Press Releases

"It is with great satisfaction that we welcome today the official decision by the European Commission to register Halloumi / Hellim as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product. With the implementation of the relevant EU Regulation from 1^st October 2021, only the products produced in Cyprus, in compliance with the required specifications, will be able to bear the name "halloumi".  In this way, our national agricultural product will be protected from imitation and misuse of its name, across the EU and in the third countries with which the EU maintains bilateral trade agreements.

I would like to thank both the current European Commission and the previous one, and especially the College of Commissioners. Their decision has concluded a huge effort made in the recent years to include halloumi/hellim in the elite list of Protected Designation of Origin products of the EU. Today's decision is the result of the collective and coordinated effort made by our country to this end, acknowledging the enormous benefits deriving from the registration of halloumi as a PDO product for all Cypriot producers and for the economy of our country.

I would like to thank the President of the Cyprus Republic for his catalytic interventions, his valuable guidance and his trust while handling the dossier. I would like to express my warmest thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President’s Diplomatic Office, the Presidency of the Republic, the Law Office, and, of course, my colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for their decisive contribution and constructive cooperation.

Today is a very important day for all Cypriot producers, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, since from today halloumi/hellim is more than just a cheese produced in Cyprus. It has become officially part of the tradition and the culture heritage of our country. It is a historic and positive development for Cyprus and and a great investement for both our generation and the generations to come."

For the announcement of the European Commission on halloumi, press here.

(MAK)