Soap bars and rganic surface-active products market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The Greek market for soap and organic surface-active products in bars declined steadily from 2018 to 2021, with market volume falling from 10 651 t to 6 567 t. This drop occurred despite growing consumer interest in organic and natural products, as overall consumption was constrained by economic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted global demand for hygiene items, but in Greece, economic restrictions limited any market expansion, and consumption remained on a downward path.

A turning point came in 2022 when the market ended its four-year decline and began to grow. Key drivers included a reduction in VAT on personal hygiene products to 6% in Greece, making soap more affordable, and the continued development of the organic and natural soap segment. The rise of e‑commerce and investments in supermarket networks also improved product distribution. At the same time, higher energy costs affected production expenses, as noted by industry leaders.

In 2023 and 2024, the market stabilized, with the trend toward natural and organic products continuing. Greek companies such as Papoutsanis invested in innovative, environmentally friendly production, while online sales maintained their upward trajectory.

Production soap bars and rganic surface-active products in Greece

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Greece's production of soap bars and organic surface-active products has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 22 745 thousand US dollars, marking a 33.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 99.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 25.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Greece's production volume of soap bars and organic surface-active products has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9 945 tonnes, showing a year-on-year increase of 30.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, production expanded by 101.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 26.3%.

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

Exports soap bars and rganic surface-active products from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Exports of soap bars and organic surface-active products from Greece have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 12 257 tonnes, up 49.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 201.6%, representing an annualized rate of 44.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Germany were consistently the top destinations for exports in kind. France accounted for 28.5% of exports, Italy for 13.7%, and Germany for 13.4%, together making up 55.6% 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, K $ US

The value of soap bars and organic surface-active products exported from Greece has increased for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 26 757 thousand US dollars, a sharp rise of 58.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 176.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 40.4%.

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

The country composition of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was quite dispersed. France led with 22.9% of exports, followed by Germany at 11.3% and Cyprus at 9.4%, together accounting for 43.7% of total flows. The remaining 56.3% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports soap bars and rganic surface-active products to Greece

Imports in kind, t

Greece's imports of soap bars and organic surface-active products have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 11 643 tonnes, which is 12.6% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Turkey, and Italy were the main sources for imports in kind. Germany accounted for 52.3% of imports, Turkey for 20.9%, and Italy for 6.2%, together comprising 79.5% 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, K $ US

In 2020, Greece's import value of soap bars and organic surface-active products amounted to 22 734 thousand US dollars, a 22.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 18 597 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Turkey, and Italy were the primary suppliers of soap bars and organic surface-active products to Greece in value terms. Germany accounted for 49.7% of imports, Turkey for 14.1%, and Italy for 7.0%, together making up 70.8% 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