Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of alimentary products make up the profile of the average Greek exporting company, according to a report released by the Panhellenic Federation of Exporters (PFE) on January 15.

The survey data show that the region of Attica leads the way, accounting for 52% of the total Greek exports, followed by Macedonia, Central Greece and the Peloponnese, each with 5.0%.

The food sector tops the exports list with an overwhelming 30%, followed by machinery and equipment (10%), transport (6.6%), and printing and packaging (6.6%).

The report underlines the fact that during the last two years more than 2000 Greek enterprises expanded abroad as a way to respond to the fiscal crisis enhancing their viability, maintaining jobs and increasing their turnover. The survey was conducted using a sample of 1162 enterprises registered with PFE in the period 2010-2011 and could prove to be a useful tool towards "an even more efficient and focused national export strategy," commented the president of the Federation, Christina Sakelaridi.

Meanwhile, Greece's trade deficit fell to 13.2 billion euro in the 10-month period January-October 2012, also marking a 13% exports increase in comparison to 2011, according to a Eurostat report released on Tuesday.

Greek News Agenda: Greek Food Exports on the Rise & Things Look Peachy for Greek Exports; See also: Greek Exporters.gr

Cretan products are well placed to attract markets in the Middle East, as they are of an excellent quality and enjoy an international reputation.


This message was conveyed by executives representing major supermarket chains from Kuwait and Lebanon, following a series of meetings with local business leaders, in Chania. Products presented to potential foreign importers include olive oil, olives, rusks, honey, cheese, jams and marmalades.