Why the ‘kings of feta’ are turning to halloumi

If you want to understand the next big story in Mediterranean dairy, look beyond feta. Greece’s top feta exporters - often dubbed the “kings of feta” - are moving decisively into Cypriot PDO halloumi, chasing a market that’s growing in both volume and value and already punching above its weight in exports. In 2024, feta posted €785.08 million in export value (up 6.8% year-over-year), but halloumi’s momentum and strategic fit have Greek champions widening their portfolios.

What’s pulling them toward halloumi

Halloumi has become Cyprus’ highest-value domestically produced export, reaching €323.95 million and 42,427 tons in 2024 - an impressive trajectory for a niche, premium cheese. It now represents 13.4% of exports of domestically produced goods. The UK alone absorbs 44% of halloumi shipments (about 18,558 tons), with Greece, Germany, Sweden, and Australia rounding out the top five destinations. While halloumi exports are still 2.4 times smaller than feta in value terms, 2024 growth came in at +8.6% by volume and +2.67% by value - signs of an expanding global appetite. 

From Feta to Halloumi: The New Power of Mediterranean Dairy Industry

Halloumi is going global, securing a premium spot and thriving in international retail.
Its unique, grill-friendly texture makes it a must-have for summer barbecues, while its PDO status reinforces its authenticity. With a Mediterranean, health-conscious profile, it attracts consumers seeking alternatives to heavily processed proteins. In short, halloumi follows the same successful model that propelled Greek dairy brands to stardom—only this time, the origin is Cypriot.

Source: Capital.gr, “Γιατί οι βασιλιάδες της φέτας στρέφονται στο χαλούμι,” published August 10, 2025.