Fresh or chilled beef market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

Domestic production of fresh or chilled beef in Greece more than doubled from 13.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 29.4 thousand tons in 2024. The most significant increase took place between 2020 and 2021, when output jumped by over 50% to 21.9 thousand tons, setting the stage for continued growth in subsequent years.

The total market volume grew from 117.1 thousand tons to 129.6 thousand tons across the period, with imports remaining the primary supply source despite a slight decline in volume from 103.8 to 101.1 thousand tons. In value terms, the market expanded considerably from $571.4 million to $795.0 million, reflecting higher prices or a gradual shift toward more expensive beef cuts.

While import volumes softened, their value rose from $500.9 million to $678.0 million, indicating increased costs per ton. Exports, though still modest, grew from 0.4 to 1.0 thousand tons, suggesting a small but developing outward trade.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Greece's production of fresh or chilled beef experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 70 464 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 5.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 16.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 74 328 thousand US dollars, while the most significant increase was observed in 2018 with a 19.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of expansion, Greece's production of fresh or chilled beef in volume terms saw a downturn. In 2020, the country produced 14 099 tonnes, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 6.4%. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 13.2%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 062 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Greece

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Greece's exports of fresh or chilled beef in volume terms rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 0.5 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 42.3%. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 18.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.4 thousand tonnes, with the most significant drop occurring in 2018 at 42.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia were the top destinations for Greece's fresh or chilled beef exports in volume terms. Cyprus accounted for 31.6% of exports, Bulgaria for 23.8%, and North Macedonia for 15.1%. Together, these three countries represented 70.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Greece's exports of fresh or chilled beef in value terms grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 2.8 million US dollars, representing a 31.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 48.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Cyprus, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria were the leading buyers of fresh or chilled beef from Greece in value terms. Cyprus held a 42.2% share of exports, North Macedonia 18.9%, and Bulgaria 8.0%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 69.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Greece in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Greece

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Greece's imports of fresh or chilled beef in volume terms decreased. In 2020, imports totaled 101.4 thousand tonnes, down by 3.3% year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 104.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Italy were consistently the main sources for Greece's imports of fresh or chilled beef in volume terms. France accounted for 41.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 14.6%, and Italy for 11.9%. Together, these three countries made up 67.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Greece's imports of fresh or chilled beef in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 471.6 million US dollars, indicating a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 500.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 4.7% and the largest increase in 2018 at 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, France, the Netherlands, and Spain were the primary sources for Greece's imports of fresh or chilled beef in value terms. France represented 38.8% of imports, the Netherlands 17.8%, and Spain 10.7%. Combined, these three countries absorbed 67.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Greece in value, 2017-2020