Chios Mastic Exports Reach More Than 60 Countries

by · Greek City Times

Chios mastic production is expected to reach between 200 and 220 tonnes in 2026, with initial estimates from the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association (CGMGA) indicating an increase in this year’s harvest following favourable weather conditions during the previous winter and summer.

Chios mastic also maintains a strong export orientation, with approximately 80% of annual production reaching international markets in more than 60 countries.

“Last winter’s weather, with frequent and heavy rainfall, as well as conditions during this summer, proved particularly favourable for mastic cultivation,” CGMGA President George Toumbos told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).

Mastic cultivation plays an important role in Chios, representing a specialised agricultural activity closely linked to the island’s economy and productive identity. Meanwhile, international demand and the use of mastic across different industries offer opportunities for commercial growth beyond its traditional applications.

Pharmaceutical industry accounts for 45% of sales

Read more: Greek Exports Hit Record €41.86 Billion in First Nine Months

The structure of the association’s exports highlights the importance of the pharmaceutical industry. According to Toumbos, pharmaceutical companies account for approximately 45% of the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association’s total sales. These companies use mastic to manufacture pharmaceutical preparations and dietary supplements.

This figure highlights the growing importance of mastic as a raw material for products with specialised applications. The association’s commercial activities therefore extend beyond selling mastic as a food product to include markets linked to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The United States, South Korea and several European countries rank among the most important export destinations. In contrast, consumers in markets such as the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa mainly use mastic as a food product.

This diversification plays an important role in the association’s commercial strategy, as the same product serves markets with different consumer habits and requirements. Its presence in both the food and pharmaceutical industries broadens its applications and creates opportunities to develop products for different consumer groups.

Protected designation strengthens international identity

The protection of mastic’s geographical origin also supports its international presence.

Chios Mastic, Chios Mastic Oil and Chios Chewing Gum have held Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status since 1997, linking their commercial identity directly to their place of production.

According to the association’s president, natural Chios mastic ranks among the European Union’s 100 flagship PDO products, for which protection and registration frameworks also apply in third countries.

This protection carries particular importance in a market with a strong export focus. The product’s identity and its connection to Chios remain central to its commercial presence, while geographical-origin protection helps distinguish it from competing products in international markets.

Association represents approximately 1,700 producers

The Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association represents approximately 1,700 members. Toumbos noted that the largest age group among its members falls between 51 and 60 years.

The age profile represents an important consideration for the long-term sustainability of cultivation. Maintaining production requires younger generations to continue working with mastic and acquire the specialised knowledge and expertise associated with its cultivation.

Producer prices rise by 46% over a decade

Beyond production levels and commercial performance, the prices received by growers and the distribution of the product’s commercial value remain important issues.

According to figures provided by the association’s president, mastic prices have increased by approximately 46% over the past decade. The increase reflects efforts to strengthen the product’s value and improve the financial returns reaching producers.

“Mastic is perhaps the only agricultural product whose producer receives 80% of the average selling price,” Toumbos told AMNA.

He explained that the association’s primary objectives involve protecting and promoting Chios mastic while safeguarding the interests of its growers.

Its commercial activities and development of new products therefore aim to increase the added value generated through mastic production and processing.

Research and innovation drive new applications

The association’s strategy includes investment in research and partnerships with universities and pharmaceutical companies in Greece and abroad.

Toumbos said the association allocates substantial funds to research programmes that examine mastic’s properties, investigate new applications and develop products capable of generating further added value.

Research forms a central part of the association’s development strategy, as scientific findings can help expand mastic’s applications and create new commercial opportunities.

As part of this approach, the association established the Mastic Research Centre in 2017 to coordinate scientific research and promote the exchange of knowledge about the product.

The centre systematically monitors findings from international scientific research, investigates new applications and supports the development of existing uses for mastic.

It also seeks to connect the academic community with businesses already involved in, or considering investment in, mastic-based products. This approach brings scientific knowledge closer to the needs of producers and manufacturers, creating opportunities to develop new products.

Cooperation with pharmaceutical companies carries particular importance, given that the sector already accounts for a substantial share of the association’s sales. Further research and development could expand mastic’s applications beyond traditional food markets.

Quality controls safeguard production

Alongside research and product development, the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association places particular emphasis on quality assurance and monitoring every stage of production.

Toumbos said the association conducts regular annual inspections throughout the agricultural production process in cooperation with accredited organisations.

These inspections aim to protect both the quality of Chios mastic and consumer interests.

(Source: AMNA)

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