Turkey now supplies 23.11% of Greece's fish imports, driven by rising seafood demand and processing equipment needs.
The report from the Thessaloniki Trade Attaché indicates a significant increase in Greece's imports of fish processing machines, refrigeration systems, and net systems in recent years, with Turkey emerging as a prominent supplier in these areas.
Vacationers in the Greek islands often mention that seafood is "very cheap," with fish imported from Turkey.
According to the "Greece Seafood Sector Market Research Report" prepared by the Thessaloniki Trade Attaché of the Ministry of Trade and published last November, one in every five fish imported by Greece comes from Turkey.
The report states that Turkey ranks first among the top ten countries from which Greece imports fish, with an import value of $169.3 million and a share of 23.11%. Spain follows in second place with an 11.48% share and an import value of $84.1 million, while the Netherlands ranks third with $69.5 million and a share of 9.48%. Other countries in the ranking include India, Ecuador, Sweden, Argentina, China, New Zealand, and the Czech Republic.
The "Greece Seafood Sector Market Research Report" summarizes Greece's seafood sector and production level, stating: "The seafood sector encompasses a broad economic activity that includes the production, processing, marketing, and related services of all living resources obtained from marine, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems."
The development of capture fisheries in Greece is limited; technological investments are not increasing efficiency as rapidly as in aquaculture. In fact, capture fisheries are either stable or show a slight declining trend in volume, indicating that the increase in total seafood production largely comes from aquaculture. The processing and preservation industry is also showing growth, but it remains behind aquaculture. Although accessing data in the equipment and service sector is challenging, it is considered a segment with high growth potential.
According to a statement from Enterprise Greece (the Greek Investment and Trade Agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), approximately two-thirds of Greece's seafood production comes from aquaculture, while the remaining third comes from capture fisheries.
Most of the sea bass and bream imports come from Turkey.
The report states that within the European Union, Greece ranks first in marine fish production, particularly in sea bream and sea bass, alongside Spain. However, nearly all of its imports of these products come from Turkey. Approximately 80% of the country's production is exported, and large firms conduct their feed, fry, farming, processing, and export activities under an integrated structure. Due to this integrated structure, the need for external supply is concentrated more on machinery, equipment, sensors, chemical additives, and packaging technologies.
In recent years, a significant increase has been observed in the imports of fish processing machines, refrigeration systems, and net systems. Thanks to its geographical proximity, competitive cost structure, and sectoral experience, Turkey stands out as a prominent supplier for Greece in these areas. However, Turkey does not rank among the top suppliers for the import of this equipment. Alongside the increase in fish processing capacity, the production of fish oil and extracts is also developing, with Greece continuing to be a net importing country in this segment. It is noted that more exports can be made from Turkey to Greece in this area.
The report highlights that Greece, due to its Mediterranean climate and rich marine resources, is one of Europe's leading seafood production and export centers. Particularly, species such as sea bream, sea bass, and tuna hold significant importance in both local consumption and exports. Therefore, firms operating in Greece's seafood sector need to effectively promote and market themselves in both the local market and the international arena. Sectoral fairs are among the most effective tools for promoting Greece's seafood sector. For instance, the Detrop fair held in Thessaloniki is one of Greece's largest events in the food and seafood sector and provides an important platform for the promotion of fish, canned, and processed seafood products.
The report states that the seafood sector encompasses a wide range from live fish to frozen and ready-to-eat products, canned and processed products, and fish oil and fish meal, providing insights about consumer preferences in the country: "Each segment varies in terms of consumer expectations and market trends. Live and chilled fish are preferred by consumers seeking freshness. Ethical and sustainable production directly influences purchasing decisions. Frozen and ready-to-eat products offer quick and practical solutions that align with modern lifestyles. Packaging and ease of use are important criteria for consumers.
Canned and processed products stand out for their durability and quick preparation advantages. Nutritional value and sustainable resource usage are decisive factors for buyers. By-products such as fish oil and fish meal are in demand in both the processing industry and the functional food market; quality and content transparency are critical here.
Overall, sustainability, traceability, ease of use, and quality are the key criteria shaping consumer preferences across all segments.
The report outlines the opportunities for Turkish exporters in the Greek seafood market as follows:
- The Greek seafood sector offers significant opportunities for exporters from Turkey due to its geographical location and high fish consumption.
- Fresh and chilled fish, especially products like Black Sea salmon and anchovies, stand out as priority export items due to the freshness and quality expectations of Greek consumers and the logistical advantages of proximity to Turkey.
- Frozen and processed seafood, particularly fillets, packaged ready-to-eat products, and canned fish, are in high demand for modern retail and horeca channels.
- In the import of processed products, Turkey could rank higher among the countries from which Greece imports, while Italy, Spain, Thailand, and Germany occupy the top four spots. Considering the aforementioned points, a significant position can be established in this area.
- Among by-products, fish meal, fish oil, and fish feed are in demand in both the animal feed sector and the dietary supplement market, creating opportunities for supply from Turkey.
- Seafood production and processing equipment are also in demand from Greek manufacturers, with packaging and freezing machines, cold chain equipment, and aquaculture systems being priority segments.
- Regionally, Turkey's Black Sea and Western Anatolia coasts offer rapid and low-cost logistical advantages to Greece, while the Greek islands and coastal tourism regions create attractive targets for exports with seasonal demand increases.
- In marketing, highlights such as "Source from the Black Sea," "Turkish Salmon," and "fresh-chilled direct supply" support the differentiation of products. Sustainable production and international quality certifications (HACCP, ISO 22000) stand out as trust factors for both Greece and the domestic market.
In conclusion, the Greek market presents high opportunities for Turkish exporters in fresh and chilled fish, frozen and processed products, by-products, and seafood equipment. With effective logistics, quality certifications, and appropriate packaging strategies, these opportunities can be transformed into competitive advantages.
- Turkey holds a strong position in the fresh/chilled fish segment aimed at the Greek market and can solidify its place in this segment. However, there is still diversity in terms of source countries for processed products, by-products, and equipment segments; this area is open to change.
- In the processed seafood segment (fillets, packaged fish, canned), Turkey can differentiate itself through quality certification, cold chain management, and packaging/value addition. It is clear that Greece is turning to significant import sources in this group, such as Italy and Spain. This creates an opportunity for Turkish exporters to "establish a presence."
- In the by-products area (fish oil, fish meal, feed), leading sources in Greece's imports include countries like Denmark, Spain, and Poland. Turkey may have a production advantage in this segment and can replace these countries.
- In equipment, products that provide supply-logistics infrastructure, such as processing machines and cold storage systems, Turkey's industrial capacity, proven in the machinery sector, its competitive strength in after-sales services, and regional logistical advantages may be attractive to Greek manufacturers. This also represents an export opportunity.
- Turkish salmon stands out as a product with high potential for export to Greece; with the right form, marketing, and logistics management, this potential can be converted into a competitive advantage. In 2023, exports worth approximately $396 million were realized. This can be explained by both the increase in production capacity and the strengthening of demand in foreign markets.
- When evaluated specifically for the Greek market, presenting Turkish salmon as "fresh" and "chilled" can create an advantage due to geographical proximity and logistical benefits. Greek consumers value quality, freshness, and traceability; thus, there is a suitable position for Turkish salmon.
In summary, as noted in the report, the Greek market for seafood is not only an export target for Turkey but also offers an opportunity to integrate into the European Union seafood chain. Turkish exporters can achieve a strong position in this market thanks to product quality, diversity, and freshness advantages. Particularly, Black Sea salmon is a rapidly growing demand area and can play an important role in opening Turkish brands to European tables. Sustainable success in Turkey's seafood exports to Greece will be possible through the simultaneous implementation of quality management, logistical reliability, branding, and environmentally friendly production strategies.
The report reminds that Turkey is one of the leading countries in seafood production in the Mediterranean Basin, stating that due to geographical proximity, product diversity, and advanced aquaculture infrastructure, the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean markets are natural export targets for Turkey. The report states: "In this context, Greece holds a strategic position due to both geographical proximity and being a gateway to the European Union (EU) market. Greece has a per capita annual seafood consumption of over 20 kilograms, which is above the EU average."
Source: www.denizhaber.com
