Overview of the Greek Dairy Industry

Greece holds a prominent position in the global dairy market, celebrated for its rich traditions in producing high-quality cheese and yogurt. These products are pivotal in Greece's dairy exports, marking the industry as a vital sector within the Mediterranean region. Known for its efficiency and traditional craftsmanship, the Greek dairy industry supports both local and international markets.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

The country is home to approximately 150,000 dairy cattle, which produce about 680 million liters of milk each year. This production capacity is crucial in meeting domestic consumption demands while also fulfilling international market needs.

Milk Processing and Production Volumes

In Greece, the annual milk processing volume is estimated at 620 million liters. The industry effectively converts raw milk into various products, with cheese production being particularly significant. Each year, Greece produces approximately 120,000 tons of cheese, with Feta cheese being a standout product. Additionally, around 20,000 tons of milk powder and 15,000 tons of whey are produced annually.

Key Enterprises in the Dairy Market

Among the leading companies in the Greek dairy sector are FAGE International, renowned for its Greek yogurt, and Dodoni, which specializes in traditional Greek cheese of high quality. MEVGAL is also one of the largest dairy producers in Greece, offering a wide variety of dairy products.

Major Dairy Farms

Agroktima Konstantinidi is a significant contributor to milk production in Greece. Thrace Milk is known for its sustainable dairy farming practices, enhancing the industry's ecological footprint.

Exports and Imports

Greece exports about 200 million liters of milk annually, focusing on high-quality cheese and yogurt for international markets. To complement domestic needs, especially for specialized dairy products, Greece imports approximately 50 million liters of milk each year.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

This year, the Greek dairy industry experienced an increase in raw milk prices in June 2023 due to supply chain adjustments and rising production costs. Greece also hosted the International Dairy Symposium, promoting global collaboration and innovation in dairy practices. New export markets for cream cheese have emerged, including Kazakhstan and Poland.

A recent outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), or "goat plague," in Thessaly poses a threat to the nation's dairy industry, particularly impacting feta cheese production. Meanwhile, Greek dairy giant Omiros is strengthening its international position, ranking as one of Greece's leading export-oriented dairy producers with a presence in over twenty international markets.

Additionally, Hellenic Dairies acquired the local dairy business Dodoni from Vivartia Group, marking the largest M&A transaction in the Greek dairy sector in recent years. This acquisition positions Hellenic Dairies to become Greece's largest dairy company, expanding both its domestic presence and international reach. A separate acquisition attempt by Hellenic Dairies to acquire Alföldi Tej Kft. was blocked by the Hungarian government due to food security concerns.

In a significant scandal, Greek fraudsters stole €20 million in EU subsidies, involving 324 fictitious farmers who falsified livestock and land ownership documents. Greek dairy farmers are also facing substantial financial challenges due to rising costs, with the price of feta cheese reaching approximately $20 per kilo. The Greek government is implementing measures to support farmers and ensure fair pricing.

Greece is facing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on Lesvos. The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food has placed livestock products from Lesvos under lockdown, and Greece has been removed from Australia's FMD-free country list. The island produces between 60 to 70 tons of milk per day, which is either processed into cheese or exported for further processing. Greece holds exclusive rights to the name 'Feta' within the EU since 2002.

Greek dairy company Kri Kri reported a 28.2% increase in revenue for 2025, amounting to €328.8 million. EPIRUS SA has earned another international distinction in the competitive market for cheeses with protected origin. Greek cheese and dairy companies are expected to generate about €2 billion from exports in 2026, with Feta remaining the best-known product in Greece’s cheese exports, although its share has fallen to about 50% as companies have expanded sales of other cheeses. Greek dairy companies are paying farmers 53 cents per kilogram for milk, and the price paid for sheep’s milk has risen to between €1.60 and €1.70 per kilogram.

Milk prices in Greece have risen, with the current price reaching 58.20 euro cents per kilogram. Greece is projecting €2bn in dairy exports in 2026, with feta and yogurt driving international sales. In the first half of the year, dairy exports rose by 9.3% and yogurt shipments increased by 37.9%. The projection comes as the country’s dairy industry reports stronger international sales. Feta and yogurt are identified as the main products supporting the expansion of overseas business. The availability of sheep’s milk has declined, posing a threat to feta production.