The significant contribution of the industry food and drink In the Greek economy and society, as well as the need to enhance the competitiveness and the resilience of the industry, this year’s General Assembly of the Hellenic Food and Beverage Association (SEVT), entitled “Food & Beverage Industry in Greece and Europe: Trying in an ever -changing environment”.
The Greek Food and Beverage Industry is a key pillar of the Greek economy and firmly ranks first in manufacturing, representing 27.7% of the sector businesses, with turnover reaching 20 billion euros, and is the largest employer in manufacturing with more than 376,000 direct and indirect jobs. Exports.
As part of the event, the new commercial map, the impact of the climate crisis that lead to raw material cost increases and affecting the adequacy of basic species, as well as the demographic problem that is particularly concerned with our country, stood out as the main challenges.
At the same time, Emphasis was placed on the actions and priorities of the SEVT on nutrition, health, safety, sustainable development, but also on the continued support of Greek society in emergency situations and the promotion of innovation, through university interconnection initiatives.
In addition, with the aim of ensuring the free and smooth functioning of the market and the viability of the industry, it was noted that SEVT as a stable interlocutor with the state remains in open dialogue with the relevant ministries, on all issues related to competitiveness and extroversion of the industry, but also for the industry, but also for the industry. (Drs).
With a vision of leading the food and beverage industry to the next day, creating long -term value for its members, consumers, society and economy, the President of the SEVT Mr. Ioannis Yiotis in his opening position, said that the industry is still in the opening industry.
At the same time, it is called and ensured by time, under each condition, food adequacy and consumer access to safe and affordable products, while remaining steadily on the side of households, having absorbed and continued to absorb generous ratings, which is also reflected in the maintenance of the Europe.
As part of the event, greeting addressed The Minister of Development, Takis Theodorakoswho stressed that: “The food industry is a productivity pillar of the Greek economy, part of the daily life of every household and ambassador of Greek product quality in international markets”, while sending a double message to protect the consumer with better prices and support for production. As he pointed out: “Our common goal is better prices and better quality” and referred to two major reforms promoted by the Ministry of Development: the establishment of a modern national quality policy, with the aim of “Made in Greece” to make a powerful brand of confidence and extroversion for Greek production and Greek production. They are applied with transparency, consistency and real exchange rate for everyone.
Respectively, IOBE General Manager and Professor OPA, Nikos Vettas A presentation on international economic developments and the role of the food industry in the Greek economy and society, and then, the Vice -President and General Manager of Circana Hellas Panagiotis Bortos, highlighted “consumer trends and prospects in an environment of constant change”.
Finally, there was a debate panel entitled “European Political and Global Developments in the Food Industry – What to Wait in the coming years”, which was attended by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras, the Director General of IOBE Sevet, John Giotis.
Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaraswith a central message, the need to form a coherent strategic plan for the agri -food chain, he emphasized that “in order to support the food industry as a whole, the smooth flow from the field to the shelf – from the production, that is, to the point of allocation of products in the Greek and European markets”. In this context, he referred to the decisive role of the new joint agricultural policy and national strategic plans, arguing that “the policy for the primary sector is not only the management of economic funds in a five -year horizon. It is the main tool of stability and planning for Greek production, and the only way to achieve medium-term goals. ” At the same time, the minister highlighted the resilience as the new issue, leaving behind general references to development and sustainability.
On his side, SEVT President John Giotis Referring to the impact of the climate crisis, he stressed that no branded industry is seeking opportunistically high prices, as accuracy is the worst enemy of the food and beverage industry, and stressed that it is necessary to have national incentives for more investment in the enhancement of domestic production.
The General Manager of Fooddrinkeurope, Dirk Jacobs He said: “The food and drink industry in Greece, as in the rest of Europe, continues to face serious challenges due to duties, inflationary pressures and climate change. Despite its strategic importance, agri -food often does not receive the necessary political attention – beyond a common vision, it is crucial to have immediate action by the EU and the competent bodies in Greece to ensure its competitiveness and durability. “
Finally, Mr Vettas pointed out that “the Greek economy is in a strong growth orbit that systematically exceeds the European average, but chronic weaknesses, such as the relatively low productivity that also affects external trade balance, have not yet been mitigated to the desired degree. In a European and global environment where uncertainty is intensifying, burdening the framework for investment and international trade, domestic processing, and within it the food industry must certainly be protected from fluctuations and take advantage of the opportunities created. “
At the closure of the event, Mr. Yiotis said that “it is time for the Greek citizen to feel proud of his industry, the food and beverage industry, whose products are available in every corner of Greece, but also in every corner of the globe”, stressing that “we do not operate. You need a fixed framework of smooth operation. A framework that promotes competitiveness and extroversion. A framework that will allow us to continue working for a food and drink industry more powerful, more efficient, more durable and more viable for the benefit of our people, consumers, the Greek economy and society. “