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Victoria Mindova

"We consume what we produce" is the motto of the civil association, which organized its first exhibition of Greek products. The initiative seeks to promote the domestic consumption of local production. Over 50 local producers' associations from all over the continental and island Greece take part in the exhibition on Klavtmonos Square in the heart of Athens. The capital residents and guests had the chance to stroll among the booths of manufacturers and traders to get acquainted with their products. Sweet wine Mavrodaphne from the Peloponnese, feta cheese from the region of Kalavrita, raisins from Kotint, red apples from Zagori, sweets of mastiha from the island of Chios and many other Greek treasures were presented for tasting.

"In times of crisis, which we are currently experiencing, we should send the message that the consumption of Greek products in the country is crucial. On the one hand, it gives life to local producers and the economy as a whole. On the other, it helps keep the jobs, which is vital in times of recession." This explained the member of the board of the civil movement Nikos Megrelis exclusively for GRReporter.

The citizen's initiative have tried to carry through the slogan "We produce what we consume" in most supermarkets. Asked "Do you see a change in the consumer behaviour?" Megrelis replied that it is still very early, but he hopes that their efforts will be rewarded soon. A significant drop in the GDP and the consumption was registered in 2010 which made the manufacturers turn to foreign markets. According to the data of the Ministry of Regional Development and Competition, the exports growth for the first quarter of 2011 has exceeded 16%.

"The Greek products are of high quality and they are demanded abroad," said Nikos Megrelis, but added that the time has come the Greeks themselves to attach more importance to domestic production. He stressed the need to change the mentality of consumption and that the consumers themselves should seek products labeled "made in Greece." According to the organization, if 1000 Greek families spend 500 euros per year for locally made products then 150 jobs would be kept or open. Although in the short term a household could save some money by buying the imported cheaper goods. This way of thinking, however, could cost jobs in times of recession.

"Domestic consumption is one of the best ways to support our economy in difficulty. If we spend our holidays in the country, wear locally produced clothes and eat locally produced food we are devoted to the problems resulting from the economic crisis." Nikos Megrelis stressed that the current situation in Greece has shocked many people, which is typical for transitional periods for countries in difficulty. Therefore, he believes that events like the exhibition "We consume what we produce" send a positive message to society that there are people and companies that want to fight the misery of the crisis in a creative manner.