Mr. Thanos Panagoulias, Chairman & CEO of FORUM SA, participated in an informative event organized by HACCI, SEVE, Enterprise Greece, and EBETH, aimed at strengthening trade relations between Greece and Australia and highlighting opportunities in the food sector and investments.

Within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in June 2024 between the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (HACCI), the Hellenic Exporters Association (SEVE), the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEP), and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH), an online informative event was held on December 17, 2025, with the collaboration of HACCI, SEVE, EBETH, EBEA, SEB, and Enterprise Greece. The initiative aims to create new channels for bilateral cooperation, bringing together institutional bodies, industry experts, and business representatives from Greece and Australia. The event highlighted opportunities in the Greek food and beverage sector, investment potential, and prospects for further trade cooperation.

The event brought together a wide range of institutional representatives, exporters, and business actors from Greece and Australia, with presentations by SEVE, EBETH, Enterprise Greece, and FORUM SA. The speakers presented the strong performance of the Greek food sector, export trends to Australia, and opportunities for collaboration through trade missions and major exhibitions such as Food Expo 2026.

Mr. Panagiotis Chasapis, Executive Vice President of SEVE, emphasized the importance of the food sector, which accounts for approximately 25% of total Greek exports. He noted that Greek exports to Australia increased by 35% during 2020–2024, reaching €315 million, while significant growth potential remains. Key Greek export products to Australia include vegetables, cereals, and dairy products, while the food and chemical sectors represent about 70% of total exports to the country.

Mr. Panos Menexopoulos, Vice President of EBETH, presented a comprehensive overview of the Greek agri-food sector, highlighting its strategic importance and recent export performance. He noted that food and beverage exports reached €9.5 billion in 2024, marking significant growth. His presentation emphasized the sector’s resilience, modernization efforts, and focus on innovation and quality.

Mr. Thanos Panagoulias, CEO of FORUM SA, presented the company’s role in connecting Greek food and beverage producers with international markets, including Australia. He introduced FOODEXPO — the most important food exhibition in Greece and Southeastern Europe — which includes the Hosted Buyers Program, B2B meetings, and a business planning platform. He expressed interest in enhancing Australian participation, offering full hospitality packages for organized missions.

Mr. Marinos Giannopoulos, CEO of Enterprise Greece, presented Greece as a stable and competitive investment destination, highlighting its strong economic performance, strategic geographic position, and generous investment incentives.

Outgoing President of HACCI National Federation, Dr. Elena Limniou, stated:
“This online briefing highlighted the dynamism of the Greek food sector and the strong interest of Australian businesses in further collaboration. As I conclude my term, I am proud of the spirit of cooperation between HACCI and our partners in Greece, including SEVE and EBETH, and I am confident that this foundation will support even greater bilateral activity in the coming years”.

The new President of HACCI National Federation for 2026, Angela Tomazos, emphasized:
“HACCI remains committed to creating meaningful trade channels between Greece and Australia. Today’s event confirmed the significant opportunities ahead of us — from investments to trade missions and targeted collaborations. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with our Greek partners and HACCI’s national network to achieve practical results”.

The collaborating organizations will continue discussions in early 2026, considering the organization of a business mission and other joint initiatives.