Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 11/25/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** GR5028

GR5028

**Greece**

**Exporter Guide**

**An Introduction to the Greek Market**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Robin Gray

U.S. Embassy Rome

**Prepared by:**

Danae Synodinou

**Report Highlights:**

Greece is an import-dependent country with total CY 2004 agricultural
imports from the U.S. of \$128 million. The fastest-growing component of
Greece\'s agricultural imports from the U.S. are consumer ready
products, amounting to \$64 million in 2004 compared to \$27.2 million
in 2000, with tree nuts leading the category.

This report prepared by the FAS/Athens Office for U.S. exporters
provides information on Greece\'s economic situation, market structure,
exporter tips and best prospects for high-value food and agricultural
products.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Rome\[IT\]

\[GR\]

Table of Contents

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

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

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

[SECTION IV. BEST CONSUMER ORIENTED PRODUCT PROSPECTS
8](#section-iv.-best-consumer-oriented-product-prospects)

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

[APPENDIX 1. STATISTICS 11](#appendix-1.-statistics)

[TABLE A. KEY TRADE AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION FOR 2004
11](#table-a.-key-trade-and-demographic-information-for-2004)

[TABLE B. GREECE'S IMPORTS OF AGRICULTURE, FISH AND FORESTRY PRODUCTS
12](#table-b.-greeces-imports-of-agriculture-fish-and-forestry-products)

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

[CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGRICULTURAL TOTAL 400
14](#consumer-oriented-agricultural-total-400)

[FISH & SEAFOOD PRODUCTS 700 14](#fish-seafood-products-700)

# SECTION I. MARKET OVERVIEW

###### Economic Situation

Greece, an EU member state has a population of 11 million people. It is
import-dependent, with EU countries supplying the majority of imported
food products. In 2004, Greece's agricultural and food products annual
imports were valued at \$6.2 billion and exports were valued at \$3.2
billion. With a GDP of \$196.7 million and a 4.2 percent growth rate for
2004, higher than the European Union average, Greece's economic
prospects remain favorable. Its growth rate for 2006 is projected to be
around 3.8 percent. Per capita GDP in 2005 is estimated at over
\$20,000. Economic growth in the second quarter of 2005 was 3.7 percent
and the National Statistical Service of Greece (NSS) projects 3.5
percent growth by the end of the year. The general government debt
increased slightly in 2004 to 110.5% from 109.3%. Greece foresees a
reduction in the general government deficit to 3.6 percent of GDP in
2005 and 2.6 percent in 2006 from 6.6 percent in 2004. Inflation seems
to hold tight at 3.8 percent in October, dropping slightly form 3.9
percent in September. The average inflation for the year is expected to
be 3.6 percent. Greek unemployment was 9.6 percent in the second quarter
of 2005. Greece appears in the 46^th^ position in the list of
competitiveness, downgraded from the 37^th^ a year ago.

Greece's trade deficit fell by 3.0 percent in the January-July period
compared with the same period last year, according to the NSS. The NSS
reports that Greece's trade deficit fell to \$20 billion in the first
seven months of 2005 from \$20.7 billion in 2004. Greek household debt
to financial institutions surpassed \$75 billion at the end of August,
or 33.5 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product, according to
the Bank of Greece. Consumer loans surpassed \$25.25 billion in the same
period, increasing by 31.8 percent when compared with August 2004. The
retail sales turnover index rose 7.3 percent in August compared with the
same month last year, per NSS report, with 10.7 percent rise in the food
store index.

The National Council for Tourism reported encouraging growth in the
sector, as arrivals are running 5-8 percent above 2004 levels. The
government is helping to boost the tourist industry with incentives for
investment in special forms of tourism, such as spas, in order to extend
the tourist season. The target for the next decade is to attract 20
million tourists per year, while presently Greece receives approximately
14 million tourists per year.

Greece replaced its currency with the Euro on January 1, 2002, and it
participates in the Eurozone. However, a real convergence of the Greek
economy with the other EU countries has not yet been achieved and the
government aims to meet that target by 2010.

In 2004, total Greek imports from the U.S. amounted to \$127 million.
Consumer-oriented products comprised half of Greek imports from the
United States in 2004, and is the fastest-growing sector of Greece's
agricultural imports from the U.S. Major Greek imports of U.S. products
were: tree nuts \$35 million; forest products \$18 million, panting
seeds 14 million, tobacco 10 million, poultry meat (for transshipment to
Balkan countries) \$13 million. In 2004, bakery mixes recorded their
highest export level, reaching \$1.4 million. Greece's agricultural
exports to the U.S. in 2004 amounted to \$182, with processed fruit and
vegetable exports valued at \$76 million, followed by tobacco at \$38
million, cheese at \$14 million and olive oil at \$12 million.

###### Key Demographic Trends

Greece's population, as shown in the following table, is getting older,
with 16.71 percent of its population over 65 years of age. Greece's
birth rate is also one of the lowest in the world, with 104,420 births
in 2003. Deaths increased, reaching 105,529 in 2003 compared to 103,339
in 2002. There are about 1 million immigrants in Greece.

Population of Greece by sex and age groups (in million)

+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|                       | **C       |           |           |           |
|                       | ensuses** |           |           |           |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|                       | **1971**  | **1981**  | **1991**  | **2001**  |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| # Greece total        | **8.7**   | **9.8**   | **10.3**  | **11.0**  |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Males                 | 4.3       | 4.8       | 5.0       | 5.4       |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Females               | 4.4       | 5.0       | 5.3       | 5.6       |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|                       |           |           |           |           |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| 0-14 years            | 2.2       | 2.0       | 2.0       | 1.6       |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| 15- 64 years          | 5.6       | 6.1       | 6.9       | 7.5       |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| 65 years and over     | 0.9       | 1.2       | 0.44      | 1.9       |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|                       |           |           |           |           |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| **Percentage          |           |           |           |           |
| distribution %**      |           |           |           |           |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Males                 | 48.89     | 49.07     | 49.27     | 49.50     |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Females               | 51.11     | 50.93     | 50.73     | 50.50     |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
|                       |           |           |           |           |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| 0-14 years            | 25.36     | 23.69     | 19.25     | 5.18      |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| 15-64 years           | 63.72     | 63.58     | 67.06     | 68.12     |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| 65 years and over     | 10.92     | 12.73     | 13.69     | 16.71     |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+

Source: National Statistical Service

Of the total of 11.0 million people, 3.9 million live in the Athens
metropolitan area.

The average size household is 2.6 persons compared to 3.5 persons 10
years earlier. Increasing disposable incomes, 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.

43.6 percent of the female population is working outside home.

Socio-economic changes have significantly affected food trends in
Greece. Higher incomes, larger number of dual-income families, and an
increase in one-member households allows room for higher quality foods.
Consequently, consumer preferences are moving towards easy-to-prepare
meals and foods that deliver more health benefits.

Food safety, although not neglected by the average consumer, is still
not as big an issue in Greece as in some other European countries.
Forty-five percent of the population is interested in food safety issues
according to a recent survey. Moreover, food scares have caused the
higher-income population to seek healthier and organic foods, increasing
the demand for these products, as well as the demand for functional
foods.

Greeks are reported to be the largest consumers of tree nuts, (8 kg per
capita), while the per capita cheese and fish consumption each exceeds
24 kg.

Greeks work an average of 41.6 hours per week, as compared with the
EU-25 average of 37.4 hours, placing Greece third on the list of average
working hours in the EU. Part-time employment is not popular in Greece,
with only 4.9 percent of Greek workers in part-time jobs.

###### Advantages and Challenges for U.S. Exporters in Greece

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ###### **Advantages**             | **Challenges**                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Imports in the primary and        | There is increasing competition   |
| secondary sectors have risen and  | from EU-origin, imported foods.   |
| are expected to increase further  | Only a limited number of          |
| in the coming years.              | importers and distributors are    |
|                                   | aware of the varied and           |
|                                   | innovative U.S. food products     |
|                                   | that can be exported to meet      |
|                                   | Greek needs.                      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Greece's established tourist base | There is a need to educate the    |
| is growing in popularity          | Greek catering sector             |
| following the Olympics, resulting | representatives about the high    |
| in the expansion of an important  | quality, variety and availability |
| market for U.S. exports.          | of U.S. food products. U.S.       |
|                                   | exporters need to focus on        |
|                                   | innovative products to tempt      |
|                                   | Greek traders.                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| The exchange rate between the     | Price factor is determinant when  |
| dollar and the euro favors U.S.   | choosing food products for the    |
| exports.                          | HRI sector.                       |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Greek importers favor U.S.        | Average tariff levels remain      |
| products because of good quality  | high, resulting in an increase to |
| and wider variety.                | the products' price. GM labeling  |
|                                   | requirements, on the other hand,  |
|                                   | result in consumer concern, and   |
|                                   | in some cases an outright ban of  |
|                                   | food ingredients from the Greek   |
|                                   | market.                           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# 

# 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 the 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.

In Greece there are several department stores, supermarkets and chains.
There are about 3,350 supermarkets, of which 2,260 belong to supermarket
chains, with 730 of these located in the Athens metropolitan area.
Supermarket sales in 2004 reached \$10 billion compared to \$9.1 in
2003, with the top ten supermarket chains achieving sales of \$8
billion. Convenience stores and kiosks constitute an integral part of
the traditional Greek market. With an area of 1.95 square meters, Kiosks
are particularly important. There are over 18,000 Kiosks throughout
Greece and their combined sales are \$7.5 billion. Over fifty-five
percent of their sales are derived from tobacco products and fifteen
percent from food products, particularly dairy products, juices, and
colas.

A study conducted by the Center of Consumer's Protection in 2004 showed
that only 35% of the consumers read food labels. However, 9 out of 10
consumers want food labels to be more clear, informative and
understandable for the average person. As shown in the following table,
the majority of Greek consumers purchase food items once a week.

###### Frequency of Food Items Purchases Consumers' interest in food labeling 

![](media/image2.wmf) ![](media/image3.wmf)

Source: FoodService magazine

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. Sales last year of private label brands spread rapidly and are
expected to occupy a bigger share of the market in the coming years.
Estimates indicate that big supermarket chains in Greece carry more than
five thousand private labeled products.

Greece, as a member of the European Union, follows 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.
These are described in detail in the Greek Food Code published by the
General State Chemical Laboratory (GSCL). The GSCL is the Greek agency
responsible for label and product ingredient regulations. It also
performs laboratory tests for granting importation approval for
foodstuffs subject to approval. The Food Control Agency (EFET), on the
other hand, enforces the regulations and the collection of samples to
check compliance with EU Dir 89/397. Greece requires that labels be in
Greek, however multi-language labels are acceptable. For additional
information on food labeling, food standards, and regulations, please
refer to Post Food and Agricultural Regulations and Standards Report
(FAIRS), GR4021, available on internet website:
[http://www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/).

Specific agricultural and food products which are subject to inspections
and Greek restrictions include:

-   **Poultry, Meat, Fish, Dairy, Egg**: Products of third country
    origin must originate from plants included in the list of EU
    approved plants.

-   **Enriched/Bleached flour**: Greek regulations prohibit the
    importation of any products made from or including enriched/bleached
    flour.

-   **Nuts**: Imported nuts are subject to a random aflatoxin test at
    entry or at selling points. At port, usually one out of ten
    containers is sampled for aflatoxin. Public health certificates for
    row nuts imported into Greece are required in accordance with EU
    legislation in effect.

-   **Seeds:** Greek authorities require non-presence of transgenic
    material for imported cotton seeds, while for corn seeds the
    tolerance level set is 0.5% for corn varieties registered into EU
    variety catalogues. Wheat seeds are tested on a random basis for
    Karnal bunt, even it they are accompanied by USDA/APHIS
    phytosanitary certificates.

-   **Products derived from genetic modification.** Biotech products are
    handled strictly.

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.

# SECTION III. MARKET SECTOR STRUCTURE AND TRENDS

The retail sector in Greece is still growing and concentrating,
especially in metropolitan Athens. The sector is facing competition with
the emergence of new international chains and mergers of existing
companies and food processors. The food and beverage industry retains a
leading position among Greece's industrial sectors in profits,
productivity, innovation and dynamism. Greek companies in the food and
beverage sector have undertaken investments in machinery and
modernization, which have elevated it above than other sectors. However,
compared with international competitors, the Greek food and beverage
sector is still behind, with shortcomings in export marketing,
distribution networks abroad, promotion of products, and prestige.

Domestic food and beverage production comprises over 20 percent of total
Greek industrial production, with 1,300 companies employing 70,000
people. Between 1995 and 2004 the sector's production increased by 21
percent. Big and medium size enterprises, while only 20 percent of the
total number of companies in this sector, account for 92 percent of its
profits.

For more information on the retail market, please see the report
entitled Greece's Retail Food Sector on the FAS home page at
[http://www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/).

Tourism in Greece increased by 13 percent in 2005, over 2004, according
to data provided by the Bank of Greece, and resulted in an increase in
revenues of 3.9 percent. Greece ranks as the 15^th^ most popular tourist
destination in the world, receiving approximately 14.2 million tourists.
Greece is ranked 22^nd^ in the world Conference tourism sector, a
promising sector that has contributed to transforming Greece's tourism
industry into a four-season destination. Athens' International Airport
announced in early November that in the nine-month period, January to
September, it experienced a 6.5 percent increase in passenger traffic
over the same period last year. The total, during the January to
September period, reached 11.2 million passengers, ranking Athens
International Airport among the most rapidly growing large European
airports.

In Greece, the hotel/restaurant industry (HRI) food service sector has
also grown rapidly. The size of the overall HRI food service sector in
2003 was \$635 million. The sector is highly competitive but offers
opportunities for U.S. food ingredients. Ethnic foods, mainly Mexican,
show potential in the sector.

For more information on the retail market, please see the report
entitled Greece's HRI Food Service Sector on the FAS home page at
[http://www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/).

Greece's agricultural and food and beverage imports in 2004 were \$6.2
billion, of which \$3.6 billion were consumer-oriented products, mainly
meat (\$850 million), dairy products (\$410 million), and cheese (\$360
million). Greece's agricultural and food and beverage exports in 2004
were \$3.2 billion, of which \$189 million were destined to the U.S.
Greece exports mainly processed fruits (\$595 million), fresh fruits
(\$355 million), olive oil (\$185 million), tobacco (\$282 million), and
fresh fish (\$411 million). In Greece, one out of three products
consumed in the food and beverage sector is imported.

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 the many
local or locally stationed international companies. Advertising
companies use all types of media to reach target groups.

Greece, although behind the rest of Europe in the introduction of new
technologies, is beginning to show signs of growth. According to a
recent survey, the use of the internet remains low in Greece compared to
the rest of Europe. Only one in five Greeks (20.08 percent) use the
network, with only 17.9 percent of the population using it at least once
a week. However, among the youngest age groups (16-24 years old) and the
inhabitants of urban cities with higher education, access rates as high
as 42 percent are attained. The price of rapid internet service in
Greece remains high, compared with the rest of Europe.

# SECTION IV. BEST CONSUMER ORIENTED PRODUCT PROSPECTS

The Greek market holds good potential for U.S. products in both the
retail market and the HRI markets. The following product categories and
products are considered to have the best prospects.

**Frozen Products**: The frozen food sector is experiencing an upward
trend, although Greek per capita consumption of frozen products, at 12
kg, is among the lowest in Europe. In CY 2003 the size of the frozen
food products market, including vegetables, seafood, dough, desserts,
and ready-meals, reached \$438 million, with a volume of 130,000 tons.
Frozen vegetable sales in 2003 were \$60.8 million, a 14.6 percent
increase when compared with 2002. Dough sales amounted to \$90 million,
an increase of 5.26 percent over 2002. Although Greeks prefer fresh over
frozen products, they are starting to recognize the advantages of frozen
foods, such as shelf life, economy and availability.

The ready meal market size in 2004 was \$500 million, a 10 percent
increase over 2003, with favorable 2005 forecasts, especially for frozen
meals. The market is concentrated, with twelve companies making 68% of
the sales. The main competitors in ready meals include, first take out
food for home consumption, found mostly in urban areas such as Athens,
and second, fast foods.

**Nuts and dried fruits**: Sales in the nut and dried fruit sector is
also in an increasing trend. The market favors companies that offer high
quality products at fair prices. Large consumption (approx 65,000 tons)
coupled with the fact that local production cannot meet demand, provide
market potential for tree nut imports from the U.S., particularly in
almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and pecans.

**Snack foods** (sweet and salty): The consumption of snacks, both sweet
and salty, has an annual growth of 8.5 percent, up from previous years.
CY 2004 snack foods imports amounted \$226 million. Chocolate
consumption also shows an upward trend with a 1.5 percent annual growth
rate. However, consumption is relatively low in Greece (2.1 kg per
capita) compared to other European countries. Imported chocolate
products in 2004 amounted to 9,600 tons, compared to 8,500 tons in 2000.
Total consumption in 2004 reached 27,000 tons.

**Food ingredients**: Bakery and confectionary mixes, flours,
seasonings, fats, cereals, flavors and aromas, fruit fillings, etc. Food
ingredients are in demand for both the hotel and restaurant industry and
the food processing industry. Currently they are imported mainly from EU
countries.

**Frozen fish and seafood:** The consumption needs in this category are
primarily met through imported products. The frozen seafood market has
recorded a steady growth in recent years, primarily due to new product
introductions and higher quality standards, as well as consumer
preferences for healthier foods. The frozen seafood market continues to
show a steady increase, with 6% annual growth over the last several
years. This growth is expected to continue.

**Beverages**: Sales of juices in Greece have been increasing, and are
expected to continue to expand in the coming years. During CY 2004,
juice sales amounted to \$238 million, with long-life products
dominating the market, with sales of \$164 million. Cola products are
also popular in Greece. Greek sales of beer have been stable for a
number of years, with a market size of \$570 million in wholesale
prices. With a \$450 million wine market, and an expected continuing
upward trend in wine consumption, Greece is a promising market for
imported wines, especially when considering the limited local production
and high domestic production cost.

**Meat**: The Greek meat-processing sector is experiencing a transition
in adapting to new conditions. Local production is unable to meet market
demands and consumer quality preferences. Almost 90 percent of beef
consumed in Greece is imported. However, opportunities for U.S. beef are
limited given the import quota on meat and high prices of meat.

# SECTION V. KEY CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

For additional information, lists of private sector contacts, lists of
food shows in Greece and scheduled promotional events organized by our
office, please contact the Foreign Agricultural Service Office in Athens
at the following address:

Foreign Agricultural Service

American Embassy

91 Vasilissis Sophias Ave

GR-101 60 Athens

Tel. ++30-210-720-2233

Fax: ++30-210-721-5264

Email:AgAthens@usda.gov

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

U.S. Embassy home page:
[http://www.usemebassy.gr](http://www.usemebassy.gr/)

**GREEK GOVERNMENT AGENCIES**

Agency responsible for Greek labeling/product ingredient regulations:

**General State Chemical Laboratory**

Mr. Yiannis Chroneos, Director

Directorate of Foods

16, A. Tsoha Str, GR-115 21 Athens

Tel.: ++30-210-6479-251

Fax: ++30-210-6467-725

Email: <gxk-foodiv@ath.forthnet.gr>

Agency responsible for controlling food quality:

**Food Control Agency (EFET)**

Dr. Ioannis Vlemmas, President

5, Karystou Str., GR-115 53 Athens

Tel. ++30-210-6971-500

Fax: ++30-210-6971-501

Email: <info@efet.gr>

**Exchange Rates Used:**

Average 2003: \$1.00 = €0.925

Average 2004: \$1.00 = €0.810

Average Oct 2005 \$1.00 = €0.832

Source: Charleston Financial Management Center

# 

# 

# 

# 

# 

# 

# 

#  

# APPENDIX 1. STATISTICS

##  TABLE A. KEY TRADE AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION FOR 2004

  ----------------------------------------------------------- -----------
  Agricultural Imports from All Countries (\$Mil) / U.S.      \$5,196 /
  Market Share (%) 1/                                         3%

  Consumer Food Imports from All Countries (\$Mil) /U.S.      \$3,623/ 1%
  Market Share (%)1/                                          

  Edible Fishery Imports From All Countries (\$Mil) /U.S.     \$ 411 / 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) 5/                      6.5

  Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (U.S. Dollars)            \$17,880

  Unemployment Rate (%)                                       8.4%

  Per Capita Food Expenditures (U.S. Dollars)                 \$3,000

  Percent of Female Population Employed 4/                    43.6

  Exchange Rate (US\$1 --EURO) 6/                             .810
  ----------------------------------------------------------- -----------

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)

5/ Unofficial data

6/ Charleston Financial Management Center -- CY 2004 average

## TABLE B. GREECE'S IMPORTS OF AGRICULTURE, FISH AND FORESTRY PRODUCTS

## 

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

  **(In Millions of                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  Dollars)**                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

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

  ** **                                          **2002**            **2003**           **2004**               **2002**          **2003**         **2004**             **2002**           **2003**           **2004**   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  **BULK AGRICULTURAL                                        528                611                666                     54               53               31                   10%                9%                 5%
  TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                        **Wheat**                            165                185                168                     1                1                1                    0.01%              0.00%              0.01%

                        **Coarse Grains**                    40                 44                 64                      1                1                1                    0.40%              0.24%              0.11%

                        **Rice**                             13                 14                 17                      1                1                1                    0.14%              0.16%              0.29%

                        **Soybeans**                         76                 108                117                     37               43               8                    48%                40%                7%

                        **Other Oilseeds**                   44                 49                 59                      11               6                7                    24%                12%                11%

                        **Cotton**                           3                  12                 6                       0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Tobacco**                          104                109                126                     2                2                15                   2%                 2%                 12%

                        **Rubber & Allied Gums**             5                  8                  10                      0                1                1                    0%                 0.05%              0.48%

                        **Raw Coffee**                       24                 25                 35                      0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Cocoa Beans**                      8                  10                 7                       0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Tea (Incl. Herb Tea)**             3                  5                  4                       0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Raw Beet & Cane                    1                  1                  6                       1                1                0                    0.65%              0.11%              0%
                        Sugar**                                                                                                                                                                                         

                        **Pulses**                           29                 26                 28                      4                2                1                    13%                8%                 5%

                        **Peanuts**                          10                 11                 14                      1                1                1                    3%                 0.98%              0.36%

                        **Other Bulk                         3                  3                  5                       0                0                1                    0%                 0%                 0.41%
                        Commodities**                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  **INTERMEDIATE                                             490                754                907                     22               22               25                   5%                 3%                 3%
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                        **Wheat Flour**                      2                  3                  5                       0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Soybean Meal**                     49                 63                 104                     2                2                1                    4%                 3%                 0.08%

                        **Soybean Oil**                      1                  1                  1                       0                1                0                    0%                 0.40%              0%

                        **Vegetable Oils (Excl.              86                 191                157                     3                1                1                    4%                 0.32%              0.18%
                        Soybean Oil)**                                                                                                                                                                                  

                        **Feeds & Fodders (Excl.             47                 81                 79                      1                1                1                    0.75%              0.37%              0.47%
                        Pet Foods)**                                                                                                                                                                                    

                        **Live Animals**                     71                 88                 106                     0                1                1                    0%                 0.01%              0.25%

                        **Hides & Skins**                    49                 67                 78                      11               9                13                   23%                14%                16%

                        **Animal Fats**                      1                  1                  2                       1                0                0                    32%                0%                 0%

                        **Planting Seeds**                   34                 44                 57                      2                8                9                    7%                 19%                15%

                        **Sugars, Sweeteners, &              21                 40                 117                     1                1                1                    0.23%              0.24%              0.11%
                        Beverage Bases**                                                                                                                                                                                

                        **Essential Oils**                   47                 69                 81                      1                1                1                    2%                 1%                 0.88%

                        **Other Intermediate                 82                 107                119                     1                1                1                    1%                 1%                 1%
                        Products**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  **CONSUMER-ORIENTED                                        2,463              3,105              3,623                   25               38               49                   1%                 1%                 1%
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                        **Snack Foods (Excl.                 139                189                226                     1                1                2                    0.09%              0.14%              0.84%
                        Nuts)**                                                                                                                                                                                         

                        **Breakfast Cereals &                26                 40                 64                      1                1                0                    0.02%              0.01%              0%
                        Pancake Mix**                                                                                                                                                                                   

                        **Red Meats,                         613                743                848                     1                1                1                    0.01%              0.00%              0.00%
                        Fresh/Chilled/Frozen**                                                                                                                                                                          

                        **Red Meats,                         53                 66                 81                      0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%
                        Prepared/Preserved**                                                                                                                                                                            

                        **Poultry Meat**                     86                 99                 114                     0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Dairy Products (Excl.              282                396                409                     0                1                1                    0%                 0.01%              0.00%
                        Cheese)**                                                                                                                                                                                       

                        **Cheese**                           272                297                360                     0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Eggs & Products**                  10                 12                 18                      0                0                0                    0%                 0%                 0%

                        **Fresh Fruit**                      124                170                221                     2                1                1                    1%                 0.60%              0.17%

                        **Fresh Vegetables**                 82                 117                134                     1                0                0                    0.06%              0%                 0%

                        **Processed Fruit &                  154                204                232                     3                4                3                    2%                 2%                 1%
                        Vegetables**                                                                                                                                                                                    

                        **Fruit & Vegetable                  43                 56                 67                      2                1                2                    4%                 2%                 3%
                        Juices**                                                                                                                                                                                        

                        **Tree Nuts**                        65                 85                 106                     12               24               35                   19%                28%                33%

                        **Wine & Beer**                      89                 61                 76                      1                1                1                    0.04%              0.12%              0.20%

                        **Nursery Products & Cut             41                 55                 73                      0                1                1                    0%                 0.00%              0.01%
                        Flowers**                                                                                                                                                                                       

                        **Pet Foods (Dog & Cat               65                 67                 77                      2                1                2                    2%                 2%                 2%
                        Food)**                                                                                                                                                                                         

                        **Other                              320                449                517                     5                5                5                    1%                 1%                 0.95%
                        Consumer-Oriented                                                                                                                                                                               
                        Products**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  **FOREST PRODUCTS                                          424                491                575                     20               20               22                   5%                 4%                 4%
  (EXCL. PULP &                                                                                                                                                                                                         
  PAPER)**                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                        **Logs & Chips**                     31                 40                 50                      1                1                1                    0.12%              0.07%              0.10%

                        **Hardwood Lumber**                  72                 56                 74                      12               11               11                   17%                20%                15%

                        **Softwood and Treated               166                156                147                     3                3                3                    2%                 2%                 2%
                        Lumber**                                                                                                                                                                                        

                        **Panel Products (Incl.              81                 134                163                     4                5                7                    5%                 4%                 4%
                        Plywood)**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                        **Other Value-Added Wood             74                 105                140                     1                1                1                    0.54%              0.86%              0.56%
                        Products**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  **FISH & SEAFOOD                                           316                380                411                     2                2                3                    0.66%              0.61%              0.77%
  PRODUCTS**                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                        **Salmon**                           11                 13                 18                      1                1                1                    0.51%              0.34%              0.44%

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

                        **Crustaceans**                      32                 43                 45                      1                1                1                    2%                 0.83%              0.85%

                        **Groundfish &                       62                 72                 94                      1                1                1                    0.74%              0.34%              0.38%
                        Flatfish**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                        **Molluscs**                         92                 112                90                      1                2                2                    1%                 1%                 2%

                        **Other Fishery                      119                139                163                     1                1                1                    0.04%              0.09%              0.10%
                        Products**                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  **AGRICULTURAL                                             3,482              4,471              5,196                   101              113              105                  3%                 3%                 2%
  PRODUCTS TOTAL**                                                                                                                                                                                                      

  **AGRICULTURAL, FISH                                       4,221              5,341              6,182                   123              136              130                  3%                 3%                 2%
  & 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***
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

##  

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

#### CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGRICULTURAL TOTAL 400 

  ----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
  **Greece Imports as derived\        **Import**                
  from available Exporter Data\                                 
  Top 15 Ranking**                                              

                                      **2002**     **2003**     **2004**

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

  **France**                          400,558      554,762      619,272

  **Germany**                         330,037      444,914      553,086

  **Italy**                           373,110      434,974      512,173

  **United Kingdom**                  62,186       70,428       85,877

  **Turkey**                          39,865       55,061       80,738

  **United States**                   40,508       60,525       62,367

  **Austria**                         32,340       53,042       58,254

  **Ireland**                         33,579       39,074       46,365

  **New Zealand**                     18,580       19,019       22,065

  **Romania**                         8,591        11,650       19,401

  **Macedonia (Skopje)**              8,635        11,067       18,995

  **Brazil**                          7,149        7,852        16,526

  **Finland**                         10,706       12,792       15,760

  **Switzerland**                     11,771       13,566       14,392

  **China (Peoples Republic of)**     9,058        12,337       13,675

  **Other**                           958,622      1,183,594    42,541

  **Total**                           2,345,295    2,984,657    2,181,487
  ----------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ***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                                      |
|                                                                       |
|   ------                                                              |
| ------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ |
|   **Greece Imports as derived\         **Import**                     |
|   from available Exporter Data\                                       |
|   Top 15 Ranking**                                                    |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|                                    **2002**     **2003**     **2004** |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|                                  **1000\$**   **1000\$**   **1000\$** |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **Italy**                            40,115       36,031       40,606 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **Turkey**                           15,568       19,887       23,089 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **Norway**                           18,101       19,903       20,187 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **Iceland**                          12,372       16,549       17,407 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **Germany**                          11,298       13,809       13,421 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **France**                           7,711        10,475       11,113 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **United Kingdom**                   7,025        9,745        9,563 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **Australia**                        1,599        9,624        9,477 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **New Zealand**                      5,769        8,266        8,761 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **China (Peoples Republic of)**      1,288        3,856        5,913 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **Tunisia**                          3,550        3,800        5,250 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **South Africa**                     1,306        3,872        4,088 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **Canada**                           2,176        2,904        2,883 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **Singapore**                        1,608        1,470        2,672 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **United States**                    3,206        2,083        2,528 |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| **Other**                            163,077      179,581      12,912 |
|                                                                       |
|   *                                                                   |
| *Total**                            295,769      341,855      189,870 |
|   ------                                                              |
| ------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ |
|                                                                       |
|   ------------------------------------------------------------------  |
|   ***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***                            |
|   ------------------------------------------------------------------  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+