Newsroom
Cyprus’ most famous cheese is no longer just a national treasure, it’s becoming an export powerhouse. New data show halloumi soaring past pharmaceutical products in the first half of 2025, cementing its place as the country’s second-largest export after fossil fuels and oils.
Between January and June 2025, exports of PDO halloumi brought in €201.1 million, accounting for 11.1% of all Cypriot exports. That puts the squeaky cheese ahead of medicines, which slipped to third place with €174.5 million, or 9.7%.
The top spot remains untouchable: fossil fuels and oils dominated with €1.10 billion, a hefty 60.9% of total exports.
The halloumi surge reflects a trend years in the making, as demand continues to climb across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. And according to the latest figures from the Statistical Service, exports overall remain strong. In August alone, Cyprus sent €74.6 million worth of goods to EU countries, with Greece (€18.8m), Germany (€5.5m), and Romania (€5.0m) among the top destinations.
Outside the bloc, North Africa stood out with €238 million in exports, followed by €113.3 million to the Near and Middle East and €32.7 million to other Asian countries. Smaller but steady flows went to North America (€5.7m) and other African and European markets.
A look back at 2024 shows a similar pattern in food exports: halloumi led the pack at €324.1 million, miles ahead of potatoes (€48.7m), meat (€4.2m), beer (€2.5m), olive oil (€2.6m), and other local products.
The numbers make one thing clear: when it comes to Cypriot food exports, halloumi is still king, with potatoes holding a respectable second place. And with its PDO status now well-established, the cheese that squeaks may continue carrying Cyprus’ export economy on its briny, grill-friendly back.
*Read the Greek version by Andreas Polykarpou here.
