Frozen pork market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen pork market in Greece contracted from over 27,000 t in 2018 to under 15,000 t in 2020. This decline was underpinned by the country's structural reliance on imports, which cover about 70% of demand, and was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The health crisis reduced overall meat consumption, shifted consumer preferences toward poultry, and German meat companies simultaneously sought to enter the market, increasing competitive pressure.

Market volume rebounded to 26,000 t by 2022 as post‑pandemic consumption recovered, especially in the professional channel. During this period, product innovation emerged with CRETA FARMS launching frozen gyros made from specially bred Greek pork, creating a new product segment. African swine fever negatively affected pork production across the EU, creating external market challenges, but Greece's domestic output grew steadily.

The market continued its expansion, reaching 33,600 t in 2023, before moderating to 31,400 t in 2024. This phase reflected sustained demand and rising import volumes, while domestic production increased consistently throughout the period.

Production frozen pork in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Greece's frozen pork output was valued at 16 142 thousand US dollars, marking a 2.9% decline from 2019. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 16 626 thousand US dollars, which also saw the highest annual growth rate of 1.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Frozen pork production in Greece fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 3 705 tonnes, down 7.3% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2020, production dropped by 8.3%, translating to an average annual decline of 2.9%.

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

Exports frozen pork from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Greece's frozen pork export volumes decreased. In 2020, exports stood at 1 735 tonnes, a 19.9% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 10.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 168 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 24.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus were the leading destinations for Greece's frozen pork exports by volume. Bulgaria accounted for 22.0% of exports, Romania for 19.5%, and Cyprus for 15.2%, collectively making up 56.8% 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, K $ US

After two years of expansion, Greece's frozen pork exports in value terms contracted. In 2020, exports totaled 4 837 thousand US dollars, a 28.1% decrease year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 3%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.0%. The peak value was in 2019 at 6 725 thousand US dollars, which also saw the highest annual growth of 18.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania, Cyprus, and Germany were the top buyers of Greek frozen pork by value. Romania represented 22.1% of export value, Cyprus 17.7%, and Germany 12.8%, together accounting for 52.6% 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 frozen pork to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Greece's frozen pork imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 12 700 tonnes, down 40.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 42%, with an average annual decrease of 16.6%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 25 433 tonnes, which also recorded the largest annual rise of 16.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain, Denmark, and Germany were the main suppliers of frozen pork to Greece by volume. Spain contributed 49.4% of imports, Denmark 13.3%, and Germany 8.7%, collectively representing 71.4% of total import volume.

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, K $ US

Greece's frozen pork import value dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 38 034 thousand US dollars, a 35.1% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 33.5%, equating to an average annual fall of 12.7%. The peak value was in 2018 at 62 157 thousand US dollars, which also saw the highest annual increase of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Denmark, and Germany remained the primary sources for Greece's frozen pork imports by value. Spain accounted for 47.1% of import value, Denmark for 13.8%, and Germany for 9.9%, together making up 70.8% of total import flows.

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

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