First Business Delegation with Indian Buyers – Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

The hospitality action for Indian buyers, held in Alexandroupolis from 18 to 22 September 2025 at Grecotel Egnatia, was successfully completed as part of the strategic plan for the agri-food sector of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTh).

The initiative, implemented by RECO Exports, aimed to promote the Region’s agri-food products and connect export-ready local businesses with the dynamically growing Indian market.

A total of 36 regional businesses participated, having the opportunity to present their products to seven Indian professionals from the food sector, including buyers, distributors, and representatives of trade chambers.

Private Tasting Session

The programme began with a private tasting session showcasing products from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The Indian guests had the opportunity to sample olive oil, dairy products, bakery items, honey, and traditional sweets.

The event took place in a specially designed area of the hotel, providing a setting for direct interaction between producers and visitors, while highlighting the authenticity, quality ingredients, and Mediterranean identity of the products.

Visits to Production Facilities

The programme also included visits to local production units and businesses, giving the Indian professionals a firsthand experience of the region’s production processes.

Visits were organised at Konos-Micheli’s Estate, Macedonia Thrace Brewery / Vergina Beer, and Doukidis Dairy, where participants learned about production methods, quality standards, and export potential.

The guests expressed strong interest in the distinctive local products and their potential for entry into the Indian market.

Networking Dinner

During their stay, an official networking dinner was held at Grecotel Egnatia Alexandroupolis, attended by representatives of the Region and local businesses.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. Dimitris Poulilios, Deputy Regional Governor of Evros, and Mr. Papadopoulos, General Director of Agricultural Economy & Veterinary Services.
Mr. Antonis Sioulis, Managing Director of RECO Exports, presented the prospects for collaboration with the Indian market and the growing demand for Mediterranean products.

The dinner proved to be a valuable networking platform, fostering personal connections and trust between producers and buyers.

B2B Meetings

As part of the initiative, 98 targeted B2B meetings were held, during which REMTh businesses showcased their products, explored potential partnerships, and discussed topics such as pricing, specifications, packaging, and distribution.

The meetings took place in a well-structured professional environment, enabling sample presentations and real-time business discussions.
The results were highly positive, with several concrete collaboration proposals already under consideration.

Conclusions and Future Outlook

The initiative demonstrated the strength and export potential of the agri-food businesses of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, as well as their ability to compete successfully in demanding markets such as India.

The Indian buyers praised the quality, authenticity, and diversity of the Region’s products and expressed interest in follow-up meetings and trial orders.

In cooperation with RECO Exports, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace plans to continue implementing targeted outreach initiatives, promoting its agri-food products internationally and establishing sustainable trade links with new markets.

Through such strategic and well-organised initiatives, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace reaffirms its role as a dynamic ambassador of Greek gastronomy and production, showcasing its products globally while strengthening the international presence of its enterprises.