The Cyprus dairy sector favours cheese production as the EU reported a rise in raw milk output, totalling an estimated 161.8 million tonnes in 2024, according to Eurostat.
- The Cyprus dairy sector favours cheese production as the EU reported a rise in raw milk output, totalling an estimated 161.8 million tonnes in 2024, according to Eurostat.
- As the EU dairy sector continues to expand, Cyprus' commitment to cheese production positions it uniquely within the market, allowing it to maintain relevance despite its smaller scale.
This figure reflects an increase of 0.9 million tonnes from 2023 and underscores a steady growth trend in raw milk production across Europe over the past decade. The total production has risen by 12.1 million tonnes compared to the 149.7 million tonnes recorded in 2014.
Cheese production: Raw Milk Utilisation Across the EU
Of the raw milk produced in 2024, 150.8 million tonnes were processed into various dairy products, with cheese and butter taking the lead. Specifically, 59.9 million tonnes of whole milk and 17.0 million tonnes of skimmed milk were utilised to produce 10.8 million tonnes of cheese. In addition, 44.2 million tonnes of whole milk led to the creation of 2.3 million tonnes of butter, generating 41.5 million tonnes of skimmed milk in the process.
Leading Producers in the EU
Germany stood out as the largest producer of drinking milk in the EU, accounting for 18.8 per cent of total output. The country also led in the production of acidified milk products, butter, and cheese, contributing 27.1 per cent, 20.6 per cent, and 22.5 per cent of each category, respectively. Following Germany, Spain and France were also significant contributors, with Spain producing 15.2 per cent and France 12.7 per cent of drinking milk.
Cyprus’ Specialisation in Cheese
In contrast, Cyprus remains a minor player within the EU dairy landscape, with its production figures reflecting its limited agricultural base and smaller herd sizes. In 2024, the island produced approximately 56,310 tonnes of drinking milk and 12,440 tonnes of acidified milk products, such as yoghurt. However, it excelled in cheese production, with output reaching 42,550 tonnes.
This emphasis on cheese production can be attributed to Cyprus’ rich tradition and the popularity of halloumi, a protected PDO product that has become a major export. The island’s ability to transform a significant portion of its available milk into value-added cheese rather than other dairy products is a testament to its specialised industry.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
Despite the modest figures for raw milk and butter production, Cyprus’ focus on cheese aligns with market demands, demonstrating a strategic approach to utilise existing resources effectively. The island’s overall production levels are largely influenced by its small herd size and limited land, but the dedication to cheese manufacturing provides a clear path for growth and export opportunities.
As the EU dairy sector continues to expand, Cyprus’ commitment to cheese production positions it uniquely within the market, allowing it to maintain relevance despite its smaller scale.
