real wages rose by
3.1 percent at a time when the corresponding European average was half a
percentage point higher. Greek real wages in 2003 are expected to post a
2.0 percent increase, per government's announcements. For the third
consecutive year, unemployment is expected to decline, falling 0.3
percent below the eurozone average. The unemployment index in the fourth
quarter of 2002 fell to 9.7 percent.

Greece is among the most popular tourist destination in the world
receiving about 12.5 million visitors per year. Despite the stagnation
in foreign exchange inflows, the Hellenic Tourism Organization (HTO),
reported that the tourist sector continued to grow in 2001. Total
overnight stays by foreign guests declined, but it was offset by an
increase in Greek tourists. Sales increases in the tourism sector were
satisfactory with total pre-tax earnings of the sector rising to 165
million euros in 2001 from 74 million euros in 2000. Tourism's
contribution to the GDP is estimated to be 7%.

Per capita GDP in 2002 is estimated at \$12,450. CY 2001 total imports
were \$30.4 billion, with EU countries being the main suppliers. Total
imports from the U.S. were almost \$640 million with \$115 million being
agricultural and food products[.]{.underline}

Greece is using its position as host of the 2004 Olympic Games to
undertake numerous improvements and public projects including the
construction of new highways and leisure facilities. Much of this
development pertains to the tourism industry, which is expected to grow
to 25 million visitors at the time of the games. The American company
ARAMARK in collaboration with Daskalantonakis Group were awarded the
major catering contract for the food services of the Olympic Village.
This contract is valued at 34 million euros.

The HRI sector will need to double its supplies before the start of the
Olympics to meet the increased demand. While this may present exciting
opportunities for U.S. agricultural products, unfortunately, only a
limited number of Greek importers and distributors are aware of the
variety of U.S. food products. This constraint extends to the HRI
sector, which relies predominantly on domestic products and imports from
other EU countries.

Greek/EU food safety concerns over biotech, hormone‑treated beef, and
poultry processing methods limit U.S. imports for the Greek market
(imports for international cruise lines are not subject to the EU
regulations). Demand for soy and corn products, and cotton seed are
being constrained because of cumbersome import requirements for GMO
products and a reluctance by the retail sector to market a product that
is labeled as containing GMOs. The U.S.‑EU hormone dispute and the
current exclusion of the U.S. processing methods for poultry under the
Veterinary Equivalence Agreement are long‑term issues that need to be
resolved so U.S. exporters can take advantage of growing demand for U.S.
high quality beef (estimated to be \$ 2 million) and U.S. poultry in the
retail market (historically \$ 2 million prior to the import ban),
particularly in the resort areas.

Despite the poultry ban, an estimated \$18 million in U.S. poultry
products are transhipped from Greece to the Balkan countries annually.
Despite the constraint on U.S. beef imports, Post is working to identify
consistent and economical supplies of U.S. beef to meet the demand for
non‑hormone treated beef in the HRI sector and for hormone treated beef
aboard cruise ships that operate in international waters (and are
therefore, exempt from EU restrictions). It is critical that these
constraints be addressed to enable U.S. products to benefit from these
evolving marketing opportunities and before they are locked out by
competitors from the European Union.

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Advantages                          Challenges

  Increased demand for food products  A limited number of importers and
  due to the upcoming Olympics and    distributors are aware of the
  the expected increase in tourism.   variety of the U.S. food products
                                      that can be exported to Greece.

  12-14 million meals will be served  Educate the catering sector
  by catering contractors during the  representatives about the high
  Olympics and Special Olympics in    quality, variety and availability
  the 100-120 Olympic venues under    of U.S. food products.
  the responsibility of the Athens    
  2004 Organizing Committee. These    
  meals will be served to athletes,   
  escorts, journalists, media         
  representatives, and employees      

  HRI and retail trade is expanding   U.S. exporters are not fully aware
                                      of the existing market
                                      opportunities in the Greece market.

  Greek importers favor U.S. products Average tariff levels remain high
  because of good quality and wider   increasing products' price. GMO
  variety.                            labeling requirements on the other
                                      hand result in consumer concern.
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

# SECTION II. EXPORTER BUSINESS TIPS

Eighty per cent of Greece's import trade is handled through sales agents
or distributors. Sales agents operate as brokers without taking legal
possession of product or making imports on their own account. Agency
agreements are not required to be exclusive and can cover any time
period. Distributors operate on a wholesale (and in some cases, retail)
basis with exclusive sales rights for certain districts or for the
entire country. Retail and wholesale trade is characterized by small,
family-owned and operated businesses, each of which deals in a narrow
range of goods. There are 300,000 trading establishments in Greece.
There are 7,000 corporations and limited liability companies engaged in
wholesale trade and 3,200 corporations and limited liability companies
handling retail trade.

There are several department stores, supermarkets and chains, totalling
2,424 supermarkets around the country, of which 1,862 belong to
supermarket chains. The total number of stores selling food in 2001,
including supermarkets, convenience and other small stores that cater to
every day needs, was 14,180 compared to 14,468 in 2000, decreased by 2%.
The estimated turnover of food shops in 2001, including supermarket
chains and family-owned shops, was 7.45 billion euros. Supermarkets with
more than 4 cashiers account for 67.5% of these sales. The
\"shop-within-a-shop\" concept is applied to successful department
stores. After the rapid changes in the supermarket sector in 2001 with
mergers and high level of concentration, the year 2002 showed the
tendency for acquisitions declining.

Greek consumers' unwillingness to consume, uncertainty over the future
and low spirits summarize the situation that has prevailed in the market
recently, and especially after the attack on Iraq. It is also
interesting to note that during periods of international turmoil in the
past, consumers used to stock up on foodstuffs, whereas this time the
reaction has moved in exactly the opposite direction. An improvement in
consumer psychology is expected in view of the Christmas period.
According to trade sources consumers didn't have much room to reduce
their purchases, as limiting consumption to essentials had already
started to become noticeable at the end of 2002. Nevertheless, they have
in no way raised consumption, in contrast to what they were accustomed
to do in similar cases in the past. This restraint in consumption
reflects the rise in uncertainty regarding the future, a feeling that
has become widespread in society, affecting also retail trade which
reacts in the same fashion. Non-stocking is a behaviour passed on from
consumers to commercial companies which, acting accordingly prefer to
use their stocks before placing new orders.

As Greek consumers' needs evolve, their food purchase patterns are
changing. The average size household is 2.6 persons, compared to 3.5
persons 10 years earlier, while 22% of the population is over 60 years
old. Increased disposable income, larger numbers of dual-income
families, an increase in one-member households, and an increase in
single parent households have resulted in expanded demand for
consumer-ready products and restaurant meals.

A Greek consumer goes shopping 3.1 times on average per month and
spends, on all consumables, approximately 600 euros and his main
criterion in choosing a store is not product price, but quality,
convenience and the speed of purchasing. Food and beverage items
represent 16.9% of total household expenditures. Milk and yogurt are
purchased on average 14 times per month, followed by bread (13.8),
snacks (6.1), fruits and vegetables (5.5), soft drinks, juices (5),
cheese, processed meat products (4.8), meat, and fish (4.6 purchases per
month). The study on shopping behavior surveyed 753 women aged 18-64,
who are responsible for doing the household shopping. Over 80% had
visited supermarkets and hypermarkets in the last three months, 7% of
the sample shop twice a week, 39% once a week, 22% twice a month, 7%
every ten days, and 21% of the sample shop once a month.

Greek households spend 16.9% of their incomes on food purchases, 17% in
rent or home maintenance, while the expense on dining out and vacation
represents 15.5% of income. Consumer loyalty to well-known brands, which
have dominated the market for a number of years, seems to be weakening
due in part to economic recession and also to an increase in
lower-priced private label products. Packaging appears to be the
secondary factor affecting demand, followed by special offers for
various products.

Convenience and other small stores that cater to every day needs exist
throughout the neighborhoods of Athens and its suburbs. These are
beverage shops, mini markets, and kiosks, most of which have grown into
small general stores. The main reason for their existence is to cater to
the emergency needs of an area's inhabitants for products of everyday
consumption, particularly when big stores are closed or when it is
impractical to pay a visit to the supermarket. These shops can be called
\"small points of sale\" and constitute an integral traditional part of
the Greek market.

During the last year sales of private label brands have spread very
rapidly and are expected to occupy bigger shares in the current year.
Practically all chains have their own private labels on their shelves.
It is estimated that private labels cover 10% of total sales. The Greek
consumer, according to market's executives, has not yet fully accepted
their quality, therefore, the development rate by which private label
codes contribute to the chain's turnover does not exceed 1% per year.
According to a recent study, seven chains that were surveyed carried two
thousand private label items and they had plans to develop another 670
private labels. It is estimated that all big chains together carry more
than five thousand private labels.

Food safety, although not neglected by the average consumer, is still
not as big an issue in Greece as in some other EU countries. The
Hellenic Food Authority (HFA), is the authority which has full
responsibility for setting and implementing a control system for
companies producing, manufacturing and processing food products as well
as companies trading and distributing them up until the point they reach
the consumer. Food products including biotech ingredients should
indicate the presence of genetically modified organisms on their labels,
based on EU rules. Bulk ingredients, such as vegetable oil sourced from
GM crops, must be accompanied by certification by the exporter that the
product includes only EU-approved varieties. If the exporter makes a
good faith effort to exclude GM entirely, this too should be certified.
Non EU-approved GM varieties are not admissible. The GOG will conduct
its own testing to verify exporter certification.

Greece, as a member of the European Union (EU), fully complies with
about 90% of EU regulations. Labeling and ingredient legislation for all
food and agricultural products is based on EU rules and regulations.
Additionally, Greece maintains specific labeling and ingredient rules
for some food products under the Greek Food Code. Greece requires that
labels be in the Greek language. Multi-language labels are accepted.

Exporters are advised to have an experienced agent or joint venture
partner, with a suitable background, experience and extensive
sales/service network, who can offer full support to the end-user.

Food and beverage products of U.S. origin complying with EU rules and
regulations would not require special permits (nor they are subject to
special rules or regulations) for commercialization in Greece. However,
biotech products are handled quite strictly (see above). If a U.S. food
product, other than food supplements, conforms to any single EU member
state's rules and regulations it can then be transhipped and sold in any
other EU member state. For additional information on EU Import
Regulations and Procedures, please refer to:
[www.useu.be/agri/label.html.]{.underline}

# SECTION III. MARKET SECTOR STRUCTURE AND TRENDS

The retail sector is one of the most dynamic sectors in Greece, facing
rapid changes and competition as a result of the emergence of new
international grocery store chains and mergers of existing companies and
food processors.

There are about 850 industrial groups involved in food and beverage
production, including some of the biggest and most advanced companies,
with sales of approximately \$7.2 billion and net income of \$403
million. Aggressive takeovers, new market penetration abroad,
diversification, coalitions with multi‑national giants, and mergers
within the domestic industry characterize trends in this sector for the
coming years. The family structure of many Greek companies adapting to
new, advanced forms of organization to better exploit the opportunities
of the market. The use of electronic trade and new techniques and tools
is another goal of food enterprises.

The Hotel and Restaurant industry is one of the fastest growing sectors,
primarily due to the expected increase in tourism for the 2004 Olympic
Games. The size of the overall Hotel Restaurant and Catering (HRC) and
food service sector in Greece, which grew 9% between 1999-2001 reached
sales amounting 3.4 billion euros in 2001, an increase of more than 10%
from the previous year. The fast food sector's market in 2001 was 431.7
million euros, increased by 9.5% compared to 2000, while 2002 market
share is 487.8 million euros.

The run up to the Olympics is having a spill over effect among Greek
consumers as they are seeking to experience a wider range of
international foods. Frozen and readymade foods in particular are in
high demand. More than 11.5 million meals will be served in the Olympic
facilities during the Olympics and the Special Olympics. Catering
companies are also putting their efforts into properly covering not only
the needs of these two events, but also the needs of the wider Greek
market. Catering services for receptions outside of hotels recorded the
highest growth. Home catering service is in demand also with an annual
growth rate of 10‑15%. With the expected increase in tourism,
transportation food services are also anticipated to grow.

Greek food habits in the home are mostly traditional with a heavy
emphasis on the Mediterranean diet. Traditional foods, barrel feta,
Greek yellow cheeses, local desserts, olives, wine, traditional pasta
products, butter, cod, oil and salt preserved products are still a large
part of chains' sales. On the other hand, other trends are transforming
eating habits outside the home and are replacing the traditional
tavernas. There are changes in diet, more women working outside the home
(40% of women are in the work force), and there is more disposable
income, altogether combining to create a growing demand for convenience
and new and diverse eating opportunities outside of the home.

Ready meals in urban centers have in many cases replaced the traditional
way of preparing lunch or dinner at home. According to a recent survey
published in a food magazine, more than 50% of those included in the
sample (1,200 men and women, aged 18-64 years) , buy ready meals to eat
at home, men leading with 62%, and women following with 57%. Of those
consumers buying ready meals, the majority (69%) prefer pizzas, followed
by souvlaki (Greek traditional food) (45%), chicken (22%),
hamburgers/fast food (9%), pasta (8%), and Greek cooked food (5%).
Ordering food at home is common in urban areas and especially in Athens.
People of middle to upper income, aged 18-40 are the peak category.

In addition, the survey showed that consumers are increasingly turning
to organic products, and have reduced their consumption of beef as a
result of the recent beef-related food crisis (BSE). Fresh food is
preferred to frozen food, since the majority of people believe it is of
better quality, better taste and is preservative-free. Nevertheless, the
advantages of frozen foods such as their shelf life, economy, and
availability compared to fresh foods were admitted by the survey
participants. On the other hand, trade sources and food magazines report
the dynamic growth of the frozen food sector with favorable future
prospects which is based on the high quality of product and the fact
that these products are easy to prepare. The industrial units operating
in the sector are continually investing in equipment to secure high
product quality, while their research and development departments are
putting effort to explore the market, listening to what consumers want.
Another task of them is to produce safe products. As a result, the
market for frozen foodstuffs in Greece is continually growing.
Competition, however, is very strong among European companies making
Greek companies putting more effort to further improve product quality,
increase their production and innovate to create new products.

Another remarkable point of the survey, mentioned in the above
paragraph, was that the majority of the population believe that olive
oil is an essential part of their diet. Olive oil comes first among
consumer preferences with 96%. It also should be noted that percentages
for consumption between Athens, Thessaloniki and urban centers show a
big diversification.

Greek organic farming is one of the lowest organic farming shares in
Europe, but prospects for growth in the sector and in organically-grown
products are favorable in accordance with a recent study. The number of
enterprises operating in the processing of organic products, whose
numbers rose from 71 at the end of 1998 to an estimated 300 at the end
of 2001 have a continually rising trend.

Poultry farming, despite various problems faced over the last years, is
undergoing a period of growth which is expected to continue. According
to the Poultry Enterprises of Greece and trade sources, the growth is
due to a switch in consumer preferences in favor of white meat as a
result of the food crises in Europe on the one hand and on the
modernization of Greek poultry farms on the other. The change in eating
habits has also led to an increase in demand for eggs from free-range
hens. According to trade figures, total sales of Greek poultry in 2002
reached 265 mln euros.

The meat processing sector is also going through a transition to adapt
to new conditions. The Greek meat sector seems to be unable to meet the
market's demand and consumers' increasing attention to matters of
quality. The majority of existing meat enterprises do not have
appropriate infrastructure and in order to survive they must adhere to
quality standards imposed by EU Legislation. According to trade sources,
only 5% of the market conforms to quality standards, while during the
last three years the number of slaughterhouses in Greece has dropped to
20, but 15 of these do not meet specifications. As a consequence, 90% of
beef consumed in Greece is imported. Considering that meat holds an
important place in the Greek diet, the demand steadily return to normal
levels with consumers paying more attention to matters having to do with
safety and hygiene and in general requesting more detailed information
and products labeled by HACCP and ISO quality control certificates.
Greek consumers believe that domestically produced meat is free of
suspicion. New trends in the meat market favor higher quality, labeled
products, while organic meat is also on an upward trend, although only a
limited population can afford it and the organic meat market seems to
have a specific consumer public which is willing to pay for the
product's extra production cost.

The food crises that have been experienced in recent years in the meat
market, made consumers turn to other foodstuffs, such as pulses and
rice, whose markets had for years been stagnant. Pulses, which
constitute the basis for the Mediterranean diet on the one hand, are
healthy and economical. These two issues and their upward trend in
consumption influenced companies to turn to new types of products such
as organic and private label products. Demand for organic pulses is
forecast to rise, while branded products sales are recorded to be
approximately 35-40% of both pulses and rice sales, 50% is sold in bulk
and the remaining percentage is private label. Demand for private label
products is expected to increase, because all supermarket chains have
placed such products on their shelves and the volume of bulk sales will
shrink.

Greek companies producing frozen and salted fish are making significant
progress. The frozen seafood market records a steady growth in recent
years as a result of new product introductions and higher quality
standards. There is also an effect of food crises among other food
products which have switched consumer preferences to healthier
foodstuffs. These factors contributed to a rise in fish consumption. Per
capita fish consumption in Greece is 24 kg. First in preference is
codfish. Frozen fish faces competition from local fish farms. Greek fish
farming companies are producing mainly sea bass and sea bream.

The dried fruit and nut sector has also been through a stage of
reorganization and reform recently. The market favors companies that
offer high quality products at fair prices. Moreover, despite the fact
that per capita consumption of nuts in Greece is already one of the
highest in Europe (8 kg), future prospects remain favorable, as Greek
consumers are beginning to use nuts in cooking as well as snack food.
This is expected to lead to an expansion of the market.

Beer sales in Greece, although seasonal, with 70% taking place from May
to September, amounted 134.3 million euros in food stores. About 65-70%
of beer consumption takes place in the "cold" market (bar, cafes) and
30-35% is sold in markets in the "warm" market. The yearly per capita
consumption is 39-40 liters.

The value of the Greek wine market is estimated at 382 million euros or
equivalent to 310 million liters in volume, including bottled and bulk
wine. The quality of Greek wine industry has improved recently, while
production has declined. CY 2002 Greek production was 3,100,000 HL. Red
wine is reported to have better market potential than white wine in
Greece.

In the last few years, juice sales have increased in Greece. For Greek
consumers, juice signifies freshness, a healthy diet and a contemporary
style of living. This category is quite receptive to new trends and is
included in the functional foods. Juice sales in 2002 reached 147
million euros.

Dairy products hold a prominent place in the Greek foodstuff sector,
since dairy products represent a significant part of the Greek diet in
addition to their significant contribution to the Greek food and
beverage industry, with shares exceeding 15% of the total. Greek dairy
companies have begun the implementation of investment programs aiming at
strengthening their position in the market. Per capita cheese
consumption in Greece exceeds 26 kgs. The turnover from cheese
corresponds to 52% of the total dairy product sales. Feta cheese is the
leader of the market with sales amounting 140,000 tons, valued 1.1
million euros. The ice cream market, according to trade sources, is
forecast to show an average annual growth rate of 2-3%. The 2002 sales
valued 152 million euros, compared to 141 million euros in 2001. The per
capita consumption is 5 liters.

The selling factors and techniques that are applicable to Greece are
generally the same as those in other Western European countries.
Advertising and sales promotion are usually handled by one of many local
or locally stationed international companies. Advertising companies use
all types of media to reach target groups.

# SECTION IV. BEST HIGH-VALUE PRODUCT PROSPECTS

The Greek market provides best potential for U.S. products in the retail
and the HRI market especially due to the upcoming Olympics. The
following products are considered the products with the best prospect:

♦ Seafood products, mainly frozen

♦ Nuts and dried fruits

♦ Frozen Vegetables

♦ Other Frozen foods (French fries, dough, convenience foods)

♦ Dairy products

♦ Meat

♦ Snack foods

♦ Pulses

♦ Cereals

♦ Organic products

♦ Wine

♦ Beer

# SECTION V. KEY CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

For additional information and a list of private sector contacts, please
contact the Foreign Agricultural Service Office in Athens at the
following address:

Foreign Agricultural Service

American Embassy

8, Makedonon Str.

GR-101 60 Athens

Tel. ++30-210-720-2233

Fax: ++30-210-721-5264

[Email:AgAthens@usda.gov or]{.underline} <fasgr@ath.forthnet.gr>

FAS home page: [http://www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/)

# APPENDIX I. STATISTICS

## KEY TRADE AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

  ----------------------------------------------------------- -----------
  Agricultural Imports from All Countries (\$Mil) / U.S.      \$3,484 /
  Market Share (%) 1/                                         3%

  Consumer Food Imports from All Countries (\$Mil) /U.S.      \$1,980/ 1%
  Market Share (%)1/                                          

  Edible Fishery Imports From All Countries (\$Mil) /U.S.     \$ 113 / 3%
  Market Share (%) 1/                                         

  Total Population (Millions) / Annual Growth Rate (%)        11.0 / .5%

  Urban Population (Millions) / Annual Growth Rate (%)        7.0 / 0.2%

  Number of Major Metropolitan Areas 2/                       1

  Size of the Middle Class (Millions) / Growth Rate (%) 3/    6.5 / 0.2%

  Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (U.S. Dollars)            \$12,450

  Unemployment Rate (%)                                       9.7%

  Per Capita Food Expenditures (U.S. Dollars)                 \$2,500

  Percent of Female Population Employed 4/                    40%

  Exchange Rate (US\$1 -EURO)                                 .854
  ----------------------------------------------------------- -----------

Footnotes

1/ Use FAS's web-enabled UNTrade database (HS -digit option; Import
Market Share BICO 3-Year format)

2/Population in excess of 1,000,000

3/ Middle Class Income: \$19,000-28,000 annual earnings

4/ Percent against total number of women (15 years old or above)

## B. CONSUMER FOOD AND EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCT IMPORTS

#  

  --------------------- ----------------- ---------------------------- ----------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- --- ----------- ----- ---------- ---- ---------- ----- --- ---------- ------- -- ---------- ------- ---------- -------
  **Greek Imports of                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
  Agriculture, Fish &                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Forestry Products**                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

  **(In Millions of                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
  Dollars)**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                       **Imports                                                     **Imports                                              **U.S                                               
                                                                       from the                                                      from the                                               Market                                              
                                                                       World**                                                       U.S.**                                                 Share**                                             

  ** **                                                                **1999**            **2000**           **2001**               **1999**          **2000**        **2001**             **1999**              **2000**           **2001**   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  **BULK AGRICULTURAL                                                              458                473                483                     50               34              56                   11%                   7%                 12%
  TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                          **Wheat**                                93                 97                 92                      1                1               1                    0.26%                 0.17%              0.04%

                                          **Coarse Grains**                        62                 85                 93                      1                1               1                    0.52%                 0.56%              0.59%

                                          **Rice**                                 9                  9                  10                      1                0               1                    0.02%                 0%                 0.21%

                                          **Soybeans**                             60                 51                 77                      29               24              39                   49%                   47%                50%

                                          **Other Oilseeds**                       45                 38                 42                      14               3               11                   31%                   8%                 27%

                                          **Cotton**                               10                 11                 5                       1                0               1                    0.04%                 0%                 1%

                                          **Tobacco**                              102                96                 93                      2                2               2                    2%                    2%                 2%

                                          **Rubber & Allied Gums**                 4                  6                  6                       0                1               0                    0%                    0.04%              0%

                                          **Raw Coffee**                           29                 37                 28                      0                1               1                    0%                    0.01%              0.02%

                                          **Cocoa Beans**                          4                  4                  5                       0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Tea (Incl. Herb Tea)**                 2                  2                  3                       0                0               1                    0%                    0%                 0.12%

                                          **Raw Beet & Cane Sugar**                1                  1                  1                       0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Pulses**                               23                 23                 17                      4                4               3                    20%                   18%                17%

                                          **Peanuts**                              11                 10                 9                       1                1               1                    1%                    2%                 0.49%

                                          **Other Bulk Commodities**               3                  3                  3                       1                0               1                    0.12%                 0%                 0.52%

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  **INTERMEDIATE                                                                   496                473                466                     16               19              20                   3%                    4%                 4%
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                          **Wheat Flour**                          2                  2                  2                       1                0               1                    0.09%                 0%                 0.12%

                                          **Soybean Meal**                         26                 47                 46                      2                6               5                    9%                    13%                11%

                                          **Soybean Oil**                          1                  1                  1                       0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Vegetable Oils (Excl.                  73                 48                 57                      4                1               2                    5%                    1%                 4%
                                          Soybean Oil)**                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                          **Feeds & Fodders (Excl. Pet             86                 59                 60                      1                1               1                    0.62%                 0.75%              0.79%
                                          Foods)**                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                          **Live Animals**                         74                 68                 68                      1                1               1                    0.13%                 0.12%              0.01%

                                          **Hides & Skins**                        36                 34                 55                      4                5               7                    11%                   16%                13%

                                          **Animal Fats**                          1                  1                  1                       1                1               1                    39%                   29%                43%

                                          **Planting Seeds**                       26                 31                 35                      3                3               2                    12%                   11%                6%

                                          **Sugars, Sweeteners, &                  53                 62                 20                      1                1               1                    0.04%                 0.05%              0.03%
                                          Beverage Bases**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                          **Essential Oils**                       38                 46                 51                      1                1               1                    3%                    2%                 2%

                                          **Other Intermediate                     80                 73                 71                      1                1               1                    1%                    2%                 2%
                                          Products**                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  **CONSUMER-ORIENTED                                                              2,176              2,027              1,980                   20               18              17                   0.92%                 0.86%              0.84%
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                          **Snack Foods (Excl. Nuts)**             117                108                98                      1                1               1                    0.31%                 0.17%              0.12%

                                          **Breakfast Cereals &                    19                 17                 17                      1                0               1                    0.02%                 0%                 0.01%
                                          Pancake Mix**                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                          **Red Meats,                             618                586                505                     1                1               1                    0.01%                 0.01%              0.01%
                                          Fresh/Chilled/Frozen**                                                                                                                                                                                

                                          **Red Meats,                             34                 34                 37                      0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%
                                          Prepared/Preserved**                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                          **Poultry Meat**                         58                 55                 68                      0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Dairy Products (Excl.                  273                258                257                     1                0               0                    0.04%                 0%                 0%
                                          Cheese)**                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                          **Cheese**                               214                212                220                     0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Eggs & Products**                      10                 7                  10                      0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Fresh Fruit**                          113                90                 106                     2                1               1                    2%                    0.11%              0.60%

                                          **Fresh Vegetables**                     68                 46                 44                      1                1               0                    0.06%                 0.04%              0%

                                          **Processed Fruit &                      119                108                116                     2                2               2                    2%                    2%                 1%
                                          Vegetables**                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                          **Fruit & Vegetable Juices**             43                 39                 35                      2                2               2                    5%                    6%                 5%

                                          **Tree Nuts**                            40                 37                 45                      7                7               7                    17%                   18%                16%

                                          **Wine & Beer**                          48                 45                 54                      1                1               1                    1%                    0.28%              0.16%

                                          **Nursery Products & Cut                 47                 37                 30                      1                1               1                    0.15%                 0.02%              0.02%
                                          Flowers**                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                          **Pet Foods (Dog & Cat                   43                 39                 45                      2                1               1                    4%                    3%                 3%
                                          Food)**                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                          **Other Consumer-Oriented                313                307                294                     4                5               4                    1%                    2%                 1%
                                          Products**                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  **FOREST PRODUCTS                                                                324                313                293                     20               21              17                   6%                    7%                 6%
  (EXCL. PULP &                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
  PAPER)**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                          **Logs & Chips**                         37                 36                 35                      1                1               1                    0.06%                 0.09%              0.39%

                                          **Hardwood Lumber**                      42                 46                 53                      11               12              9                    27%                   26%                18%

                                          **Softwood and Treated                   86                 92                 83                      4                3               3                    5%                    3%                 3%
                                          Lumber**                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                          **Panel Products (Incl.                  101                89                 75                      4                5               4                    4%                    6%                 5%
                                          Plywood)**                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                          **Other Value-Added Wood                 59                 50                 47                      1                1               1                    1%                    1%                 1%
                                          Products**                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  **FISH & SEAFOOD                                                                 280                258                262                     6                7               5                    2%                    3%                 2%
  PRODUCTS**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                          **Salmon**                               7                  7                  7                       1                1               1                    0.76%                 3%                 7%

                                          **Surimi**                               1                  1                  1                       0                0               0                    0%                    0%                 0%

                                          **Crustaceans**                          29                 32                 34                      3                4               2                    10%                   13%                7%

                                          **Groundfish & Flatfish**                73                 66                 60                      1                0               1                    0.48%                 0%                 0.88%

                                          **Molluscs**                             67                 60                 64                      2                2               2                    3%                    3%                 3%

                                          **Other Fishery Products**               103                92                 96                      1                1               1                    0.19%                 0.16%              0.04%

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  **AGRICULTURAL                                                                   3,130              2,973              2,929                   87               70              92                   3%                    2%                 3%
  PRODUCTS TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  **AGRICULTURAL, FISH                                                             3,733              3,544              3,484                   113              98              115                  3%                    3%                 3%
  & FORESTRY TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                        ***NA - Data not                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                        available (not                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                        reported)                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                        Data: Harmonized                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                        Tariff Schedule                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                        (HS 6 Digit)***                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                        ***Source: FAS\'                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                        Global                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
                        Agricultural                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                        Trade System                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                        using data from                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                        the United                                                                                                                                                                                                              
                        Nations                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                        Statistical                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                        Office***                                                                                                                                                                                                               
  --------------------- ----------------- ---------------------------- ----------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- --- ----------- ----- ---------- ---- ---------- ----- --- ---------- ------- -- ---------- ------- ---------- -------

# C. TOP 15 SUPPLIERS OF CONSUMER FOODS AND EDIBLE FISHERY PRODUCTS

#### CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGRICULTURAL TOTAL - 400 

  ---------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
  **Reporting Country:\        **Import**                    
  Greece\                                                    
  Top 15 Ranking**                                           

                               **1999**       **2000**       **2001**

                               **1000\$**     **1000\$**     **1000\$**

  **Netherlands**              480,981        457,252        434,292

  **Germany**                  322,566        329,227        351,465

  **France**                   408,622        366,548        287,554

  **Italy**                    275,910        259,901        257,940

  **Belgium**                  93,719         90,163         108,823

  **Denmark**                  114,404        106,669        100,720

  **Spain**                    91,573         81,951         79,210

  **United Kingdom**           59,801         45,544         46,704

  **Turkey**                   19,594         19,674         32,412

  **Cote d\'Ivoire**           45,609         32,199         29,874

  **Ireland**                  35,304         27,870         23,831

  **Bulgaria**                 21,215         20,787         21,289

  **New Zealand**              14,616         16,682         19,803

  **Austria**                  22,666         21,213         19,216

  **United States**            20,077         17,526         16,641

  **Other**                    149,808        133,770        150,433

  **World**                    2,176,458      2,026,988      1,980,190
  ---------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ***NA - Data not available (not reported)       Data: Harmonized Tariff
  Schedule (HS 6 Digit)***

  ***Source: FAS\' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the
  United Nations Statistical Office***
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

#### FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCTS - 700 

  ------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
  **Reporting Country:\           **Import**                  
  Greece\                                                     
  Top 15 Ranking**                                            

                                  **1999**      **2000**      **2001**

                                  **1000\$**    **1000\$**    **1000\$**

  **Italy**                       42,694        39,571        32,296

  **Spain**                       20,754        25,102        27,840

  **Denmark**                     19,664        15,622        19,196

  **Morocco**                     21,491        15,877        19,052

  **Senegal**                     22,726        22,508        17,809

  **Netherlands**                 22,126        17,680        13,354

  **India**                       11,813        10,369        13,167

  **Turkey**                      8,131         7,158         9,795

  **New Zealand**                 6,389         5,107         9,356

  **Argentina**                   11,054        6,669         7,878

  **Germany**                     7,462         7,946         6,809

  **Sweden**                      9,788         7,651         6,376

  **France**                      6,668         6,554         5,688

  **United Kingdom**              6,162         5,809         5,378

  **United States**               5,748         6,596         5,182

  **Other**                       56,887        57,447        62,556

  **World**                       279,561       257,678       261,749
  ------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ***NA - Data not available (not reported)       Data: Harmonized Tariff
  Schedule (HS 6 Digit)***

  ***Source: FAS\' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the
  United Nations Statistical Office***
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------