Samaras Eyes Food & Beverage Sector to Boost Economy

In 2013, Greek exports decreased 0.2% at 27.3 billion euros.
Speaking last week on Lesvos, Samaras discussed the focus should be: "...on processing agricultural produce in order to bring Greek products to international markets...Today, 200 large companies account for 85 percent of production while 17,000 small and medium-sized companies have huge potential", as reported by Kathimerini.

Greek agricultural exports did increase in 2013, by 3.5% to 4.75 billion euros, as determined by the Panhellenic Exporters Association. Along with industrial exports, food and beverage exports are the nation's leading export sector.

An example of Greek exports gaining financial strides in the international market, is Gaea Products SA's successful method. The food corporation that exports olive oil and flame-roasted red pepper, gains 82% of its purchasing from global markets. CEO Aris Kefalogiannis rightfully stated: "Survival depends on successfully exporting the best products of Greek Mother Earth".

In April, Gaea Kalamata products won the New York International Olive Oil Competition's gold medal. The company's foreign sales have increased 18% per year on average, and currently sells to 26 nations.

The company sells to a wide variety of countries, including Germany and the United States.  Last month, Gaea Kalamata product won a gold medal at the New York International Olive Oil Competition.