An online briefing aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between Greece and Australia was held on 17 December 2025, building on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2024 between key chambers and industry bodies in both countries.
Held within the framework of cooperation between the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI), the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session was delivered in collaboration with Enterprise Greece and industry partners.
The briefing brought together institutional leaders, exporters and business representatives from Greece and Australia, with a focus on opportunities within the Greek food and beverage sector, investment pathways, and prospects for deeper bilateral commercial engagement.
Export growth and untapped potential
The event featured presentations from SEVE, the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Enterprise Greece and FORUM SA, outlining the strong performance of Greece’s food sector, export trends to Australia, and upcoming opportunities for collaboration through trade missions and major exhibitions, including Food Expo 2026.
SEVE Executive Vice President Panagiotis Hassapis highlighted the significance of the Greek food sector, which represents approximately 25 per cent of total Greek exports. He noted that Greek exports to Australia increased by 35 per cent between 2020 and 2024, reaching €315 million, while emphasising that significant untapped potential remains.
Key Greek food exports to Australia include vegetables, cereals and dairy products, with the food and chemical sectors together accounting for nearly 70 per cent of total Greek exports to the Australian market.
Sector resilience, innovation and market access
Second Vice President of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry Panos Menexopoulos presented an overview of the Greek agricultural and food sector, describing it as strategically important and increasingly competitive.
He noted that Greek food and beverage exports reached €9.5 billion in 2024, reflecting strong growth driven by sector resilience, ongoing modernisation, and a continued focus on innovation, quality and compliance with international standards.
FORUM SA Managing Director Thanos Panagoulias outlined the organisation’s role in connecting Greek food and beverage producers with international markets, including Australia. He highlighted FOODEXPO, the largest food exhibition in Greece and Southeast Europe, which features a Hosted Buyers Program, structured B2B meetings and a pre-planning business platform.
Mr Panagoulias expressed interest in strengthening Australian participation, acknowledging challenges such as travel and accommodation costs, and offered to explore full hospitality packages for organised Australian delegations.
Investment outlook and next steps
Enterprise Greece CEO Marinos Giannopoulos presented Greece as a stable and competitive investment destination, citing strong economic performance, strategic geographic positioning and available investment incentives. He emphasised the growth potential of the food and beverage sector, which represents a significant share of Greek manufacturing and exports.
Reflecting on the briefing, outgoing HACCI National Federation Chair Dr Elena Limnios said the session demonstrated both capability and appetite for deeper engagement.
“This online briefing showcased the strength of Greece’s food industry and the appetite for deeper engagement from Australian businesses,” she said.
“As I conclude my term, I am proud of the collaborative spirit between HACCI and our MOU partners in Greece, including SEVE and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and I am confident this foundation will support even greater bilateral activity in the years ahead.”
Incoming HACCI National Federation Chair for 2026 Angela Tomazos said HACCI remained focused on delivering practical outcomes.
“HACCI is committed to fostering meaningful commercial pathways between Greece and Australia,” she said.
“Today’s session reinforced the opportunities before us — from investment to trade missions to sector-specific partnerships. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our MOU partners and our national HACCI network.”
Australia remains a strategic market for Greek exporters, particularly in food and beverage categories where Greece holds strong competitive advantages. While exports to Australia have experienced periods of relative stagnation, stakeholders noted there is considerable scope for renewed momentum.
Strong sector fundamentals — including export resilience, innovation, adherence to international standards and growing consumer demand for premium Mediterranean products — continue to position Greek food exports for further growth. With targeted market strategies, strengthened partnerships and enhanced market-access initiatives, Greek food exports to Australia are expected to expand further in the coming years.
Discussions between collaborating organisations are set to continue into early 2026, including the exploration of a coordinated business delegation and additional joint initiatives aligned with upcoming trade and investment events.
