Feta cheese, a staple in Greek cuisine, has become a global sensation, with sales increasing by an incredible 700% over the past ten years. Known as Greece’s “white gold,” feta is now a leading export, generating €1 billion (about £840 million) annually.
A Taste of Greece Around the World
Feta has long been a signature ingredient in Greek cooking, famous for its creamy texture and tangy flavour. Made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk, feta has a unique taste that has captured the interest of consumers worldwide, especially as interest in healthy eating grows. No Greek salad is complete without cubes of feta mixed in with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and olives. The cheese also plays a starring role in traditional dishes like spanakopita, a spinach-filled filo pastry pie, and is delicious when baked with tomatoes and herbs as a comforting appetiser.
Data from Enterprise Greece shows that feta exports have soared, with sales rising from €142 million (£118 million) in 2014 to over €1 billion today. Pavlos Satolias, president of Greece's National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, even calls it “white gold” due to its economic value. He highlights that about 65% of the feta produced in Greece is now sold abroad, making it a valuable asset to the country.
Health Trends Boost Demand for Feta and Other Greek Dairy Products
The recent boom in Greek feta exports can be attributed, in part, to a rising awareness of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. Feta is lower in calories and richer in nutrients than many other cheeses, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers. Markets in Germany and France, for example, have seen double-digit increases in demand for Greek feta over the past year. Social media trends, such as the online craze for baked feta pasta, have also boosted sales, with exports reaching €400 million in 2020 and continuing to grow steadily.
The success of Greek yogurt, another traditional dairy product, follows a similar path. Known for its high protein content and lower calorie count compared to flavoured yogurts, Greek yogurt has seen a surge in demand in recent years, particularly as milk and other flavoured yogurts experience a decline in traditional markets like the U.S. and Europe. Today, Greek yogurt producers export approximately 40% of total production, double the amount from a decade ago, with the global market for Greek yogurt continuing to expand rapidly.
Feta’s Historical Journey to Fame
Feta cheese has deep roots in Greek culture and history, dating back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks developed cheese-making techniques that made feta an essential part of their diet, not only for its unique flavour but also for its nutritional value. Traditionally, feta was stored in wooden barrels to preserve its moisture and robust taste, a practice still observed today. In 2002, the European Union granted feta a “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO) status, meaning only cheese made in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods can legally be called “feta.” This PDO status protects the authenticity and quality of Greece's iconic cheese as it gains popularity internationally.
Investment in the Greek Dairy Sector
The global success of feta and Greek yogurt has attracted significant investment to the Greek dairy industry. Both local producers, such as Fage, Delta, Dodoni, Kri Kri, Olympus, and Mevgal, and foreign investors, including Danone and FrieslandCampina, are expanding their production capacities to meet growing demand. Last year, private equity fund CVC Capital Partners acquired Vivartia, the parent company of Delta, in a €600 million deal and recently purchased a majority stake in Dodoni. These investments reflect the increasing recognition of Greek dairy products as premium goods on the international market.
With its rich history, authentic flavour, and rising global demand, feta cheese has truly earned its place as the “queen” of Greek cheeses. Not only does it strengthen Greece’s economy, but it also brings a taste of Greek tradition to tables worldwide. As more consumers embrace healthy eating, feta and other Greek dairy products are poised to continue their upward trajectory, establishing Greece as a powerhouse in the world of high-quality dairy exports.
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