Cyprus Halloumi received EU Protected Designation of Origin Status

Ilma Danielienė
Mar 31, 2021
2 min read

The President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, welcomed the registration of halloumi by the European Union as a protected designation of origin (PDO) product. The first application for halloumi was submitted by Cyprus seven years ago.

Nicosia, Cyprus: 1 April 2021

Traditional halloumi producers in Cyprus will be able to market their recipe with a protection designation of origin (PDO) stamp to signal authenticity.

The PDO registration also gives Cyprus legal rights to stop other cheesemakers from selling halloumi in the EU and the United Kingdom.

The PDO status means Cypriot cheesemakers who wish to use the EU stamp will be held to a standard of high quality.

The Cyprus Minister of Agriculture Costas Kadis said the registration of haloumi as a PDO ensures that halloumi will be produced in Cyprus.

However, the cheesemakers and milk producers see the downsides of the decision.

Nicos Papakyriacou, head of cow farmers’ association said:

“We are celebrating the registration of a product we will not be able to produce. Some 40% of the cheese products produced today in Cyprus such as light or flavoured halloumi, will not be allowed to be called as such and will face tough competition in markets abroad by companies selling similar products, copied from the Cypriot ones, at cheaper process”.

According to Cyprus Mail, the head of the Cyprus Cheesemakers’ Association, Mr. Giorgos Petrou, raised fears over the uncertainty of securing enough quantities of sheep and goat milk.

According to Cyprus Mail, EU rules require Cyprus to set up a control system making sure that only cheese produced in line with the specification uses the name ‘Χαλλουμι’ (Halloumi)/‘Hellim’.

The EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, said this was a historic achievement for Cyprus to protect its national product and increase trade with the EU.”

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Sources:

Cyprus-made halloumi gets EU protection

Shepparton News. 1 April 2021

It’s official: halloumi is Cypriot

Cyprus Mail. 29 March 2021

Cyprus completes 5G spectrum tender

Navigator Consulting. 17 December 2020