16 September 2026
The Greek economy’s outward orientation is no longer measured solely by how many products leave Greece, but also by where they are headed. Greek food products have had a strong presence in European markets for years, but businesses are increasingly turning their attention to markets outside Europe.
The focus is on countries in the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf, where demand for imported food, the growth of organized retail, and the expansion of international trade networks are creating new opportunities for Greek products.
Food remains one of the main pillars of exports
The overall picture of Greek exports during the first half of 2026 was subdued, but food stood out as one of the sectors that contributed positively to sustaining export activity. According to a recent analysis by the National Bank of Greece, food was one of the key sectoral stabilizers of Greece’s external trade.
This development is particularly significant for the agri-food sector. From olive oil, olives, and dairy products to fresh fruit, processed foods, and products with a strong Greek identity, the range of products that can be exported from Greece is broad.
Europe remains a key destination and an important market for Greek exports. At the same time, however, the search for new markets is becoming increasingly important, especially at a time when companies are exploring ways to expand their international footprint.
The Persian Gulf is gaining greater prominence
Markets attracting growing interest include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
The GCC countries share a distinctive characteristic: they rely heavily on imports to meet their food needs. This creates a steady demand for international suppliers and, at the same time, a market in which the quality, safety, consistency, and reliability of the supply chain are of particular importance.
The United Arab Emirates also serves as a major trade and transit hub for the wider region. Dubai brings together importers, distributors, retailers, and foodservice companies from many markets, creating opportunities that extend beyond the borders of a single country.
For Greek products, this means that a presence in the region can be part of a broader growth strategy in the Middle East.
From Market Presence to Building Stable Networks
The growing activity of Greek companies in the region is also reflected at international trade shows. Gulfood in Dubai once again featured a strong Greek presence in 2026, with 75 Greek companies participating through Enterprise Greece.
In the coming months, the momentum continues with the Saudi Food Show in Jeddah, where Greece will once again have an organized presence. At the same time, Greek companies are already showcasing products such as olives, olive oil, cheese, fruit, and other processed foods, seeking partnerships with retailers, distributors, and foodservice operators in the region.
This development highlights an important point: export activity is no longer limited to simply introducing a product to a foreign market. It is necessary to build relationships, networks, and stable channels of access to consumers.
Greek Identity Finds a Home in the Gulf
Another factor working in favor of Greek products is the international recognition of the Greek diet.
Greece’s association with the Mediterranean diet, olive oil, feta cheese, fruits, vegetables, and, more broadly, the quality of its raw materials creates a positive foundation for Greek products to enter Gulf markets.
The challenge is to transform this positive image into a stable commercial presence. It is not enough for a product to simply be Greek. It must be available, properly positioned, consistent in quality, and tailored to the needs of its target market.
The next step is expansion
The trajectory of Greek exports shows that food products can be one of the key drivers of further expansion abroad. Europe remains important, but the markets of the Middle East offer a different arena for growth, with the Persian Gulf gradually gaining a more prominent position on the map of Greek business opportunities.
For Greek companies, the goal now is to transition from occasional exports to a stable presence.
And the more Greek products find their way onto store shelves, into restaurants, and into the distribution networks of Gulf markets, the more this outward-looking approach can evolve from isolated commercial activity into a stable component of Greek businesses’ growth.