In the first quarter of 2023, Cyprus experienced a remarkable surge in its halloumi cheese exports, with a significant share of 20% in the country's total product exports.
During the 4th Halloumi and Trachanas Festival in Meniko, Petros Xenophontos, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment of Cyprus, disclosed that these exports amounted to €111.8 million. Xenophontos underscored the monumental achievement of securing the European Commission's recognition of halloumi as a product with a protected designation of origin in 2021. This recognition not only benefits Cypriot agriculture and the national economy but also has enhanced the value of halloumi cheese.
Registration and protection of the halloumi name play a crucial role in ensuring its quality and safeguarding it against imitation products. According to Xenophontos, products made outside of Cyprus cannot be labeled or sold as "halloumi" in European markets. The Minister further highlighted the escalating global demand for halloumi cheese, culminating in exports totaling €111.8 million, equivalent to 20.49% of Cyprus' total exports, in the first quarter of 2023.
Emphasizing the need to maintain high-quality standards, Xenophontos recognized that the cheese's superior quality is directly linked to its high demand in the markets. He attributed this to the use of locally sourced goat and sheep milk. Xenophontos concluded by referring to halloumi cheese as a prized jewel among traditional Cypriot agricultural products, serving as a trailblazer in opening international markets for other Cypriot agricultural goods.
