One of the most significant business agreements in the dairy and cheese-making sector in recent years appears to have been finalised, with immediate positive implications for halloumi exports.
According to information obtained by Inbusiness news, Charalambides Christis, Cyprus’s largest dairy company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Hellenic Dairies S.A., through its Cyprus subsidiary, Cypriot Dairies Ltd. Under the agreement, Charalambides Christis’s halloumi production intended for export will take place at the modern industrial facility of Cypriot Dairies Ltd in Tseri.
The agreement strengthens the companies’ ability to respond to growing demand for Cyprus’s flagship product. The raw material will continue to be sourced from Charalambides Christis’s existing network of partner Cypriot livestock farms, while the product will be manufactured in accordance with the company’s specifications and quality standards and marketed under the Charalambides Christis brand, through its existing distribution network.
Market participants estimate that the agreement is a development of particular significance for the dairy industry. As they point out, the cooperation between two strong companies creates the conditions for further strengthening the competitiveness of Cypriot halloumi, at a time when international markets are becoming increasingly demanding.
It is noted that Charalambides Christis’s factory in Limassol will continue its operations, with a focus on and further strengthening of the production of fresh pasteurized milk, yoghurt, Traditional Pissourkotiko Halloumi, anari, as well as the company’s other dairy and specialty cheese products. Given the momentum being recorded in these categories, their production is expected to be gradually further expanded.
Boost to exports and support for the primary sector
The agreement comes at a time when the dairy industry is being called upon to manage the serious impact of the recent crisis caused by foot-and-mouth disease, while international demand for halloumi remains strong.
With exports of the product reaching approximately 47,000 tonnes annually and accounting for one of the most important categories of Cypriot exports, the cooperation between Charalambides Christis and Cypriot Dairies is expected to further strengthen the position of Cypriot halloumi in international markets.
At the same time, in an especially challenging year for Cypriot livestock farming, this development contributes to the stability of the supply chain and provides support to the primary sector.
