Dairy Industry of Cyprus
Cyprus, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, boasts a distinguished dairy industry, primarily recognized for its traditional cheese products, particularly Halloumi. The industry has navigated high raw milk prices since June 2023, which have had a significant impact on the country's dairy economics.
Milk Production and Dairy Cattle
In 2023, Cyprus is home to approximately 47,000 dairy cattle, contributing to an annual milk production of around 235 million liters. Additionally, the country maintains about 40,000 dairy goats, essential for producing Cyprus' renowned traditional cheeses.
Milk Processing and Cheese Production
The annual milk processing volume in Cyprus is estimated at 210 million liters. Cheese production is a vital sector, with an annual output of approximately 40,000 metric tons. Halloumi cheese, in particular, stands out due to its growing global demand. Cyprus also produces around 10,000 metric tons of milk powder and whey annually.
Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market
- Charalambides Christis: Offers a wide range of dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Pittas Dairy Industries: Known for Halloumi cheese and traditional dairy products.
- Caramondani Bros: Specializes in dairy production and distribution across Cyprus.
Dairy Farms
- Athalassa Farm: Known for high-quality dairy cattle and milk production.
- Droushia Farm: Specializes in dairy goat farming and cheese production.
Exports and Imports
Cyprus exports approximately 50,000 metric tons of dairy products annually, with Halloumi cheese being a major export. To fulfill local preferences for diverse dairy goods, the country imports around 25,000 metric tons of dairy products.
Recent Events in the Dairy Market
Recent developments include the increase in raw milk prices since June 2023 and efforts to enhance production quality standards for Cypriot Halloumi cheese, aiming to solidify its PDO status internationally. In 2024, there is a rising demand for curd snacks in various European countries including Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Cyprus. A notable market event is Omiros's acquisition of Cypriot dairy company A. Hadjipieris Ltd, marking a significant expansion into the Cypriot markets, with total investments projected to reach €30 million over the next five years. The Cypriot dairy industry continues to focus on maintaining high-quality standards, expanding market presence, and preserving its traditional dairy farming practices.
In 2025, Cyprus recorded one of the slowest increases in milk prices within the European Union. Despite this, the milk price index rose to 117.41 units in 2024, reflecting a total increase of approximately 17.4% since 2020, which is modest compared to the steeper rise at the EU level.
Modified: 2025/12/23