By Michalis Koulouros

• Officer, Department of Industrial Development, Innovation & Environment, CEBE
• Executive Secretary of the Cyprus Cheese Makers Association

From the backyards of our grandmothers, who made it with love, to today’s state-of-the-art cheese-making facilities. From the picturesque little villages of our country to the kitchens of the world’s most renowned restaurants. Halloumi doesn’t just bring people together—it’s a living part of our cultural identity that’s constantly evolving.

An integral part of our culinary memory

Food evokes a host of memories and is directly linked to our taste memory. For many Cypriot families, halloumi is associated with the sights and smells of its preparation in their backyard. A process that was not merely a practical necessity, but an entire ritual and, at the same time, an experience of sharing knowledge and experiences among people of different ages gathered around a cauldron of gently simmering milk.

Preserving this tradition is one of halloumi’s most important cultural values. Because it is not merely a product that brings entire generations together, but one that unites people from all over the world. Especially for Cypriots living abroad, halloumi serves as a delicious reminder of their heritage—a symbol that evokes images, memories, and scents, further strengthening the unbreakable bond they share with their homeland.

Moving Beyond the Limits of Family Production

Halloumi was originally “born” out of the needs of rural society, with its production closely tied to the family economy. As

passage of time and the methodical efforts of our country’s cheese dairies, it gradually evolved into a key pillar of the domestic economy. Investments of millions, vision, and hard work have resulted in halloumi becoming one of Cyprus’s major export products, contributing significantly to GDP and creating thousands of jobs. A journey that has rightly established it as our national product, as it harmoniously connects the past with the present and the future.

An identity that has remained unchanged over time

The appeal of halloumi lies in the fact that technological advancements have in no way altered its authenticity. Instead, it has further enhanced it, preserving its texture and flavor in their entirety. Its designation as a PDO product, beyond its economic significance, has ensured that halloumi continues to be produced according to traditional methods. Despite the changing needs of each era, the rapid pace of globalization, and the increased demand —from local consumption to international export—halloumi has demonstrated incredible adaptability, without ever losing its character. This is because it was never treated as a mere product, but as an integral part of our cultural heritage. A heritage that each generation feels is its duty not only to preserve intact, but also to pass on to the next, with a sense of responsibility and love.