Greek Dairy Exports Are Set to Reach €2bn in 2026

Revenue from Greek dairy exports is expected to reach roughly €2bn in 2026, according to figures cited from the Panhellenic Exporters Association. Cheese, led by feta, and yogurt account for the main export activity.

Cheese exports totalled €589m in the first half of 2026, compared with €538.4m during the same period in 2025. The increase was 9.3%. Export volume rose to 75,055 tonnes from 69,851 tonnes. Current estimates indicate that feta represents about half of cheese shipments, with other varieties making up the remainder.

Feta remains the best-known product in Greece’s cheese exports, but its share has fallen to about 50% as companies have expanded sales of other cheeses. Cheese products now rank fifth among the world’s 100 leading export products, according to the figures cited.

Yogurt exports were valued at €362m in the first six months of 2026, up from €262.3m a year earlier. Volumes climbed to 157,100 tonnes from 114,344 tonnes. The Netherlands was the third-largest market for Greek yogurt during the period.

Greek dairy companies are paying farmers 53 cents per kilogram for milk. Industry sources describe this as the highest price in the European Union after Cyprus, amid higher costs for animal feed and energy.

The livestock sector is also facing supply constraints. Market sources told OT that sheep pox had eliminated many farming operations and that the rebuilding of sheep herds remained incomplete. Greece has not yet been declared free of the disease, and European Union rules prevent affected farms from restocking before that status is granted.

The restrictions are expected to reduce feta production by about 10,000 tonnes this year. Companies may redirect supplies from the domestic market to preserve overseas business. The price paid for sheep’s milk has risen to between €1.60 and €1.70 per kilogram, according to the report.