Business Event with Swedish Professionals in Kavala – New Export Opportunities for the Companies of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH)

To promote and strengthen the presence of companies from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in the Swedish market, a business mission of Swedish buyers was organized in Kavala for the first time from June 2 to 5, 2024.

The Swedish market presents significant growth opportunities for the export efforts of Greek companies from the region, as it holds a unique position on the global map, acting as a hub for the Scandinavian Peninsula and influencing countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the Baltic states through various agreements.

Sweden, with its emphasis on quality, innovation, and sustainability, has a broad impact on the food market for both organic and conventional products in many countries, leveraging its strengths while adapting to international trends and demands.

The purpose of the action held in Kavala was twofold. Initially, it aimed to evaluate the products and corporate structure of the 29 companies from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace based on specific qualitative characteristics and quantitative data, which create the appropriate conditions and prerequisites for initiating their export development in the Swedish market.

Moreover, an important aspect of the initiative was the networking and internal development of the companies. The Greek companies had the opportunity to receive valuable feedback on both their products and their businesses, information that they could later use internally for further development.

Through a series of targeted actions implemented by RECO EXPORTS, Greek products were showcased, highlighting their superiority in terms of quality and taste, the innovations of the companies from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and their unique characteristics.

Day 1 – Closed Tasting by Swedish Businessmen

On the first day of the event, a closed tasting of the products from the companies of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was held. The products were evaluated based on the following characteristics:

• Packaging
• Taste
• Recommended Retail Price (RRP)
• Prospects for entering the Swedish Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market

Each of the 29 participating companies from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace had the opportunity to send one of their top-selling products, which were then tested by the Swedish buyers and evaluated on the afternoon of Sunday, June 2, 2024, in a specially arranged room at the Galaxy Airotel hotel in Kavala. That evening, an acquaintance dinner followed between representatives of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and the Swedish delegates.

Day 2 – B2B Meetings – Presentation – Networking Dinner

The second day of the initiative started dynamically with the organization of targeted B2B visits, depending on the company, its characteristics, and its requirements. The B2B meetings took the form of 20-minute speed dating sessions where Greek entrepreneurs had the chance to have one-on-one meetings with the Swedish participants in the action. A total of 87 personal meetings were held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

After the B2B meetings, later in the afternoon, the action was presented to the representatives of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greek entrepreneurs, and local media, in the presence of the Swedish buyers. During the presentation, Mr. Antonis Sioulis, Managing Director of RECO Exports, introduced the Swedish businessmen and the companies they represent and spoke about the dynamics of the Swedish market and the development prospects for Greek companies in it. Mr. Sotirios Papadopoulos, General Director of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Medicine, EMTH, gave a brief address, followed by Mr. Theodoros Markopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor of Kavala Regional Unit, EMTH, who thanked the organization and referred to the uniqueness of the region’s products and their excellent characteristics in terms of both quality and innovation.

Subsequently, with the aim of further professional networking of the 29 participating companies from the Region, a dinner was held at the luxurious roof garden of the Airotel Galaxy Hotel. With an unrestricted view of the city of Kavala, Greek entrepreneurs, and Swedish buyers had the opportunity to discuss any matters of interest in a more private and relaxed environment, accompanied by local wine and food. During the dinner, an exhibition of products sent by the region’s companies was also set up to further promote them.

Day 3 – Visits to Production Units of the Companies

On the third day of the initiative, the invited Swedish businessmen visited three production units of the companies from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace that participated in the action. Specifically, visits were made to the facilities of the companies Idiotropa, Menoikio, and Tsarouchas Bros S.A. “Makedoniki Gi”. The Greek companies welcomed the Swedish buyers with characteristic hospitality, guided them through their facilities, presented their production model, and answered any questions they had.

At the same time, the action was communicated through significant local and other media.

The Swedish Market

The food market in Sweden is characterized by high-quality standards, an emphasis on sustainability, and a preference for innovative products. Swedish consumers are particularly demanding regarding the transparency of product origins and the environmental responsibility of businesses.

The Swedish market functions as a trade hub due to its advantageous geographical position and its highly developed organic product market. Export-wise, Sweden significantly influences the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway), and through the Nordic-Baltic Agreement (Nordic-Baltic Eight), it also exerts influence on Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

With Italy and Spain leading the Mediterranean brand, Greek products require continuous and strategic promotion in key markets like Sweden. It is worth mentioning that the Swedish food sector operates quite differently from that of Greece. For Greek products to earn their rightful place on the shelves of international buyers and retailers, they need to study the Swedish model and follow the correct steps in promoting and showcasing the “Greek product” brand. Understanding the Swedish model and its international influence is particularly important for Greek entrepreneurs. Recognizing the standards and preferences of the Swedish market can help Greek companies adapt their products to meet these market demands.

RECO Exports stands by these companies, continuously studying international markets, taking strategic promotional steps, and always responding to the promotional needs of Greek products. It is crucial to emphasize that achieving a dynamic and stable entry into the Swedish market requires the promotion of Greek products to be a continuous, strategically planned effort.