Greece to double aquaculture production by 2030, with exports expected to be between 85 and 90% by then

Greece to double aquaculture production by 2030, with exports expected to be between 85 and 90% by then

ICEX Greece, the economic and commercial office of the Spanish Embassy in Athens, has prepared a study of the aquaculture market in Greece. According to the study, the Greek aquaculture sector (2017-2021 data) has 302 aquaculture farms, most of which are owned by small companies. Of these, three quarters are concentrated in three regions: the Aegean Islands, the Peloponnese and Thessaloniki, accounting for 82% of total Greek aquaculture production.

In terms of production, dominated by sea bass and sea bream, Greece was the main aquaculture producer in the EU in 2020, with a production of 122,100 tonnes, accounting for 24.14% of the total. Spain came in second with 63,176 tonnes, representing 12.5% ​​of the European total.

As for fish consumption, the ICEX report notes that it is closely linked to Greek cuisine, as well as religious factors. For this reason, fish imports increase during Lent. Per capita fish consumption in Greece in 2020 was 19 kg per capita, according to the latest annual report published by the Hellenic Mariculture Federation, which also highlights that most Greeks consume fish at least once a week and that freshness is the most important criterion for Greeks when purchasing fish.

As for the sector’s prospects, according to a study by the Hellenic Mariculture Federation, supported by ICEX, Greece will double its aquaculture production by 2030 to meet growing demand and maintain its leading position in the global market. The production volume is expected to reach around 220,000 tons, with exports accounting for 85 to 90% of the total production. Positive growth is forecast for the sector over the next few years, with an expected recovery in fish consumption due to the expected increase in tourism and the HORECA sector after the pandemic.