Ouzo is the flagship of Greece's spirits exports

There are products that contribute to the economy and identity of the place where they are produced. But none of them is as strongly associated with the culture of the Greek people as ouzo.

It is considered the national drink of Greece and is present everywhere in the lives of Greek residents (in advertising, in songs, at feasts). Ouzo remains the flagship of Greek alcoholic beverage exports, consistently occupying the first place. There are many traditions associated with the consumption of ouzo that make this drink special in Greek culture:

• Meze: Ouzo is often served with meze, small appetizers such as olives, feta cheese, squid, octopus, and other seafood. This helps to soften the strength of the drink and makes the process of drinking it more enjoyable.
• Feasts, get-togethers: Ouzo is usually drunk in the company of friends and family. It is a drink that promotes communication and fun.
• Dilution with water: Traditionally, ouzo is diluted with water, which gives it a milky white color. This also helps to bring out the aromatic properties of the drink.
• Slow process: ouzo is not drunk in one gulp. It is consumed slowly, enjoying every sip and snacks.
• Special cases: Ouzo is often served at festivals, weddings and other special occasions, highlighting its importance in Greek culture.

These traditions make the use of ouzo not just a drinking process, but a real ritual that brings people together.

As can be seen from recent Eurostat data processed by the Association of Greek Spirits and Alcohol Producers (SEAOP), the great “hero” of Greek spirits exports remains ouzo, although it has to compete with similar drinks from countries such as Italy, Spain, France, etc.

Ouzo has gained international recognition for its high quality. According to SEAOP, over the past 5 years, the export of the spirit has shown a 45% increase in value in euros and an 8% increase in quantity in kilograms. Ouzo continues to hold its position as the number one exporter of Greek alcoholic beveragesaccounting for 59% of the euro value and 71% of the kilogram quantity of total Greek alcoholic beverage exports in the first half of 2024.

European countries continue to hold the lead in value and quantity among all ouzo destinations. Germany is in first place with 43% of the total by value and 46.6% by quantity, followed by Bulgaria with 20.3% by value and 16.5% by quantity, and Iraq in third place with 19.3% by value and 19.8% by quantity.

It is worth noting that in the first half of 2024, total Greek alcoholic beverage exports showed a positive growth rate both in value and quantity terms, in contrast to European exports, the value of which decreased by 7.75% over the same period.

There are many interesting legends and stories associated with ouzo. Here are some of them:

• Origin of the name: One legend says that the name “ouzo” comes from the Italian phrase “uso Massalia” (for use in Marseille), which was written on the boxes of aniseed spirit exported from Greece to Marseille. Over time, this phrase was shortened to “ouzo”.

• Monks and the recipe: There is a story that the recipe for ouzo was first created by monks on Mount Athos. They used anise and other herbs to create this unique drink.

• Myths about gods: In ancient Greek mythology, anise, the main ingredient of ouzo, was considered a sacred plant. The god Dionysus, patron of wine and fun, is said to have blessed the plant, making it popular in the production of alcoholic beverages.

• The story of sailors: It is said that Greek sailors always took ouzo with them on their voyages, as they believed that this drink brought good luck and protected against evil spirits.

These legends and stories highlight the cultural and historical significance of ouzo in Greece.

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