Greek Food and Beverage (F&D) industry continues to be one of the most important sectors of the domestic economy and a driving force of the Greek manufacturing, which significantly affects total production. The F&D industry is a dynamic, competitive and extrovert industry, with significant investment activity in Greece, the Balkans and throughout Europe. With its quality Mediterranean produce, Greece’s 750 food and beverage companies account for more than one-third of the country’s total manufacturing output, while F&B exports have grown by almost 50% since the start of the crisis.
The direction of the domestic food and beverage industry must be such that it promotes openness and extraversion, product quality and the brand name for Greek food. The effective coordination and closer cooperation of the industry’s representatives can contribute to improving the promotion of the Greek products and to ensure the implementation of a long-term planning for the development of the industry, through the properly designed distribution channels. Promoting the quality and diversification of the Greek / Mediterranean cuisine, linking the food industry with the domestic agricultural production, but also with the services sector, such as restaurants, hotels, and tourism in general, promoting the synergies inside the sector, are all crucial steps for the supporting the Greek food products, by adding value and a dynamic for exports.
F&B is a privileged sector, offering many benefits to international entrepreneurs, and a promising future, as it will continue to be the steam engine of Greek manufacturing. Its low operating costs and the abundance of raw materials make it one of the most attractive sectors of the Greek economy. In addition, further development of small, local production and the reinforcement of competitiveness are key business drivers, together with further reinforcement of R&D and innovation at the industry level to respond to new consumer needs and preferences (for example, demand for convenience and specialized products based on safe, healthful and high quality ingredients). Finally, strategic alliances and further human resource development are key industry priorities in the immediate future.
Improving the competitiveness of Greek food industry and enhancing human resources, skills and the degree of specialization is another important factor for remaining a leading industry. Employment in the industry includes a broad range of disciplines and expertise in manufacturing and other fields. New technologies, innovation, research and development lead the trends at all stages of production and distribution in the food industry. The rapid changes make it necessary for the human capital of the sector to adapt quickly, flexibly and effectively to these changes and new requirements in the context of international competition.