Cyprus to cut minimum goat milk content in halloumi to 15% until end of 2026

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will reduce the minimum goat milk content in halloumi from 25% to 15% until the end of the year, Commerce Minister Michael Damianos said, citing the impact of a foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Temporary change to PDO production ratios

Damianos said in the official gazette that current quantities of goat and sheep milk do not allow all halloumi producers to comply with the protected designation of origin production specifications for halloumi. He said the minimum amount of goat and sheep milk in the raw materials used to produce halloumi will therefore be reduced until the end of the year.

Timeframe and duration

Damianos said the measure will apply from May 15 to December 31, 2026. He added that the ratios, unless modified, will remain in effect until the end of the transitional period.

Disease outbreak and impact on livestock and exports

The foot and mouth disease outbreak in February led to islandwide culling of thousands of animals, including cattle, goats and sheep. Damianos said this has had a direct impact on the local agricultural industry and on halloumi cheese, one of Cyprus’s most successful exports.

How do you think the temporary reduction in goat and sheep milk content will affect halloumi producers and exports?