Halloumi has earned protected status after being recognised by the European Commission (EC) as a long-established and unique Cypriot product.
“A milestone day for Halloumi/Hellim and our country,” Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted.
“Significant prospects for increasing exports of our national product, to the benefit of all Cypriot producers, Greek and Turkish,” he added.
Speaking to state broadcaster CyBC on Monday night, Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Costas Kadis said that the EU decision was a “development of great importance,” especially at a time when it is threatened by businesses that illegally produce it abroad and who are gaining ground.
Kadis said the registration of halloumi as a PDO ensures that ‘Χαλλούμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’ will be produced in Cyprus.
On her part, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides, said this was a “historic achievement for Cyprus to protect its national product and increase trade with the EU.”
“After years of effort, today EU member states have approved the Commission’s proposals to trade halloumi/hellim as a PDO, including across the Green Line,” she added.
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