Halloumi exports reach 350 million euros annually despite production limits

Cypriot halloumi exports continue to show significant economic growth, reaching an annual value of approximately €350 million. According to Michalis Koulouros, executive secretary of the Cheesemakers' Association, the United Kingdom remains the primary market, absorbing 45% of total production, followed by Sweden and Greece. Data from the Statistical Service confirms this upward trend, with exports for the first half of 2026 reaching €201.9 million, representing 12.8% of the country's total exports, compared to 11.03% during the same period in 2025.

Despite the clear demand and potential for further international expansion, particularly in the U.S. market, the industry faces a critical bottleneck. Producers report that current milk production quotas are fully utilized, as all milk not used for pasteurization, yogurt, or other cheeses is already allocated to halloumi production. Consequently, there is no surplus raw material available to increase output under the current framework. The sector is now focused on the international exhibition SIAL in Paris to explore further growth, though future expansion remains dependent on increasing the primary supply of milk.